Our StoryFree Speech Collective
“Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”
The Free Speech Collective is a network of individuals committed to defending and promoting the right to freedom of expression in India. Many of us had been actively working for several years on issues related to free speech and journalists’ rights in international and regional networks. We decided to come together as a Collective in 2018.
In a climate where free speech faces growing threats from various sources—state agencies, vigilante groups, non-state actors, and corporate interests—the Free Speech Collective stands as a crucial advocate the rights to voice opinions and share truths. Across the country – indeed globally — citizens from all walks of life including journalists, academics, students, bloggers, authors, cartoonists, filmmakers, artists, stand-up comedians and performers encounter increasing risks, from harassment and intimidation to false legal charges and violent attacks, simply for exercising their right to free expression.
While digital media has introduced new avenues for expression, the fragmentation of traditional media has led to a sense of isolation and vulnerability among journalists, making it difficult for them to organize and fight for their rights. However, despite the bleak times and muzzling of free speech, there are many who are pushing back and continuing to bear witness, through their writings, pictures, cartoons, art, performances and music, courting danger, and even risking their lives. It is these voices of hope and their myriad forms of expression that must be nurtured and woven into a collective consciousness.
What We Do
The Free Speech Collective works to protect the rights to freedom of expression and dissent that underpin a democratic society. In doing so, we aim to foster a sense of solidarity and amplify voices of hope.
How We Do This
Track Free Speech Violations
FSC tracks violations of free speech in India, systematically categorizes them.
Do you have a violation of free speech to report? Write to us at freespeechcollectiveindia@gmail.com.
Provide Solidarity and Support
Free Speech Collective also provides case-by-case support and solidarity to individual journalists, bloggers, activists, artists and performers, and organisations that face attacks on their freedom of expression.
Analyze Trends
Based on the systematic monitoring and documentation of violations, we publish timely and relevant reports on free speech violations.
Debate Issues
We carry articles and commentaries that discuss and debate issues, provide an analysis of major developments that impact freedom of expression and develop a sharper understanding of questions that impinge free speech.
A Free Speech Collective Guide to tracking Free Speech Violations
Arrests (Journalists/Others)
“Arrests” tracks journalists and other citizens arrested by the police, or other authorities such as the NIA Enforcement Directorate etc, under any laws of the land: criminal, national security, civil, income tax, money laundering etc. For incidents of cases being filed, without arrest, see “Lawfare”.
Attacks (Journalists/Others)
“Attacks” includes physical attacks, abduction/forced disappearance, molestation, torture and violence by individuals or groups of individuals deliberately targeted at journalists by state or non-state actors. This includes attacks while covering communal violence, protests, demonstrations or large gatherings.
Censorship
“Censorship” tracks incidents where the government or authorities engage in suppression and prohibition of speech, action, writing, and so on, under various pretexts, including “harmful material” “threat to society”. We track censorship in the following areas: Academia, the Arts (including cinema, music, stand-up comedy, theatre etc), News Media/Documentaries, Protests/Meetings, Publications, Self-Censorship, and Social Media.
Harassment (Journalists/Others)
“Harassment” tracks incidents where journalists or outspoken citizens or critics of the government are subjected to physical or psychological intimidation, use of force or power. This includes online abuse and trolling, as well as hacking, doxing, digital impersonation or identity theft.
Internet Control
“Internet Control” tracks incidents where authorities have weaponised digital rights of their citizens, through actions such as internet shutdowns, slowdowns, blocking, restricting or slowing down cell phone network and/or usage, especially to crush public dissent, censor spread of news and events, and so on. This category also includes banning of apps, for example those made in China.
Killings (Journalists/Others)
“Killings” record fatalities of journalists and other citizens in circumstances where they were deliberately targeted and murdered due to their work and/or open criticism of the authorities. This does not include those killed in accidents, bomb blasts or incidents unrelated to their work.
Lawfare
“Lawfare” is the strategic use of laws and the entire legal system to intimidate, harass and attempt to damage the credibility of journalists and citizens who are vocal or speak out against the establishment. Long pre-trial incarceration, refusal of bail and long-drawn processes make the process of proving innocence extremely arduous. The cases here are tracked under the following sub-categories: Contempt of Court, Defamation, Detention (keeping in temporary custody), Summons/Notices, General Lawfare (which includes criminal and civil cases, lodged with the intention of harassment, such as laws related to money laundering, tax evasion etc). “National security” as a separate sub-category includes counter terror laws such as UAPA, public security laws such as PSA, as well as laws related to espionage, official secrets etc. This section covers the registering of cases. Check “Arrests” for status updates of arrests.
Policies/Regulations
“Policies and Regulations” include laws, rules and regulations that impinge on the freedom of speech and expression. This sub-category also includes amendments to existing laws that impact freedom of speech and expression. Policies directly related to the media, as well as policies governing the digital space, access to information, right to privacy, etc., are included.
Threats (Journalists/Others)
“Threats” include threats of violence such as death or rape or acid attack, threat of blackmail and extortion, threats to family members etc, made online or offline, with the motive of subduing and intimidating opponents. Threats could be made by state or non-state actors.
Who We Are
Geeta Seshu
Geeta Seshu is a journalist based in Mumbai engaged in issues concerning freedom of expression, working conditions of journalists, gender and civil liberties.
Laxmi Murthy
Laxmi Murthy is a journalist based in Bangalore who works on issues of press freedom, gender and journalists’ rights.
Malini Subramaniam
Malini Subramaniam is an independent journalist who covers peoples’ struggles, stories from the ‘conflict’ region of Bastar in Chhattisgarh, as well as challenges faced by regional journalists in the country.
Moazum Mohammad
Moazum Mohammad reports from Kashmir on armed insurgency, politics, the media and everything that catches his eye. Moazum has written on government employees moonlighting as journalists, on censorship and internet blackouts.
Neha Dixit
Neha Dixit is an independent journalist who looks at intersections of politics, gender and social justice. Most of her work is investigative and long form narrative.
Sarita Ramamoorthy
Sarita Ramamoorthy is a Kathmandu-based freelance content writer, and copyeditor. She worked with NGOs for nearly a decade on various research-based projects.
Attribution
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Preferred attribution: ‘Author / Free Speech Collective’ or ‘Free Speech Collective’ (where no author is mentioned) with url.