FALSE FREEDOM FANGS : COMMONWEALTH PRECIS

THE COMMONWEALTH likes to talk a big game when it comes to democratic values. Its leaders signed lofty '' media principles '' in Samos last year, promising to defend free expression and protect journalists.

Yet a new report by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, the Commonwealth Journalists Association and practice shows how far words and practice diverge.

Across 41 member states defamation remains a criminal offence ; 48 retain sedition laws; and 37 still enforce blasphemy provisions.

These colonial leftovers are routinely wielded against reporters, activists and critics. The cost is not only paid in lives ; it can also be counted in liberties lost.

Between 2006 and 2023, 213 journalists were killed in Commonwealth countries, according to UNESCO.

In 96pc of cases, the perpetrators were never brought to justice. Such impunity is not just a strain on governments, it's an incentive for would-be assassins.

The World Students Society thanks the Editorial Board of Dawn Newspaper.