Amnesty International USA is deeply concerned about the growing crisis of freedom of expression in the United States.
“There is a stunning wave of fear to speak out in the United States right now, which would have been simply unthinkable just a few months ago,” said Amnesty International USA’s Executive Director, Paul O’Brien. “All over the world, Amnesty International has worked for decades to expose and document the silencing of dissent through a range of tactics, and we are deeply concerned such efforts are becoming normalized here. We must reverse course urgently.”
“We condemn the shocking murder of Charlie Kirk. We need our campuses and streets to be spaces where everyone can express ideas free from fear of persecution and free from gun violence, which has claimed more than 10,000 lives this year,” continued O’Brien. “And we are deeply concerned about the worsening attacks on freedom of expression by the Trump administration and the outrageous retaliations by private corporations against people voicing their opinions.”
A number of high-profile journalists and entertainers have faced professional retaliation for their public statements in the last week. People in less high-profile professions have also been reportedly terminated for voicing personal views. Meanwhile, the Trump Administration has threatened to revoke visas and deport immigrants who express perspectives the administration finds objectionable, implemented new screenings for “Anti-American” activity and expression for people seeking immigration benefits. Additionally, the Attorney General has vowed to target people for vaguely defined “hate speech.”
Those criticizing Israel’s actions towards Palestinians have been particularly targeted, especially students. They face surveillance, excessive or unlawful use of force by police, arrests, enforced disappearances, deportation orders, and some organizations have even faced sanctions.
“It is absolutely critical that the U.S. administration, through its words, policies and actions, recognizes the seriousness and implications of these rights being trampled on, and protects all people’s right to speak out and dissent without fear of retribution or persecution,” concluded O’Brien.
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