Throughout the world, some governments have introduced drastic measures against the COVID-19 outbreak, suspending many fundamental freedoms and rights until further notice. In this context, the friction between the proclaimed and the actual freedom of expression is growing. Criticism and undesirable information are targeted by new regulations in law against disinformation, especially on social media. Social distancing increases existing inequalities of representation and further restricts access to the public sphere. What can we do to give everyone a voice in today's context? How can we do this whilst protecting artists and their rights?

This discussion, originally planned for our Plenary Meeting in Tromsø, took place online through an interactive webinar on 24 April at 12:00 CET.

Moderator 
Pelin Başaran, Siyah Bant, UK/Turkey

Speakers
Sara Whyatt, researcher on freedom of artistic expression and human rights, UK
Israel Aloni, Ildance, Sweden/Australia
Salil Tripathi, Writer, Chair: Writers in Prison Committee, PEN International, India/USA

Image in banner: ©️ Jovis Aloor