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Messages left by protesters are displayed on the wall of the Hong Kong Government Complex in Admiralty, Hong Kong. Editorial Credit: Shutterstock.com.

Freedom of Expression

Free speech and expression is the lifeblood of democracy, facilitating open debate, the proper consideration of diverse interests and perspectives, and the negotiation and compromise necessary for consensual policy decisions. Efforts to suppress nonviolent expression, far from ensuring peace and stability, can allow unseen problems to fester and erupt in far more dangerous forms.  

Featured Analysis:

Relatives of government opponents who remain detained in different prisons hold signs with their portraits and names during a protest in Caracas in December 2020. (Image Credit: Yuri CORTEZ / AFP via Getty Images)

Defending Latin American Human Rights and Democracy Activists

Special Report

Hong Kong Academic Freedom protest tshirt

The Internationalization of Universities and the Repression of Academic Freedom

Special Report

Source: Yassine Gaidi/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Democratic Backsliding in Tunisia: The Case for Renewed International Attention

Policy Brief

Protestors commemorate journalist Hrant Dink on the 11th anniversary of his assassination. Istanbul, Turkey. 19 January 2018. Editorial credit: Bilal Seckin / Shutterstock.com

Featured Program: Strengthening Freedom of Expression in Turkey

Turkey remains one of most challenging places in the European region to exercise one’s right to free speech and expression. Freedom House works to strengthen respect for freedom of expression in Turkey in partnership with a local organization, the Media and Law Studies Association. To learn more, visit our Europe program page. 

Learn More

Freedom House in the Media:

the economist logo

Press freedom is under attack opens in new tab

May 3, 2022

The Los Angeles Times

Column: Is democracy failing? Xi Jinping says it is, and he’s not entirely wrong opens in new tab

April 28, 2022

The new yorker logo

How China’s Response to COVID-19 Set the Stage for a Worldwide Wave of Censorship opens in new tab

April 25, 2022

News & Perspectives:

Hopeful Billboard

Billboard Art Installation Raises Funds for Ukraine

Press release

April 21, 2022

Freedom House

Testimony on Freedom of Expression in Asia

Testimony and remarks

March 30, 2022

Oppositionist Alexey Navalny on a march in memory of politician Boris Nemtsov, who was killed in Russia

Russia: Freedom House Condemns Navalny Sentencing; Demands Accountability for Kremlin Repression

Press release

March 22, 2022

Members of the Chinese Military march through the Paralympic Village at the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing, China.

#Beijing2022: Winter Olympics a display of propaganda and censorship

Perspectives

March 10, 2022

Freedom House

Eswatini: Freedom House Condemns Arrests of Student Leaders, Persecution of Activists

Press release

February 3, 2022

President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia

Zambia’s 'New Dawn' Should Extend to Digital Rights

Perspectives

December 7, 2021

Featured Experts

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Allie Funk

Research Director for Technology and Democracy

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Zselyke Csaky Expert Photo

Zselyke Csaky

Research Director for Europe, Media, and Democracy

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If you would like to interview a Freedom House expert on this topic, please email [email protected].

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