Rights

Proposed Rule for Pennsylvania Lawyers Sparks First Amendment Challenge, Threatening Free Speech Rights of Legal Professionals

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Philadelphia, PA — A contentious rule proposed for Pennsylvania lawyers has raised concerns over potential infringement on First Amendment rights. Critics argue that if implemented, the rule could have a chilling effect on free speech. The legal dispute in Greenberg v. Lehocky revolves around the state’s Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys and how it defines misconduct. Licensed attorney Zach Greenberg, who is known for providing continuing legal education presentations on the First Amendment, has challenged recent changes to the rule. Following his argument that the rule changes were unconstitutionally vague and posed a risk … Read more

United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Presents Alarming Report on Sri Lanka’s Deepening Human Rights Crisis

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Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has delivered a bleak assessment of Sri Lanka’s multifaceted human rights crisis. Türk highlighted that the Sri Lankan government has failed to fulfill hopes for a much-needed transformation and has instead adopted or proposed laws that could have serious repercussions on fundamental rights, the rule of law, and democratic governance. These laws, including the Online Safety Act and the Anti-Terrorism Bill, curtail civil liberties and restrict freedom of assembly, association, and expression. Türk also emphasized that the government’s crackdown on dissent and … Read more

Russian President Putin Implements Stringent Laws to Quash Dissent and Suppress Human Rights

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TALLINN, Estonia — The Russian government, under President Vladimir Putin’s rule, has enacted a series of laws that curtail fundamental human rights and target dissenting voices in the country. These repressive measures restrict freedom of speech and assembly, as well as the rights of minority groups and those critical of the Kremlin’s narratives. In recent years, the Kremlin has put in place legislation aimed at silencing “foreign agents” accused of influencing Russia, individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, and organizations spreading information contrary to official narratives regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The implementation of these laws … Read more

Injustice and Neglect: $33 Million Damages Award Affirmed in Ottawa County Civil Rights Lawsuit

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Miami, Oklahoma – A judge has upheld a $33 million damages award and denied a request for a new trial in a civil rights lawsuit centered around the death of a 26-year-old man at Ottawa County jail in 2015. U.S. District Judge Claire R. Kelly issued the ruling, rejecting motions from Ottawa County, which had been sued by the estate of Terral Ellis II. The jury had previously found that the medical care provided by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office violated Ellis’ constitutional rights. Ellis died on October 22, 2015, shortly after being taken to … Read more