CIVICUS Monitor published its latest research on civic freedoms during COVID-19. The report implies that despite states imposed restrictions on large public gatherings amid the pandemic, the citizens have continued to mobilize through different protest methods. Nevertheless, many violations have been recorded during protests, including demonstrators’ detainment, protest disturbances, and excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies. Citizens, journalists, and human rights defenders (HRDs) have experienced intimidation and harassment. Violations of freedom of expression, such as censorship of free speech, targeting media outlets, and journalists’ detentions, have continued. States have also enacted restrictive laws, such as overly broad emergency laws, under the pretense of regulating the pandemic situation. Read more here.
Source: CIVICUS MONITOR