Quotes of the Week

Week-ending 2 May 2025

‘Russia continued its war of aggression against Ukraine. The rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association remained severely restricted. Dissenters faced arbitrary prosecutions, unfair trials, heavy fines and lengthy prison terms under a plethora of laws that failed to meet international human rights standards. Counter-extremism and counter-terrorism legislation was weaponized to prosecute government critics and religious groups as well as children. A growing number of people were prosecuted for treason and espionage. More than 60 organizations were declared “extremist” and banned. Trials failed to meet international standards of fairness. Torture and other ill-treatment in custody prevailed and was committed with near total impunity. Persecution of LGBTI people increased. Regional authorities continued introducing barriers to abortion. Russia failed to demonstrate any commitment to addressing climate change.’

Source: ‘The State of the World’s Human Rights: April 2025,’ Amnesty International, 28 April 2025

‘Since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, almost all independent media have been banned, blocked and/or declared “foreign agents” or “undesirable organisations”. All others are subject to military censorship.’

– Source: ‘RSF World Press Freedom Index 2025: economic fragility a leading threat to press freedom,’ RSF, 2 May 2025