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.
Freedom in the World
Around the world, the enemies of liberal democracy are accelerating their attacks, contributing to the 17th consecutive year of decline in global freedom. Explore the latest edition of Freedom in the World 2023: Marking 50 Years in the Struggle for Democracy to learn more about the latest global trends.
Free Them All: A Political Prisoners Initiative
Free Them All: A Political Prisoners Initiative is a new Freedom House project intended to help free political prisoners and push back against the jailing of activists as a tool of repression. Located around the globe, the stories of these artists, journalists, and activists illustrate the significant pressures and harms that human rights defenders and pro-democracy activists face in reprisal for their work and why they need our support.
Featured Analysis:
Freedom House in the Media:
News & Perspectives:
Turkey: International groups condemn fifth imprisonment order against journalist Barış Pehlivan
Joint statement
August 10, 2023
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.
Featured Experts
If you would like to interview a Freedom House expert on this topic, please email [email protected].