A significant number of deteriorations in the environment for civic space were reported EU SEE network members from across the globe in July, with a particular decline seen in, Algeria, Kenya, Panama and Morocco.
In Algeria, a renowned writer and a renowned journalist were arrested, deepening concerns around the criminalisation of expression. The Secretary General of the National Federation of Rail Transport Workers (UGTA) was also placed into detention ahead of planned national strikes.
There were opportunities as well as deteriorations in Argentina, as the so-called “Cyperpatrol” reforms threaten privacy and freedom of expression protections. On the other hand, a decree limiting the right to strike was found unconstitutional by national courts. In Panama, the fall out following government retaliation over a series of May protests continues.
Moroccan police halted film screenings in Rabat as part of the 13th edition of the “Cinema and human rights festival.” The Morrocan courts also upheld a prison sentence against journalist Hamid Mahdaoui, following his corruption exposé. In positive news, the nation launched a new subsidy programme to promote the integration of the Amazigh language.
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