Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/crackdowns-on-free-speech-in-the-u-k-and-australia-nationwide-injunctions-still-happening/
Australian Politics
A Victorian tribunal has found Dr. Jereth Kok, a Christian GP, guilty of professional misconduct based on social media posts spanning 12 years related to abortion, gender ideology, and COVID-19 policies. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) deemed 54 of 85 posts disrespectful or unbalanced, despite no direct connection to patient care. Dr. Kok has been suspended for over six years and faces potential career loss, with an appeal under consideration. The tribunal’s decision largely dismissed constitutional protections, prompting debate over the balance between professional regulation and personal expression. While some groups, including the Australian Medical Association, support the ruling as necessary to uphold professional standards, others, like the Human Rights Law Alliance, warn it could set a precedent limiting free speech for professionals outside clinical settings.
European Politics
In the UK, access to footage of anti-mass migration protests has been restricted under the newly enacted Online Safety Act as of July 25. British users of X have reported limited access to content, including videos of police actions during protests triggered by an alleged migrant-related assault in Epping. Critics, including Elon Musk and the Free Speech Union, have raised concerns about potential censorship and suppression of dissent. Searches for VPNs have reportedly surged, and a petition to repeal the law has garnered nearly 300,000 signatures, exceeding the threshold required for parliamentary debate. On the other hand, government officials argue the restrictions are part of efforts to monitor social media for potential civil unrest, with new units established to manage public discourse and maintain order.
US Politics
The Epstein Affair continues to draw public attention. Charles Hugh Smith has described it as a potential watershed moment, alleging it reveals a network of elite influence across politics, academia, and media. He claims the scandal suggests a system where powerful individuals evade accountability, implicating both political parties, though no definitive evidence of a coordinated cover-up has been presented. Conversely, some mainstream outlets and legal experts argue the case is being handled appropriately through ongoing investigations, suggesting claims of systemic failure may be overstated.
President Donald Trump’s policy on birthright citizenship remains blocked nationwide following a federal judge’s ruling in Massachusetts. On July 25, Judge Leo Sorokin upheld an injunction, citing administrative and financial burdens on plaintiff states such as New Jersey and Massachusetts. The policy, which denies citizenship under specific parental status conditions, was ruled unconstitutional by Sorokin, though he noted the Supreme Court may ultimately decide the issue. Legal scholars on both sides continue to debate the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, with some arguing the policy aligns with its original intent, while others see the ruling as a necessary check on executive overreach.
Health
In the Netherlands, Arno van Kessel, a lawyer suing Bill Gates and Albert Bourla over alleged COVID-19 vaccine injuries, was arrested on June 11 during a raid and remains detained. Authorities have not publicly detailed the evidence against him, and he missed a key court hearing. His case, which questions the nature of mRNA injections, has received limited mainstream media coverage, prompting some to raise concerns about potential suppression of dissent. The Public Prosecution Service, however, claims the arrest is part of a broader investigation into a possible criminal network, though specific charges related to a NATO summit disruption were withdrawn due to lack of evidence.
Additionally, a study published in JAMA Health Forum, as reported by The Telegraph, estimates that COVID-19 vaccines saved 2.5 million lives globally, significantly lower than the World Health Organization’s initial projection of 14.4 million. The analysis indicates benefits were primarily among the elderly, with limited impact on younger populations, amid ongoing discussions about adverse effects and public trust. The WHO and other health experts defend the broader benefits of vaccination, including reduced hospital burdens, though they acknowledge the need for targeted approaches in future policies.
Geopolitics
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an unconditional ceasefire following deadly border clashes, with the agreement brokered under reported pressure from President Trump’s threat to withhold trade deals. Announced by Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after talks on July 28, the ceasefire took effect at midnight, halting a conflict that resulted in 34 deaths and displaced over 168,000 people along their disputed 500-mile border. Envoys from the U.S. and China supported the negotiations, which aimed to prevent further regional escalation. Some regional analysts, however, suggest the ceasefire was equally driven by ASEAN’s long-standing mediation efforts, emphasizing local diplomatic initiatives over external influence.
Economy
President Trump and the European Union reached a trade deal on Sunday, avoiding a potential trade war ahead of an August 1 deadline for new tariffs. The agreement, finalized after intense negotiations, establishes a 15% baseline tariff on European goods, with higher rates on steel and aluminum, while the EU commits to significant purchases of U.S. energy and military products. The deal aims to rebalance trade and mitigate risks to $1.7 trillion in cross-border commerce, though some analysts have expressed skepticism about certain figures provided in the agreement. Trade experts note that while the tariffs may lead to higher prices for American consumers, they are unlikely to severely disrupt global trade flows.
Sources
Is the Epstein Affair the Breaking Point for American Trust in Institutions?
America’s elites aren’t above the law; there is no law.
Source | Submitted by pinecarr
Dutch Lawyer Suing Gates and Bourla for COVID Vaccine Injuries Arrested in Shocking Raid
Van Kessel said: “It’s one or the other, and there’s no in between.”
Source | Submitted by richcabot
Australian Doctor Found Guilty of Misconduct for Social Media Posts, Raising Free Speech Concerns
The decision is deeply disappointing for Dr Kok and sets a concerning precedent for freedom of speech in Australia, particularly for professionals who hold Christian or conservative beliefs.
Source | Submitted by DocG
Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Ceasefire Under Trump’s Trade Threat Pressure
“Both Cambodia and Thailand reached a common understanding as follows: One, an immediate and unconditional ceasefire with effect from 24 hours local time, midnight on 28th July 2025, tonight.”
Mainstream Media Concedes: COVID Vaccines Saved Far Fewer Lives Than Claimed
Covid vaccines saved far fewer lives than first thought, a major new analysis has concluded, with researchers criticising ‘aggressive mandates’…
Federal Judge Upholds Nationwide Block on Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Policy
The record does not support a finding that any narrower option would feasibly and adequately protect the plaintiffs from the injuries they have shown they are likely to suffer if the unlawful policy announced in [Trump’s] Executive Order takes effect during the pendency of this lawsuit.
Trump and EU Strike Tariff Deal, Averting Trade War at Eleventh Hour
I think it’s going to be great for both parties, I think your various countries are very happy about this.
UK Blocks Footage of Anti-Immigration Protests Under New Online Safety Act
Due to local laws, we are temporarily restricting access to this content until X estimates your age.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: The Hill, Fox News, The New York Times, DutchNews.nl, World Health Organization, Australian Medical Association, Human Rights Law Alliance, Asia Times, Dmitry Grozoubinski, and The Telegraph.