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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:

Radio Free Asia logo

Freedom House: The Vietnamese government suppresses activists in exile! opens in new tab

June 3, 2022

WIRED logo

Elon Musk’s Twitter plans would mean less free speech for many opens in new tab

May 31, 2022

Axios logo

The Justice Department takes on China's overseas repression opens in new tab

May 24, 2022

News & Perspectives:

Climate protests

How Donors and Civil Society Organizations Can Better Support At-Risk Climate Activists

Perspectives

June 15, 2022

Shanghai has experienced harsh lockdowns related to China's Zero COVID-19 initiative

China’s Censors Aim to Contain Dissent During Harsh COVID-19 Lockdowns | Opinion

Perspectives

May 19, 2022

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

Featured Experts

Allie Funk Expert Photo

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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