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Resistance and solidarity

Resistance and solidarity are essential—be it through organised civil society, community-led movements, or individual protests. Yet many states seek to silence it. They use excessive force, surveillance, legal and administrative measures, and more. 

Cracking down on dissent undermines democracy and puts lives in danger. It risks normalising repression and chilling free speech.

We expose these tactics and their illegitimacy. We work in solidarity with civil society, activists and dissidents to support their campaigns and advocacy.

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Statement Resistance and solidarity

Joint letter to challenge the delay and limited transparency surrounding the establishment of the AI Act Advisory Forum

Statewatch has co-signed a letter to the Head of AI's office to flag concerns surrounding the delay and limited transparecny…

30 April 2026
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UK: ‘Radio Nick’: a private spy hired by the police

In October, a court case led to the exposure of a private spy who had been hired by the police…

18 December 2025
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UK: Police footage of protests can be held for decades

Police in London and across the UK regularly film protests, with multiple officers often deployed to do so. A response…

2 October 2025
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UK: Peaceful protesters treated as terrorists as politicians fuel far-right activity

Thousands of police were deployed to London last weekend to arrest more than 500 peaceful protesters, as racist protests took…

15 August 2025
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Serbia: Mass protests continue despite government repression

Almost 140 organisations from across Europe and beyond have expressed their solidarity with people in Serbia protesting against the government.…

25 March 2025
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Italian security decree “most serious attack on right to protest in recent decades”

A bill under discussion in the Italian senate is "the most serious attack to the freedom of protest ever waged…

12 December 2024
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Environmental activism under the EU counter-terror microscope

Next week, EU and member state officials will discuss “the role of climate change and environmental concerns in violent extremist…

28 February 2024
News Resistance and solidarity

Spain: Terrorism charges against protesters undermine “international human rights and democratic standards”

A letter signed by 20 organisations from across Europe, including Statewatch, calls for the dropping of terrorism charges filed by…

27 February 2024
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