Free speech

UK medical org. to investigate NHS use of IHRA antisemitism definition over free speech claims

The British Medical Association has passed a motion calling for an investigation into the use of the IHRA antisemitism definition in the NHS, citing concerns over free expression among staff.

The NHS logo is displayed on a ambulance parked close to a nearby hospital, on October 20, 2025.
 Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Lebanon's army chief Joseph Aoun stand after Aoun is elected as the country's President at the parliament building in Beirut, Lebanon, January 9, 2025.

Beirut summons academic following Hezbollah criticism, calling freedom of speech into question

US rapper Ye performs on stage at the GelreDome venue in Arnhem, eastern Netherlands on June 6, 2026. Ye, formarly known as Kanye West, has sparked controversy with statements and songs glorifying Adolf Hitler as well as antisemitic diatribes, which he blamed on his bipolar disorder.

Kanye West concerts at public Tampa stadium locked in despite fierce backlash over Nazi praise

Demonstrators hold placards that read "Free Mohsen" in reference to Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student at Columbia University, who was detained, as they gather at Foley Square in Manhattan, New York City, US, April 15, 2025.

Anti-Israel Columbia protest leader Mohsen Mahdawi fights deportation to Jordan


Trump-backed targeting of pro-Palestinian activists for deportation is unlawful, US judge rules

A federal judge ruled Trump’s administration violated free speech by revoking visas and deporting students over pro-Palestinian advocacy during the Gaza war.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest outside the main campus of Columbia University during the Columbia commencement ceremony in Manhattan, in New York City, May 21, 2025.

Trump’s war on speech: From journalists to jokers, no one is safe - opinion

Trump is waging a dangerous and paranoid war on free speech, a free press, and free expression, the author writes.

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump gestures as he boards Air Force One. The most urgent threat at this moment in US history is Trump’s contempt for the freedoms of speech and press, the writer argues.

Trump's Pentagon says press must agree not to disclose sensitive information

Reporters face potential credential loss under new Pentagon rules requiring approval before publishing sensitive military information, sparking media outcry.

US President Donald Trump delivers a speech during a ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, next to a podium with the emblem of the Department of War.

The Fight for a Good Name

Where do we draw the line between freedom of expression and the right to defend one’s reputation in a democratic society?

Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress

Federal judge orders Mahmoud Khalil to be released by Friday on $1 bond

Khalil was the first leader of last year’s pro-Palestinian student protests to be arrested under the Trump administration’s push to deport non-citizens who they said fueled antisemitism on campuses.

 Demonstrators gather outside the Federal Courthouse in New York City to show support for Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil and to demand his release from ICE detention on March 12, 2025.

HRW decries German proposal to revoke citizenship of antisemites, terror supporters

HRW warned the proposal lacked definitions for antisemites and terrorist supporters, risking arbitrary enforcement without clear legal safeguards.

 A Human Rights Watch flag is pictured on the Mont-Blanc bridge in Geneva, Switzerland, November 7, 2024.

'It's up to us to fix this': Obama urges universities to defend academic freedom

“The idea of cancelling a speaker who comes to your campus, trying to shout them down and not letting them speak [...] that’s not what America should be about," Obama said.

 Former US president Barack Obama listens to speakers on a panel at the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum in Chicago, Illinois, US. December 5, 2024.

Ben-Gurion University lifts suspension on lecturer who criticized IDF, Israel

The suspension was lifted on Tuesday after the lecturer apologized and said he would refrain from posting content that could offend or harm students in the future.

 Ben-Gurion University campus in Beersheba, southern Israel. May 28, 2023.

Meta drops restrictions which protected LGBTQ community

Meta's global policy chief stated, "It’s not right that things can be said on TV or the floor of Congress but not on our platforms."

 META CEO Mark Zuckerberg delivers a speech at the Meta Connect event at the company’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California.

NJ Congressman denounces Rutgers faculty for adopting BDS resolution

Gottheimer said that the resolution was antisemitic and called for a state university to divest and cut academic affiliations from a key democratic ally.

 A hedge outside Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, July 30, 2016.