Has Covid rolled back democratic rights?
Once democratic freedoms are snatched away, can they be clawed back?
Countries around the world are using the coronavirus pandemic to 'crush dissent and silence independent reporting' according to the UN chief Antonio Guterres. He says some nations are using restrictions meant to halt the spread of Covid-19 to weaken political opposition. Governments say a tighter grip over freedom of expression is essential to curb disinformation and confusion at a time when societies are under lockdown. Countries with authoritarian tendencies aren't the only ones under fire - the criticisms are being leveled at governments with well-established democracies too. So what are governments trying to get away with under the cover of Covid? How have the changes taken away democratic rights, and can the trends be reversed? Ritula Shah and a panel of guests discuss dissent in the time of Covid.
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Contributors
David Kaye聽- Professor of law, University of California, Irvine; former UN Special Rapporteur on protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
Jacob Mchangama聽- founder and executive director of the Danish freedom of speech organisation,聽Justifia; host Clear and Present Danger: a history of free speech podcast.
Sarah Repucci聽-聽Leads the research and analysis department for Freedom House;聽co-author聽of the report Democracy Under Lockdown.
Suhas Chakma - Director of New Delhi based Rights & Risk Analysis Group.
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A protester makes a聽three finger salute during a聽demonstration in Yangon to protest against the military coup in Myanmar.聽Credit: Aung Kyaw Htet/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
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The Real Story
Global experts and decision makers discuss, debate and analyse a key news story.