Every day we see new forms of censorship and repression,
self-censorship, surveillance, monitoring and control, gatekeeping, propaganda, disinformation, acts of terror, anti-terror laws, criminalization of encryption and/or anonymity, hate speech and harassment, and organized crime.
Surveillance, censorship and
self-censorship are still present and the authorities maintain a significant level of control over the media.
Nonetheless, there were more women candidates for general seats in these elections than in any past election, and for the first time, transgender candidates contested the polls.' In a statement issued today, HRCP has commented on 'the unprecedented level to which the fundamental right to freedom of expression was overtly violated, particularly in the run-up to the elections,' adding that 'in the guise of 'national security concerns', restrictions on media coverage were stepped up, journalists took increasingly to
self-censorship.
Read: Pakistani media increasingly resorting to
self-censorship: report
In 2018, the media also endured an unprecedented level of imposed
self-censorship through tactics unbecoming of a responsible state.
In its place, we have insults, shaming, censorship and
self-censorship that is meant to "pass" for thought.
Furthermore, Judiciary's silence on the matter is adding to the climate of fear and
self-censorship. Journalists too receive threats for speaking their minds.
It would be no surprise that many could now choose to resort to
self-censorship, staying away from ruffling the wrong feathers out of fear of being murdered.
The New York-based rights organization said in a report published on Monday that the mass dismissals and prosecutions along with the Turkish government's interference in academics' work and student protests had resulted in
self-censorship and curtailed academic freedom in the country, presstv reported.
The report says, 'With Hindu nationalists trying to purge all manifestations of 'anti-national' thought from the national debate,
self-censorship is growing in the mainstream media and journalists are increasingly the targets of online smear campaigns by the most radical nationalists, who vilify them and even threaten physical reprisals.'
"In India (down from 136 ranking in 2017), hate speech targeting journalists is shared and amplified on social networks, often by troll armies in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pay,"it stated."With Hindu nationalists trying to purge all manifestations of 'anti-national'thought from the national debate,
self-censorship is growing in the mainstream media and journalists are increasingly the targets of online smear campaigns by the most radical nationalists, who vilify them and even threaten physical reprisals,"the report said.
-- 90% of journalists said that they practice
self-censorship out of fear of security agencies.