Free Speech is a Right, Not a Crime
Everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas without fear or interference.
Yet throughout the world, journalists, bloggers and others face harassment and imprisonment for exercising their right to free speech.
While governments have never welcomed the prying eye and the biting pen of the investigative reporter, journalists have been increasingly targeted in many countries on account of their professional activities. And yet, freedom of expression is essential to the attainment of all other rights because it provides the space in which to campaign for those rights. By cracking down on journalists and on public discourse, governments seek to restrict the flow of information and to diminish the power of the people to act upon the truth.
Freedom of expression has always been a core part of Amnesty International's work and is closely linked to the right to hold opinions and the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Amnesty International seeks the immediate and unconditional release of individuals who have been detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their right to free speech.
