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Hundreds of protesters with signs and flags in front of a capital building.
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:

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

Special Report Throttling Dissent Cover

China's New Leaders Refine Internet Control

Special Report

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:

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Myanmar is Experiencing a Digital-Age Coup – Tech Companies Must Push Back opens in new tab

February 23, 2021

The Atlantic logo

I Was Sanctioned by China opens in new tab

August 11, 2020

the washington post logo

U.S. democracy and human rights leaders sanctioned by China vow not to be cowed into silence opens in new tab

August 10, 2020

News & Perspectives:

Novelist and journalist Ahmet Altan speaks at Harvard Kennedy School Kokkalis Program

Turkey: Ahmet Altan’s Release Sets Important Precedent for Political Prisoners

Press release

April 15, 2021

José Daniel Ferrer in Santiago de Cuba

Cuba: Government Must Cease Repression of Critics

Joint statement

April 9, 2021

Hong Kong Jimmy Lai

Hong Kong: Freedom House Condemns Convictions of Prodemocracy Figures, Worsening Crackdown

Press release

April 2, 2021

A large advertisement for China Global Television Network is displayed at Heathrow in London, England. Image credit: Mick Harper / Shutterstock.com

Six Ways Beijing Impacted Global Media and Triggered Pushback Last Month

Perspectives

April 1, 2021

Presentation of new RFE/RL Kyiv office, October 2018

Crimea: Release Journalist Vladyslav Yesypenko

Press release

March 29, 2021

Evening at Republic Square in Yerevan, Armenia

Armenia: New Amendments Threaten to Stifle Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression

Press release

March 26, 2021

Featured Experts

Allie Funk Expert Photo

Allie Funk

Senior Research Analyst, Technology and Democracy

alfunk

Zselyke Csaky Expert Photo

Zselyke Csaky

Research Director, Europe & Eurasia

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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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