Former President Donald Trump is intensifying his threats against political rivals, raising serious concerns about the potential impact on American democracy. His rhetoric, including calls for investigations and even imprisonment, has sparked fears of retribution against critics and a chilling effect on political dissent. This development comes amid ongoing legal battles against Trump and underscores his confrontational approach to politics.
The National Gallery in Athens presents ‘Democracy,’ an exhibition showcasing 140 artworks by 55 artists that explore the transition from dictatorship to democracy. Spanning a diverse range of artistic mediums, the exhibition commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Metapolitefsi in Greece and highlights the global struggle for civil liberties.
Three new criminal laws replacing colonial-era legislation have come into effect in India, sparking debate about their implementation and potential impact on civil liberties. While some legal experts praise the modernization, others criticize the hasty passage and potential for increased litigation.
In 1975, India faced a tumultuous period with the imposition of a 21-month state of emergency by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This action, citing threats to national security, severely restricted civil liberties and impacted various aspects of Indian life. This article delves into the events leading to the Emergency, its consequences, and its lasting impact on Indian politics.
Trudi Warner, a 63-year-old climate protester, has been cleared of contempt of court charges by a High Court judge. Warner had been accused of “deliberately targeting” jurors before a trial by holding a sign outside the courthouse that reminded them of their right to acquit defendants. Justice Pushpinder Saini ruled that Warner’s actions did not constitute a crime, as jurors have the right to reach verdicts based on their conscience and she did not interfere with their access to the court.
A UK-based rights group has accused the British government of turning a blind eye and abetting Indonesia’s use of counterterrorism laws to restrict civil liberties. According to the report, the UK government has played a behind-the-scenes role in Indonesia’s anti-extremism policy formulation and funded the training of its anti-terrorism personnel. Indonesia’s counter-extremism programmes have been accused of targeting religious minorities and suppressing peaceful calls for Papuan independence. The report highlights the potential human rights violations caused by Indonesia’s counter-extremism apps and laws, including the blasphemy law and the new criminal code. Despite acknowledging the potential for human rights violations, Indonesian officials defend the government’s record on counterterrorism and deradicalisation.
Hong Kong’s Article 23 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance has sparked concerns about civil liberties and its impact on foreign relations. Despite no arrests under the law yet, some Hongkongers have taken precautionary measures, and foreign governments have expressed worries. The government aims to shift the narrative towards the economy and emphasize the high threshold for prosecution, while avoiding direct confrontations with Western powers. The effectiveness of mega events and engaging with expatriate Hongkongers are seen as potential strategies to address international skepticism.
The Biden administration has signed a bill extending and expanding the US surveillance program under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This controversial program allows US agencies to intercept and store Americans’ text messages, calls, and emails in pursuit of foreign intelligence. Despite concerns from civil liberties groups, the program has been broadened to cover a wider range of businesses, including data centers.
