Third Red Scare Unfolds: Global Community Condemns Assault on Free Speech
September 20, 2025 - WASHINGTON D.C.
The United States is experiencing a resurgence of the Red Scare, with ordinary Americans being fired for expressing their opinions about Charlie Kirk's killing. The phenomenon has sparked international concern and condemnation from human rights organizations, academics, and governments worldwide.
According to reports, over 60,000 individuals have been targeted by an anonymous website, the Charlie Kirk Data Foundation, which is building a blacklist of people deemed to have expressed unacceptable reactions to the killing. Prominent right-wing voices, including Laura Loomer and Libs of TikTok, are actively identifying targets, including police officers, high school teachers, and nurses.
"This is not just an American issue; it's a global concern," said Amira Mohamed, director of the International Human Rights Commission. "The erosion of free speech is a threat to democracy worldwide. We're seeing a chilling effect on people's willingness to express themselves, and that's unacceptable."
The current wave of censorship has its roots in the 2020s, when conservative politicians and media outlets began pushing for stricter regulations on online content. The movement gained momentum after Charlie Kirk was shot, with many right-wing figures calling for greater control over social media platforms.
"This is not about cancel culture; it's about a coordinated effort to silence dissenting voices," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on free speech and censorship at the University of California, Berkeley. "The fact that ordinary Americans are being fired for expressing their opinions is a stark reminder of the dangers of government overreach and corporate complicity."
As the situation continues to unfold, international organizations are calling for greater scrutiny of online content moderation practices and the need for robust protections for free speech.
"The global community must come together to condemn this assault on freedom of expression," said United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet. "We cannot allow the erosion of fundamental rights to continue unchecked."
The Charlie Kirk Data Foundation has not responded to requests for comment, but its website remains active, with a growing list of targeted individuals.
In response to international pressure, US lawmakers are set to hold hearings on the issue next month, with several bills aimed at protecting free speech and online expression expected to be introduced in Congress.
As the world watches, one thing is clear: the third Red Scare has become a global concern, with far-reaching implications for democracy, human rights, and the future of free speech.
*Reporting by Vox.*
