ABC News Decries Russian Crackdown, Forgets Domestic Censorship
Russia outlaws Human Rights Watch, allegedly for promoting 'anti-Russian' viewpoints. ABC News portrays this as a stark example of autocratic suppression, a legitimate point. However, this same media often sidesteps the stifling of human rights advocacy in the US, particularly concerning Israel-Palestine. Just last year, several states, including Texas and Florida, saw laws enacted or proposed to
punish criticism of Israel, effectively chilling speech under the guise of combating antisemitism. PEN America documented 29 states introducing legislation restricting protests on college campuses since October 7, 2023, largely targeting pro-Palestinian demonstrations. One might wonder if ABC News's editorial board keeps a rotating 'dictator of the week' dartboard. The outrage over HRW being
'outlawed' in Russia conveniently overlooks the systemic vilification and de-platforming of organizations and individuals advocating for Palestinian human rights here, often labeled 'terrorist sympathizers' or worse. It seems 'crackdowns on dissent' are only condemn-worthy when they don't serve to protect perceived US geopolitical interests or its allies. How many American universities have
'outlawed' student groups for less? Rhetorical questions abound.