Swedish artist Lars Vilks found himself at the center of controversy in 2007 when his cartoon featuring the Prophet Mohammed’s head on a dog’s body was published. Today, he remains a controversial figure, a fact that influences the way he…
Author: Soyini Hamit
The First Amendment: A Reason to Give Thanks
This Thanksgiving, CBLDF takes a moment to give thanks for our biggest asset in the fight to protect free speech the United States: the First Amendment. Though we continually see challenges to free speech, the results are not as extreme…
Anti-Extremism Legislation in Russia Courts Censorship
Russia faces increased scrutiny as enforcement of its anti-extremism laws skirts the line of censorship. Just last week, a librarian in Siberia was convicted in criminal proceedings for fulfilling a patron’s request for a banned book. No information was given…
South African President Drops Defamation Suit Against Cartoonist
South African President Jacob Zuma announced last week that he was dropping his lawsuit against cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro, known by the pen-name Zapiro. Zuma brought the suit for defamation against Zapiro, along with Sunday Times publisher Avusa Media and editor…
Sedition Charges Dropped Against Aseem Trivedi
On October 12, the Maharashtra state government dropped the sedition charges against cartoonist Aseem Trivedi on advice from the advocate general. Though police were instructed to remove the charge from his case, Trivedi still faces additional charges under the Prevention…
Editorial Cartoonist Fired for Drawing Political Cartoons
South African cartoonist Jeremy Nell (aka Jerm) was fired from the publication The New Age. Their reason for terminating Jerm’s contract was that his cartoons made political statements. It’s surprising that Jerm would be fired for something that falls within his…
Tereska Torrès, Writer of America’s First Lesbian Pulp Novel, Dies at 92
French writer Tereska Torrès, 92, died at her home in Paris last Thursday. Author of many novels and memoirs, she is best known for her book Women’s Barracks, which was challenged by the House Select Committee on Current Pornographic Materials…
Alan Moore, America’s Most Challenged
Alan Moore is a legend of the comic book industry, recognized as one of its best writers. He has won numerous awards for his works, including for his run on Swamp Thing, Watchmen, Batman: The Killing Joke, and The League…
Frivolous Arrest of Cartoonist Fuels Effort to Repeal Indian Sedition Law
Political cartoonist Aseem Trivedi’s arrest last week on sedition charges stirred up a renewed debate on the freedom of expression in India. The general consensus, even among Trivedi’s detractors, is that Trivedi’s arrest is an abuse of the law. It…
Indian Cartoonist Aseem Trivedi Released on Bail After Arrest on Sedition Charges
Cartoonist Aseem Trivedi was arrested on sedition charges stemming from his cartoons, which criticize and expose corruption in India’s government. His arrest sparked protests from supporters, leading the government to promise a review of the charges against Trivedi. Though bail was granted,…