America starts following Pakistan’s Footsteps
The United States has been added to a global watch list along with the Republic of Congo, Italy, Pakistan and Serbia, where civil liberties are rapidly declining.
Civicus report: Pressure on civil liberties in the United States
Civicus added the United States to the list after the first 50 days of Donald Trump’s presidency, which monitors countries where democratic rights are weakening.
Trump administration decisions threaten civil liberties
The report described the Trump administration’s actions such as withdrawal from the World Health Organization, media restrictions and crackdown on pro-Palestinian protesters as threats to freedom of expression.
Tight controls on freedom of expression in Pakistan
In Pakistan, journalists accused of spreading anti-state narratives, amendments to the Electronic Crimes Act (PICA), and restrictions on social media were considered against freedom of expression.
Threats to democratic rights globally
Civicus cited UN recommendations and said that violations of freedom of expression, assembly and basic civil rights in countries like the US and Pakistan are a threat to global democracy.
