IBA Global Insight – attacks on media freedom
US President Donald Trump has said he plans to sue the BBC for up to $5bn over its editing of a speech he gave on 6 January 2021. The row marks the latest example of Trump threatening the media, part of a global trend in which the press is increasingly targeted by governments and powerful figures. Below, we’ve selected some of the best of Global Insight's continuing coverage of these and related issues.
Feature: Trump’s assault on the First Amendment
In the short time since it came to power, the Trump administration has executed a wide-ranging crackdown on freedom of speech by targeting student protestors, lawyers and the press. This feature assesses the threat to the rule of law and what is being done to protect it.
News analysis: Fears for freedom of expression after Charlie Kirk killing
Even before President Trump threatened to sue the BBC, there were concerns that he and allies are using government power and regulatory threats to suppress free speech and the media. Trump has suggested the FCC should revoke the licences of networks that broadcast negative coverage of him.
Film: LPD Showcase 2025 – Killing the news
An uncensored press is vital to the fundamental right to free expression and to democracy. And yet the profession of journalism is becoming more dangerous around the world. This showcase session assessed the threats to the press and the various forms they take.
News analysis: Associated Press ban signals assault on free speech
In February, the White House announced it had banned the Associated Press from accessing certain press events because of its refusal to rename a body of water. The White House also says it will exert greater control over which news outlets get access to the President.
Feature: The fight for media freedom
A free media is among the fundamental hallmarks of a society governed by the rule of law, yet journalists are increasingly being targeted simply for doing their jobs. This feature assesses the myriad challenges facing those who seek to protect the freedom of expression worldwide.
Podcast: SLAPPs – Lawfare against justice
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has demonstrated the worst consequences of allowing powerful actors to exploit international legal systems. This podcast looks at the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), an intimidation tool frequently used to silence journalists.
Film: Interview with Hina Jilani
Hina Jilani is Co-Chair of the IBA's Human Rights Institute and a member of the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, an independent body convened to promote a free and vibrant media. In this interview, she discusses blasphemy law and the criminalisation of hate speech.
News analysis: Hong Kong’s press becomes the target of ‘rule by law’
A number of recent trials and sentences have shown the full force of Hong Kong’s National Security Law (NSL), which was passed in 2020. Many media outlets have since closed operations in Hong Kong as China uses the NSL to crack down on pro-democracy sentiments in the territory.
News analysis: Rights groups voice unease as UK lawmakers target extremism
Following the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, the UK government changed its definition of ‘extremism’ to strengthen its counterterrorism approach. But the broadness of the new definition has provoked criticism from human rights groups, who argue the change undermines freedom of speech.