Freedom of Expression
You have reached ACRI’s archive, updated with our activity up until 2018. For more recent posts, please visit our current website here.
Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of democracy and is one of the essential ingredients in the realization of individual freedom, because it allows members of a society to openly evaluate and criticize its government. As such, all individuals in democratic societies should have the right to express themselves freely in speech, writing or otherwise, to demonstrate freely, and to disseminate information and opinions for the public interest. Freedom of expression does not only mean the expression of views that are widely accepted by the public or reflect the government’s policies, but also minority views and views that are considered irritating, extreme, and unacceptable.
ACRI works relentlessly to prevent violations to freedom of expression in Israel. ACRI seeks to defend those who use this freedom for the purposes of protecting and promoting human rights, and to hold accountable government and non-government officials who use their authority to subdue critical voices. Not only does ACRI support protesters through legal work and rights education, but through an annual Human Rights March that promotes public awareness of effective usage of freedom of expression. Through its commitment to ensuring Freedom of Expression to all members of Israeli society, ACRI has brought about numerous landmark rulings safeguarding this fundamental freedom.
All
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The police must stop infringing upon the freedom of demonstration
November 12, 2015
Today ACRI petitioned the Acting Chief Police Commander, Benzi Sau and demanded an end to violations of the freedom of … Read more
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ACRI’s response to the Draft NGO Funding Bill
November 2, 2015
“This proposal is yet another attempt to harm Israeli democracy through silencing and intimidation. This legislative memorandum aims to … Read more
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Freedom of expression for Arab workers
October 25, 2015
Dear friends, Have you heard of the phenomenon where Arab workers have been dismissed for nothing more than … Read more
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Police Discrimination Against Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem
September 1, 2015
On August 4, 2015, ACRI contacted the Jerusalem District Commander of Israel Police in response to reports of profiling against … Read more
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Banning the Screening of “Shivering in Gaza” is a Violation of Free Speech
July 20, 2015
The municipalities of Sderot and Be’er Sheva have surrendered to political pressure and prevented the screening of a movie that … Read more
Legal Work
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From Beit She’an to Jerusalem, ACRI Protects the Rights of Tent Protesters
August 3, 2011
Since the eruption of the current “tent protest,” which has grown from a few tents in Tel Aviv to a … Read more
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ACRI Condemns Efforts to Suppress Tent City Protesters
July 26, 2011
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) condemns recent efforts by the police and authorities to violate freedom of … Read more
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ACRI to Government Press Office: “Retract Warning to Foreign Journalists Boarding Flotilla to Gaza”
June 27, 2011
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) urged the Director of the Israeli Government Press Office to retract statements … Read more
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Harassment of Political Activists at Ben-Gurion University
June 19, 2011
ACRI in a letter to the President of Ben-Gurion University: “Take Action against Security Personnel Who Harassed Political Activists.” … Read more
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High Court Petition: “Nakba Law Is Unconstitutional”
May 4, 2011
In a petition filed to Israel’s High Court of Justice today (May 4) by human rights groups, alumni of an … Read more
In the Knesset
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ACRI to Knesset Speaker – Vebal Abuse and Silencing at the Knesset
October 5, 2010
6 June, 2010 Attn: Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin The Knesset Jerusalem Read MK Rivlin’s response to ACRI here. Dear Sir, … Read more
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ACRI to Education Minister: Protect Academic Research
August 17, 2010
ACRI calls on Education Minister Gideon Sa’ar to safeguard freedom of academic research first and foremost, not only donations to … Read more
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Striking a Balance between Security and Human Rights
July 8, 2010
ACRI submits position paper on draft counter-terror bill In July, ACRI submitted to the Justice Ministry a position paper on … Read more
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ACRI to PM, Ministers: Allow Demonstrations, Don’t Harm Protesters
May 31, 2010
Following flotilla crisis, ACRI sends urgent appeal ahead of planned protests May 31, 2010 To: Prime Minister Mr. Binyamin Netanyahu … Read more
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ACRI to Attorney-General: Clarify Police Guidelines on Demonstrations
January 21, 2010
Following illegal arrests in Shiekh Jarrah, ACRI urges the Attorney-General: “The severity of this conduct warrants setting clear guidelines,” Press … Read more