Freedom

Jury Upholds Press Freedom, Rules in Favor of Reporter Jeff in Landmark Case

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Honolulu, Hawaii – In a key court decision, a Hawaii jury has ruled in favor of a journalist long at loggerheads with a local agribusiness company over defamation claims, marking a significant victory for press freedom. Jeffrey Grundhauser, a seasoned news reporter, had been embroiled in a relentless legal battle after being sued by Hawaiian Sunshine Nursery, a prominent agricultural firm. The lawsuit stemmed from a series of articles penned by Grundhauser, which scrutinized the nursery’s business practices. The jury, after deliberating on the evidence presented, found that Grundhauser’s reporting did not amount to defamation, … Read more

Federal Judge Slams UCLA Over Campus ‘Jew Exclusion Zone,’ Calls for Immediate Action to Uphold Religious Freedom

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Los Angeles, CA — A federal judge harshly criticized the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) on Wednesday, labeling it abhorrent for allowing what he termed a “Jew Exclusion Zone” on its campus. District Court Judge Mark Scarsi’s remarks came amid ongoing litigation against the university, triggered by events this spring when, according to plaintiff allegations, student protests significantly restricted the movements of Jewish students on campus. According to court filings, in April and May, groups described as pro-Palestinian activists erected barricades around key parts of the UCLA campus. These makeshift barriers were reportedly … Read more

Malaysia’s New Cyber Law Stirs Debate Over Freedom of Speech and Online Anonymity Amid Calls for Stricter Social Media Regulation

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Fahmi Fadzil, Malaysia’s Minister of Communications, has recently intensified his criticism of major online platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Telegram, and X, for their inconsistent efforts to control scams, cyberbullying, and the spread of child exploitation materials. This push has highlighted his broader concerns about the harmful content proliferating on these networks, which are among the most used in the country. The Malaysian government’s incipient proposal to bring new cyber laws has raised significant concerns regarding freedom of expression. Human rights lawyer Eric Paulsen has described the initiative as haste and … Read more

Freedom Convoy Leader’s Lawyer Accuses Government of Trapping Protesters in Ottawa During Controversial Trial

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Ottawa, Canada — In a crowded Ottawa courthouse, the defense for Pat King, a prominent figure in the 2022 “Freedom Convoy,” argued that government actions, rather than protest activities, were to blame for the prolonged disruptions in Ottawa’s downtown. King’s attorney, Natasha Calvinho, contended during the trial that local, provincial, and federal government responses essentially trapped demonstrators within the city center, exacerbating the situation. Pat King, who has entered a not guilty plea to charges including mischief and intimidation, is at the center of a legal and public debate about the nature of protest and … Read more