Nigeria Faces Growing Threat to Free Speech, Experts Warn

Indonesia's Constitutional Court has issued a landmark ruling restricting government bodies and corporations from filing defamation suits, a move widely seen as a significant step in protecting free speech. The court clarified that only individuals directly affected by alleged defamation can file complaints, responding to longstanding concerns that the law was used to silence government critics and activists. Human rights groups welcomed the decision, noting its potential to strengthen civil liberties and legal certainty in one of the world's largest democracies. However, Amnesty International's recent report highlights ongoing repression in Indonesia, with crackdowns on protests, arrests, and digital attacks against journalists and activists persisting despite legal reforms. The government reportedly uses excessive force and spyware against dissidents, while new data protection laws remain largely unenforced. These developments underscore both progress and continuing challenges for free expression and human rights in Indonesia.