Amnesty International has issued a ‘Call to Bloggers‘, asking them to get online and stand up for freedom of expression on the internet. The organisation says this is a critical time when fundamental rights particularly freedom of expression and privacy are under threat from governments that want to control what their citizens say, and what information they can access.

The call comes as the online world prepares to meet at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF, Athens 30/10 2/11) to discuss the future of the internet. Amnesty released a statement to the IGF today and is sending a delegation to ensure that human rights are not sidelined and remain at the heart of the forum’s discussions.

Amnesty’s International’s statement also coincides with an urgent appeal on behalf of a blogger in Iran who was detained this month. Kianoosh Sanjari was arrested earlier this month while reporting on clashes between security forces and supporters of Shi’a cleric Ayatollah Boroujerdi. He is being held incommunicado and Amnesty International fears that he may be at risk of torture or ill-treatment. Sanjari had allegedly gone to the home of Ayatollah Boroujerdi in the capital, Tehran, to prepare a report on the clashes that were taking place there.

Steve Ballinger, part of Amnesty International’s delegation to the IGF, said:

Freedom of expression online is a right, not a privilege but it’s a right that needs defending. We’re asking bloggers worldwide to show their solidarity with web users in countries where they can face jail just for criticising the government.

The Internet Governance Forum needs to know that the online community is bothered about free expression online and willing to stand up for it.

Amnesty International is calling on governments and companies to ensure that human rights particularly the rights to freedom of expression, association and the right to privacy are respected and protected.

Steve Ballinger added:

The internet is a powerful force for human rights, enabling the free flow of ideas and information around the world.

But some governments have sought to curtail this freedom. People have been locked up just for expressing their views in an email or a website. Sites and blogs have been shut down and firewalls built to prevent access to information. Companies have restricted internet searches to stop people accessing information that repressive governments don’t want them to see.

Countries and businesses have failed to respect, protect and promote the rights to freedom of expression, association and privacy, and the rights of human rights defenders.

Via: BBC News Player