FREEDOM OF SPEECH
Modi in Rajya Sabha: 'Given full freedom...,' PM defends ED, CBI actions on Opposition
Addressing allegations of political bias, Modi said that the government does not interfere with these agencies, stating, "Maine karwahi karne k liye khuli chooth dekh rahi hai, sarkar kahi pe tang nahi, par apna kaam imandari se kare" (I have given them full freedom to act, the government does not interfere, but they must do their work with honesty).
Expunging speech against tenets of democracy, says Rahul Gandhi in letter to Speaker
In his first speech as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi launched a no-holds-barred attack on the BJP, accusing the leaders of the ruling party of dividing people on communal lines. Certain remarks he made during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address in the Lok Sabha on Monday were later expunged.
India rejects 'deeply biased' US report on religious freedom
The US State Department's 'Religious Freedom Report 2023' released by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Wednesday noted violent attacks on minority groups, especially Muslims and Christians, including killings, assaults and vandalism of houses of worship.
US report throws light on attacks on minorities in India
The report on international religious freedom said that in 2023, senior US officials continued to "raise concerns about religious freedom issues" with their Indian counterparts. Sources here told ET that the report lacks understanding and it is motivated.
US religious freedom report notes violence against Indian minorities
The U.S. State Department's 2023 report on religious freedom in India detailed violent attacks on minority groups, including Muslims and Christians, involving killings, assaults, and vandalism of houses of worship. The report, released on Wednesday, stated that senior U.S. officials have continued to address concerns about religious freedom with Indian counterparts.
Increase in anti-conversion laws, hate speech for minorities in India concerning: Blinken
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed concern over the rising anti-conversion laws, hate speech, and demolition of homes and places of worship affecting minority faith communities in India. His remarks came during the release of the annual State Department report on international religious freedom on Wednesday. Blinken also highlighted global efforts to protect religious freedom.
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Australian leaders celebrate Julian Assange's freedom but opposition says he is 'no martyr'
Julian Assange spent his first night in Australia in 14 years after being freed by a US court. He returned to an enthusiastic welcome but faces caution from the conservative opposition, who oppose labeling him a hero. Assange's wife, Stella, emphasized his plans for normalcy: swimming daily, enjoying real food, and relishing freedom. Despite calls for a presidential pardon, concerns persist over his past legal battles and guilty plea to espionage-related charges, impacting Australia's relations with the US.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange pleads guilty in deal with US that secures his freedom, ends legal fight
Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, pleaded guilty to obtaining and publishing U.S. military secrets, ending a prolonged legal battle over press freedom and national security. The deal, struck in Saipan, allows Assange to return to Australia without U.S. prison time. Assange had been jailed in the UK since 2019, resisting extradition. The plea resolves a Trump-era criminal case and highlights Assange's role in revealing military misconduct. His wife expressed relief, and Assange's supporters celebrate his impending freedom.
Spiller of beans, and State vs open society
Wikileaks demonstrated the immense power governments, even in liberal democracies, have over their citizens and the extent to which a state will go to protect that power. Assange made us confront the ease with which governments use 'national security' as a default rabbit to be pulled out of the hat.
A look at Julian Assange and how the long-jailed WikiLeaks founder is now on the verge of freedom
Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has reached a plea deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will lead to his freedom. Assange, who has been imprisoned in the U.K. and fighting extradition to the U.S., is accused of conspiring to illegally obtain and publish sensitive government records. The deal requires him to plead guilty to a felony charge under the Espionage Act and is expected to allow him to return to Australia after sentencing. This case marks the culmination of years of legal battles and international intrigue.
Elon Musk addresses his harsh remarks at Cannes Lions Festival; Here's what he said
Elon Musk clarified his controversial comments on free speech at the Cannes Lions advertising festival, addressing advertiser concerns about content moderation on X. He emphasized the platform's commitment to free speech over censorship, even at the cost of losing advertisers. X CEO Linda Yaccarino supported Musk's stance, highlighting the platform's role in enabling information independence. Musk reiterated the importance of authenticity and free speech, despite occasional personal missteps.
Defamation case: Uddhav Thackeray, Sanjay Raut seek quashing of summons issued against them by magistrate
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut have approached a special court here seeking to set aside the summons issued against them by a magistrate in a defamation case filed by rival Shiv Sena leader Rahul Shewale. The move comes months after the magistrate rejected their discharge application, citing that after the order to issue process in summary cases, the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code) does not provide a specific provision for discharging the accused.
View: To dance freely, with the wound beneath your feet
Your book has many strengths, precision and beauty, literary stamina and emotional certitude. This is not a memoir of grievance or regret. It asks for neither pity nor awe. It is a retrospective of a life lived for language, for free speech, for truth-telling, for meaning and purpose. There is no anger, not much, anyway. There is gratitude, particularly for all who rushed to your rescue on the stage. 'When Death comes very close to you,' you write, 'the rest of the world goes far away and you can feel a great loneliness. At such a time, kind words are comforting and strengthening.' Yes, writers have considered detachment, a cool remove, to be their smart arsenal. But in the end, detachment is good for surgeons. The really remedial act is compassion.
Biden asks Americans to recommit to democracy in Normandy cliff speech
President Joe Biden, in Normandy, compared threats by dictators today to Nazi Germany, urging Americans to resist isolationism and support Ukraine in its war with Russia. He emphasized the heroism of the Army Rangers on D-Day and criticized Trump's isolationist tendencies.
BJP cries foul as Karnataka bans Hamare Barah on plea from Muslim outfits
The State Government banned the screening of the Hindi movie Hamare Barah due to concerns raised by Muslim organisations. The film, directed by Kamal Chandra, explores themes of over-population in the Muslim community and women's health risks.
Meet Shruthi Kumar? The Indian-American whose speech at Harvard on Palestine went viral
Indian-American Shruthi Kumar's viral speech at Harvard criticized the university over the Gaza issue, highlighting intolerance for freedom of speech and civil disobedience on campus.
UK defence minister says China sending 'lethal aid' to Russia for Ukraine war
Britain's Defence Minister Grant Shapps revealed evidence of China sending "lethal aid" to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine, during a London conference. He urged NATO to increase defense spending and strengthen alliances to protect democratic freedoms. Despite China's denial of aiding Russia's war effort, it has significantly boosted trade with Russia, reaching $240 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed concerns about China's support to Russia's defense industry but noted no direct provision of weapons has been observed.
US lauds human rights records in Kazakhstan
Assistant to the President of Kazakhstan for International Affairs Erzhan Kazykhan and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya co-chaired the third annual High-Level Dialogue on Human Rights and Democratic Reforms between Kazakhstan and the United States. The focus was on political reform agenda, protection of rights of people with disabilities, combating trafficking in persons, freedom of assembly and speech, media development, asset recovery, and corruption. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to cooperation, with the U.S. supporting Kazakhstan's reforms and efforts to combat violence against women and children.
US engages with India, other nations on importance of equal treatment for members of all religious communities
The Biden administration, through State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, has said that countries like India are being spoken to on the significance of equal treatment for all religious communities. This comes as a response to concerns raised in a New York Times article regarding the treatment of Muslims in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. The US reaffirmed its commitment to promoting universal respect for freedom of religion.
Savarkar is not election issue, Modi tried to polarise voters, says Pawar
Modi, in his speech on Friday, dared Pawar to make Congress leader Rahul Gandhi promise that he would not criticise the late freedom fighter and Hindutva ideologue ever again. "Savarkar is not an election issue, and Rahul has not spoken about him (lately). But Modi's speech was divisive and meant to instigate, polarise. I have never seen such a prime minister," Pawar said.
What is 'Black Twitter'? Everything you need to know about Hulu docuseries on Black Lives
A new documentary seeks to document everything on X, formerly known as Twitter related to recent black lives including its history, pop culture and more. A fear of content on X being erased led to this documentary production.
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to support separatism: Jaishankar on Canada
The external affairs minister wondered how people with dubious backgrounds are being allowed to enter and live in Canada, referring to Khalistani supporters among the Sikh migrants from Punjab.
Nepalis fight TikTok ban in court, or ignore it entirely
When Nepal suddenly announced a ban on TikTok last year, lawyer Sunil Rajan Singh was determined to fight what he said was a government effort to hide its wrongdoings. Others like Singh are determined to fight. The hugely popular video-sharing platform has faced restrictions in several countries for allegedly breaking data rules and for its supposed harmful impact on youth.
WhatsApp, take it easy, seek the law
WhatsApp's encryption and compliance with law enforcement raise complex issues. While governments can seek information for law enforcement, WhatsApp's threat to stop services if encryption is diluted may not be effective. Indian courts have limited fundamental rights before, so finding a middle ground is crucial. WhatsApp may find success in arguing for compliance if data storage becomes unsustainable, but the wide reach of India's new data privacy law complicates this. Adaptation to local conditions and legal frameworks is key for WhatsApp, rather than making vague threats.
SC expresses concern over misuse of content on social media platforms in subjudice matters
Supreme Court expresses concern over social media misuse in subjudice matters, initiating contempt against Assam MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya for a misleading Facebook post on a case reserved for judgment.
SC reprimands Udhayanidhi for remarks on Sanatana Dharma
The Supreme Court criticized Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for his remarks against Sanatana Dharma, stating that he abused his rights under the Constitution's freedom of speech and religion. Stalin had previously said that Sanatana Dharma divides people based on caste and religion, sparking controversy. The court was hearing his plea to combine multiple FIRs filed against him for these remarks. Stalin later clarified that his comments were against caste-based discrimination, not Hinduism. His lawyer sought to combine the FIRs citing similar cases involving Arnab Goswami and others.
"You should know the consequences": SC raps DMK’s Stalin for his Sanatana Dharma comment
The Supreme Court criticized Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for his comments on Sanatana Dharma, stating that as a minister, he should understand the consequences of his statements. Udhayanidhi Stalin sought the consolidation of multiple FIRs against him over his remarks. The Supreme Court adjourned the plea for hearing on March 15.
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