IFEX Statements

Freedom of expression in the fight against systemic racism and oppression

On 25 May 2020, in the United States, George Floyd’s voice was heard for the last time. His horrific murder and his final message – I can’t breathe – shed a harsh light on a reality that far too many look away from. A tipping point was reached. A spark was lit. And the world couldn’t stay silent anymore.

IFEX strongly condemns violent crackdown against Egyptian rights defenders

“All of us at IFEX wish to express our profound concern and solidarity with our colleagues Gamal Eid, Amr Emam, Mohamed Zaree, and Bahey eldin Hassan following deeply alarming incidents.”

IFEX welcomes acquittal of Turkish free speech activists Erol Önderoğlu, Şebnem Koru Fincancı, and Ahmet Nesin

“All of us at IFEX are overjoyed that Erol, Sebnem, and Ahmet have finally been acquitted of these absurd charges – they should never have been put on trial in the first place,” said IFEX Executive Director Annie Game. “However, our delight is tempered by the knowledge of the many journalists, academics, and rights defenders who remain imprisoned or facing charges designed to intimidate them into silence — including our colleague Erol who faces new charges in November.”

IFEX calls on Ecuador to guarantee safety of free expression defender César Ricaurte

IFEX – a global network of over 100 organisations dedicated to promoting and defending freedom of expression and information – is deeply concerned over threats against César Ricaurte, Executive Director of the Fundación Andina para la Observación y el Estudio de Medios (Fundamedios). The threats began after he received a sentence of 15 days in prison and a demand for an official apology for his public rebuke of former ambassador Jorge Jurado.

IFEX condemns Bahrain’s decision to uphold Nabeel Rajab’s 5-year prison sentence

On 31 December 2018, the Bahraini Court of Cassation upheld renowned human rights defender Nabeel Rajab’s 5-year prison sentence for tweeting.

Cambodia's armed forces display anti-riot gear and assault rifles at the Olympic stadium ahead of a general election this weekend, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 25, 2018. , REUTERS/Samrang Pring

Unfree and unfair: IFEX condemns Cambodia’s pre-election crackdown on free expression

On 29 July, Cambodians will go to the polls under the shadow of a relentless attack on critical voices. The IFEX network condemns these actions, which have deprived the election of all credibility, and calls for the full restoration of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country.

IFEX calls on Bahrain to release human rights defender Nabeel Rajab

A Bahraini court has upheld a five-year prison sentence against renowned human rights defender and IFEX member Nabeel Rajab for tweets about human rights violations. The IFEX network is calling on Bahraini authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally.

Turkish MPs voting in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey., Yildiz Yazicioglu

A letter to the world’s biggest jailer of journalists

During World Press Freedom Day, IFEX lets Turkey know that becoming the world’s biggest jailer of journalists is not an accomplishment to be proud of.

REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

Hungary’s foreign funding bill a transparent attack on civil society

IFEX calls for the full and immediate withdrawal of Hungary’s proposed foreign funding bill, due to the threat it poses to local members and other independent civil society groups.

Nadire Mater (3rd L), accompanied by her fellow journalists and guest editors of Özgür Gündem, Faruk Balikci (2nd L), Yildirim Turker (2nd R) and Tugrul Eryilmaz (R). Outside the Justice Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, June 27, 2016., Reuters

Nadire Mater’s conviction is Turkey’s attempt to silence dissent

Mater’s suspended sentence after an “unlawful trial” is one way Turkey’s government is trying to silence its critics.

Spokesperson for the Initiative for Freedom of Expression - Turkey, Şanar Yurdatapan.

Şanar Yurdatapan sentence: “Legal” censorship

IFEX condemns the conviction of IFEX member spokesperson Şanar Yurdapatan as a an attempt to silence him for the next two years.