Tracking cases that protect freedom of expression, association, and assembly
Topic: Freedom of expression
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Seydou Kaocen Maiga Case
Seydou-Kaocen Maiga, a human rights activist from Niger, posted an article on Facebook criticizing how the country’s government reacted to a terrorist attack that took place in Inates on 10 December 2019. He was arrested and criminally prosecuted for his publication.
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SERAP and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development v. National Broadcasting Commission, Minister of Information and Culture and President of Federal Republic of Nigeria
The case discusses a directive issued by Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) ordering journalists and broadcast stations to stop reporting cases like terrorist activity and kidnapping, under the threat of handing out fines and other forms of punishment.
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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) v. Nigeria
SERAP filed a petition before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) contesting the Nigerian government’s attempt to pass two bills that would allow authorities to gag the media and impose harsh and arbitrary punishments on media personnel.
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Dilan Cruz Case
Dilan Cruz was killed while participating in the demonstrations that took place on November 23, 2019, in Colombia. Thanks to Dilan’s family’s efforts, in June 2021 the Constitutional Court referred the case to the ordinary justice system, where it continues to be heard today; up until that moment the case was tried before the military…
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Alex da Silveira Case
Photojournalist Alex da Silveira lost his vision as a result of a rubber bullet impact in his eye, after a military police officer shot him during a demonstration. After two appeals, the Federal Supreme Court (STF) recognized Mr. Silveira’s right to compensation and declared that the Brazilian State should be liable if journalists are injured…
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Abuku & 4 Others v. AG Uganda and the Secretary General of the East African Community
The case discusses violations of civic space in the context of an election. A petition was filed before the East African Court of Justice in the aftermath of the 2021 Uganda General Elections, with the purpose of challenging the presidential election of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, due to electoral malpractices that are deemed to be contrary…
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East African Law Society v. AG Uganda, and the Secretary General of the East African Community
This case addresses a shutdown orchestrated by the Ugandan government during the general elections in January 2021, during which its citizens’ rights to access information and free speech, among others, were violated when all access to the internet – including social media platforms – was blocked throughout the country.
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Ado Shaibu and 5 others v. United Republic of Tanzania
The case discusses the violation of seven Tanzanian citizens’ right to participate in the general elections in Tanzania, after several forms of repression were carried out by different public agents, including the blocking of news outlets and social media apps like Twitter and WhatsApp. The actions of the Tanzanian authorities had the calculated effect of…
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Unwanted Witness v. Uganda Communications Commission and the Attorney General of Uganda
This case addresses a directive by the Uganda Communications Commission that seeks to establish registration of online and digital platforms disclosing the identity of its users, which would act as a de facto registration for journalists, bloggers, and activists. Unwanted Witness, a civil society organization in Uganda, filed a complaint before the Constitutional Court of…
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Action of unconstitutionality against the reform to Honduras’ Penal Code
On May 10, 2020, the new Criminal Code entered into force in Honduras, through Decree no. 130-2017. This legal instrument includes several criminal offenses that criminalize journalism and the defense of human rights, and limit the right to information, freedom of expression, and the right to protest. Several actions of unconstitutionality against it are pending…