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Land of the free?

Tuesday, Apr 30, 2024

This letter refers to the news report ‘Biden signs TikTok ban package, Ukraine aid’ (April 25, 2024). It is not only this likely ban that raises questions about suppression of freedom of expression in the US. Criticism of Israel over the Gaza genocide is also being suppressed by the US administration. Student protests have swept across the country and are being handled in a fascist manner. Hundreds of peaceful protesters have been arrested and threatened. Social media platforms have, in some cases, started suspending the accounts of those who condemn Israel for its atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank, naming it antisemitism. The Human Rights Council of the United Nations should take immediate notice of the suppression of free speech in the US and Pakistan’s Foreign Office should summon the US ambassador and express its concern over this grave violation of human rights.

Sikander Aqeel Ansari

Islamabad