An Egyptian court sentenced political activist Sanaa Seif to 18 months in prison Wednesday for “spreading false news,” concluding a case that raises significant questions about the status of free expression and human rights in Egypt. The sentencing stems from Seif’s detainment and arrest in June. Seif’s family claims Egyptian authorities forcibly abducted Seif while [...]
The Malaysian government enacted Thursday an anti-fake-news law that aims to counter Covid-19 misinformation. The Malaysian King (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) has declared a state of emergency for the country, lasting until August. The law was enacted through an executive authority by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, which does not require any Parliamentary procedures. The law is [...]
Texas attorney general Ken Paxton suffered a defeat yesterday in his lawsuit against the City of Austin’s mask mandate after a Travis County judge ordered the mandate to stay in effect. Texas governor Greg Abbott issued executive order GA-34 on March 2, which lifted all mandatory COVID restrictions, including mandates to wear masks and impose [...]
The Civil Liberties Union for Europe published a report on Tuesday detailing the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on democracy and the rule of law in 14 countries in Europe and providing recommendations for the EU. The report detailed major infringements such as: Restrictions on media freedom and political pressure on the [...]
The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Allegheny County Judge Anthony Mariani, alleging that Mariani violated the public’s First Amendment rights by blocking virtual access to courtroom proceedings. The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on behalf of the Abolitionist Law Center (ALC). [...]
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order Tuesday lifting all COVID-19 restrictions in the state, including mask mandates and occupancy limits. The order rescinds previous executive orders and supersedes any inconsistent local orders. Businesses may still require face coverings and additional hygiene measures for employees and customers. The announcement comes as new variants of [...]
Protesters filled the streets of Algiers on Friday as the pro-democracy Hirak movement regained momentum after a year-long break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hirak, meaning “movement” in Arabic, was formed in 2019 to oppose former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s run for a fifth term. The non-partisan movement aims for systemic change that includes judicial independence and the rule [...]
The US Supreme Court granted injunctive relief in an order Friday to a group of churches in Santa Clara County, California, who sought to continue holding indoor worship services in spite of COVID-19 bans. Under the Santa Clara County guidelines, “ worship service is categorized by the County as a ‘gathering,’ and gatherings are prohibited. [...]
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte signed the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021 into law on Friday, giving vaccine makers indemnity if their COVID-19 vaccines cause adverse side effects. Although the number of COVID-19 infections in Philippines is one of the highest in Asia, the Philippines is one of the last Southeastern Asian countries to receive [...]
A judge for the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on Thursday struck down the CDC-issued moratorium on residential evictions, stating that the federal government does not have the authority to implement the ban. Judge John Campell Barker wrote the 21-page opinion, rejecting the argument that the CDC order is within the [...]
