Famous Case Studies
Freedom of Expression
1. Salman Rushdie – The Satanic Verses
Rushdie’s novel sparked outrage in parts of the Muslim world due to its depiction of Islamic figures.
Iran issued a fatwa calling for his death, and the book was banned in multiple countries. The case
raised questions about the line between blasphemy and literary freedom.
2. Ai Weiwei – Art as Dissent
Chinese artist Ai Weiwei used his work to critique the Chinese government’s human rights abuses.
As a result, he faced surveillance, detention, and the censorship of his work both in China and
abroad. His case is a powerful example of how art challenges authoritarian control.
3. Pussy Riot – Protest and Punishment
This Russian feminist punk group was sentenced to prison for performing a protest song in a
Moscow cathedral. Their arrest sparked global debates about artistic freedom, religion, and
political dissent.
4. TikTok & Social Media Moderation
Content related to political protest, LGBTQ+ rights, or minority issues is sometimes removed
or suppressed by platforms like TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram—especially in countries with
restrictive governments. These cases show how private tech companies play an increasing
role in censorship today.