1. United States
2. S.D.
3. Letter

The ongoing deterioration of civil liberties and human rights in the United States is a grave concern that demands immediate action from our elected representatives. The recent classification of the U.S. as having a "narrowed" civic space by CIVICUS, a global civil society organization, due to attempts to curtail free speech, restrict civil society activities, and crack down on peaceful protests is a serious indictment of the state of our democratic freedoms. The Trump Administration's assault on democratic norms, including its dismantling of checks and balances, restrictive executive orders, and intimidation tactics aimed at chilling dissent, is an affront to the cherished American ideals of free expression and democratic discourse. The Administration's actions, such as the excessive crackdowns on pro-Palestinian protesters, the proposed defunding of public media outlets like NPR and PBS, and the attempts to control the press corps, pose a direct threat to the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution. Furthermore, the exploitation of regulatory power to undermine editorial independence and muzzle critical voices, as evidenced by the FCC's investigation into NPR and PBS, the directives to the Washington Post's opinion pages, and the lawsuit against the Associated Press, erode the principles of a free and independent press that are essential to a healthy democracy. We urge you, as our elected representatives, to take decisive action to protect and uphold the rule of law and respect for constitutional and international human rights norms. The erosion of civil liberties in the United States is a grave matter that cannot be ignored. It is imperative that you work to restore the checks and balances that have been dismantled, safeguard the rights of free speech and peaceful assembly, and ensure the independence and integrity of the press. The preservation of these fundamental freedoms is essential for the continued strength and vitality of our democracy.