Amnesty International USA has raised urgent concerns over what it describes as a mounting crisis for freedom of expression in the United States. Paul O’Brien, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, warned, “There is a stunning wave of fear to speak out in the United States right now, which would have been simply unthinkable just a few months ago. Efforts to silence dissent are becoming normalized, and we must reverse course urgently.”
The organization condemned the recent murder of Charlie Kirk, emphasizing the need for campuses and public spaces to remain safe for free expression without fear of persecution or gun violence, which has claimed over 10,000 lives this year. O’Brien also highlighted “worsening attacks on freedom of expression” linked to policies from the Trump administration and retaliatory actions by private corporations targeting individuals for their views.
High-profile journalists and entertainers have faced professional repercussions for public statements, while ordinary workers have reportedly been terminated for expressing personal opinions. Immigration policies have also come under scrutiny, with new measures allegedly targeting individuals deemed to express “Anti-American” views, including visa revocations, deportations, and additional screenings. The Attorney General has pledged to act against broadly defined “hate speech.”
Critics of Israel’s policies towards Palestinians, particularly students, have reportedly faced heightened surveillance, unlawful force, arrests, deportation orders, and sanctions against organizations supporting them.
O’Brien concluded: “It is absolutely critical that the U.S. administration recognizes the seriousness of these violations and protects all people’s right to speak out and dissent without fear of retribution or persecution.”
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