STATEMENT
United States of America: Supreme Court must protect confidentiality of researchers’ sources
ARTICLE 19 calls on the US Supreme Court to uphold the constitutional right to protect sources. This right is particularly important for journalists and researchers working internationally, including those working in conflict and post-conflict societies.In its amicus brief for the ‘Belfast Project’ case, ARTICLE 19 argues that failure to grant such protection would have a dramatic chilling effect on researchers and their sources worldwide. The case concerns information gathering about the conflict in Northern Ireland and ARTICLE 19 argues that without such protection:
- People’s ability to carry out human rights research would be directly threatened
- Researchers and human rights defenders would no longer be able to perform their role of neutral observers
- Researchers and human rights defenders would no longer be able to act as a conduit of important information to the public. Read more >
PRESS RELEASE
UK: 'Insult' to be decriminalised, but greater protection for freedom of expression is still needed
ARTICLE 19 welcomes confirmation from the government that the use of insulting words or behaviour will no longer be a criminal offence under the Public Order Act 1986. The government has said it will not oppose a change proposed by the House of Lords and has accepted that Section 5 of the Act encroaches on freedom of expression.
ARTICLE 19 now urges the government to show greater leadership to protect the right to freedom of expression and make changes to other legislation that illegitimately restricts this fundamental right.
Read more >PRESS RELEASE
Kenya: Digital switchover must protect the right to freedom of expression
ARTICLE 19 welcomes a ruling by the High Court in Kenya to delay the digital switchover process. The decision follows a legal challenge by a consumer group, which argued against the timing of the switchover. In particular, it argued that the expense of set top boxes, which are required to access digital signals, would leave large numbers of people in Kenya without access to television services. The High Court agreed that if the switchover were to take place immediately, it would be unfair to Kenyans, who are keen to follow the upcoming General Election on television.
ARTICLE 19 now urges the Kenyan government to consider reducing the cost of digital equipment, to allow all Kenyans access to information in a digital world. The government must consider fundamental human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and information, in its approach to digitalisation.
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