Joint Statements

Cyprus: Proposed legislative amendment to criminalise ‘fake news’

The proposed amendment, which criminalises “fake news” and carries penalties of up to five years in prison, risks stifling independent journalism and encouraging self-censorship.

DIICOT continues to harass journalists in Romania: Open Letter

A group of organisations that promote press freedom and good governance and representative media outlets are protesting a DIICOT [Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism] prosecutors’ decision to ask Rise Project journalists to reveal their sources.

Joint letter to European Commission President: Media freedom, journalists’ protection, and EU citizens’ access to public interest journalism must remain high political priorities

The signatories strongly urged President von der Leyen to support durable and long-lasting solutions to strengthen the space for media freedom, pluralism and independence, as well as the sustainability and competitiveness of the media sector in Europe.

Urgent appeal to address critical flaws in the latest draft of the UN Cybercrime Convention

IFEX and other signatory organisations continue to share profound concerns regarding the persistent shortcomings of the present draft and urge member states to not sign the UN Cybercrime Convention in its current form.

Digital rights advocates share concern over Meta’s updated hate speech policy

Rights groups warn the latest update may restrict freedom of expression by inaccurately equating criticism of Zionism with antisemitism.

Argentina: We condemn the alarming closure of civic space

IFEX-ALC, Alianza Regional por la Libre Expresión e Información [the Regional Alliance for Free Expression and Information], and Red Voces del Sur [the Voices of the South network]- three regional networks defending freedom of expression and press freedom– express our concern over the closure of civic space in Argentina as a consequence of the subjugation of freedom of information, expression, press, demonstration and peaceful assembly promoted by the current administration.

UAE: Unjust sentences in second largest mass trial

Coalition denounces harsh sentences for 84 political dissidents, many already jailed for the same offenses.

Bahrain: Joint letter on Dr. Abduljalil Al-Singace as he exceeds three years on hunger strike

IFEX joins rights groups urging for the immediate and unconditional release of the imprisoned Bahraini human rights defender.

EU must do more to prioritise protecting media freedom and human rights in Türkiye

Media freedom, human rights and journalists’ groups urge European governments and policy makers to ensure media freedoms and fundamental rights are placed at the heart of future relations with Türkiye.

EU needs to urgently protect civic space in Hungary

The EU should accelerate legal action against Hungary and seek the suspension of the repressive Law on the Protection of National Sovereignty.

EC study on journalist safety lacks solutions while security deteriorates

Press freedom groups point to “a disconnect between the report’s findings and on-the-ground realities”.

Iran: International coalition launches to demand immediate release of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Narges Mohammadi

“The Free Narges Campaign is not just about one woman’s freedom; it is a fight for the dignity, rights, and future of all political prisoners in Iran.”

Egypt: UN experts call on government to stop targeting and retaliating against human rights lawyers

Rights groups say the targeting of lawyers Mohamed Issa Rajeh and Mahmoud Abdelmajeed Adel represents intimidation and reprisal against their human rights work.

France should end hijab ban in French sport ahead of Olympic Games

Human rights and sports organisations urge the International Olympic Committee to publicly call on sporting authorities in France to overturn all bans on athletes wearing the hijab in French sport.

German police assaulted, detained journalist during crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists

“The policeman suddenly attacked me from behind. He punched me twice in the face before pushing me to the ground with his knee behind my back. I kept shouting that I was a journalist” – Ignacio Rosaslanda