Nik Sunil Williams
@nikwilliams.bsky.social
Policy wonk at Index on Censorship and co-chair of the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition. Works on FoEx, Anti-SLAPP and digital rights. Loves Joan Didion, Dinosaurs 🦕 & My Bloody Valentine. He/Him @indexoncensorship.org
Pinned
Stop the rich and powerful ruining the lives of those who speak up
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) are abusive legal threats and lawsuits filed to silence critical speech. They are used by oligarchs, public officials, sexual abusers, wa...
www.megaphone.org.uk
Abusive legal threats can weaponise the British courts against anyone who dares raise their voice. Following yesterday's debate, the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition has launched this petition calling on the public to join the call to #stopSLAPPs
www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/st...
www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/st...
I used to deliver digital security training in Scottish libraries but that was only possible through support from individual institutions or bodies like CILIPS and SLIC and was funded by my TINY organisation.
Proper funding could have really helped so many more people
Proper funding could have really helped so many more people
Yeah the thing that immediately pissed me off about this is how IT basics are taught in libraries and are essential to modern living and have huge - like years long - queues but where’s the funding for that?
if they can offer free AI training they could offer free media literacy training too. i know which of those would do more for the public good
January 28, 2026 at 11:06 AM
I used to deliver digital security training in Scottish libraries but that was only possible through support from individual institutions or bodies like CILIPS and SLIC and was funded by my TINY organisation.
Proper funding could have really helped so many more people
Proper funding could have really helped so many more people
A reminder that #Trump has no values or principles, he will say anything to get the heat off him.
This burns him but the heat is greater for those who profess to be principled yet still support him.
This burns him but the heat is greater for those who profess to be principled yet still support him.
Trump: "With that being said, you can't have guns. You can't walk in with guns. You just can't. You can't walk in with guns. You can't do that. But it's just a very unfortunate incident."
January 27, 2026 at 5:52 PM
A reminder that #Trump has no values or principles, he will say anything to get the heat off him.
This burns him but the heat is greater for those who profess to be principled yet still support him.
This burns him but the heat is greater for those who profess to be principled yet still support him.
Reposted by Nik Sunil Williams
FBI Director Kash Patel said Monday that he had opened an investigation into the Signal group text chats that Minnesota residents are using www.nbcnews.com/tech/interne...
FBI investigating Minnesota Signal chats tracking ICE, Patel says
The statement from FBI Director Kash Patel comes after right-wing media figures said they joined the chats and claimed participants were obstructing law enforcement.
www.nbcnews.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:02 AM
FBI Director Kash Patel said Monday that he had opened an investigation into the Signal group text chats that Minnesota residents are using www.nbcnews.com/tech/interne...
Reposted by Nik Sunil Williams
Auschwitz was at the end of a process. We must remember that it did not start from gas chambers.
This hatred gradually developed: from ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder.
Auschwitz took time.
This hatred gradually developed: from ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder.
Auschwitz took time.
January 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Auschwitz was at the end of a process. We must remember that it did not start from gas chambers.
This hatred gradually developed: from ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder.
Auschwitz took time.
This hatred gradually developed: from ideas, words, stereotypes & prejudice through legal exclusion, dehumanization & escalating violence... to systematic and industrial murder.
Auschwitz took time.
Reposted by Nik Sunil Williams
Today our friend and former colleague #AndreiAliaksandrau spends another birthday behind bars in #Belarus.
Watch as Margaret Atwood, Nadya from Pussy Riot, Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore & Trevor Phillips come together to recite his poem.
The authorities must #FreeAndrei ⬇️
youtu.be/PtYfwV-sTNA?...
Watch as Margaret Atwood, Nadya from Pussy Riot, Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore & Trevor Phillips come together to recite his poem.
The authorities must #FreeAndrei ⬇️
youtu.be/PtYfwV-sTNA?...
Margaret Atwood and other writers, artists and journalists recite a poem for Andrei Aliaksandrau
YouTube video by Index on Censorship
youtu.be
January 27, 2026 at 10:59 AM
Today our friend and former colleague #AndreiAliaksandrau spends another birthday behind bars in #Belarus.
Watch as Margaret Atwood, Nadya from Pussy Riot, Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore & Trevor Phillips come together to recite his poem.
The authorities must #FreeAndrei ⬇️
youtu.be/PtYfwV-sTNA?...
Watch as Margaret Atwood, Nadya from Pussy Riot, Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore & Trevor Phillips come together to recite his poem.
The authorities must #FreeAndrei ⬇️
youtu.be/PtYfwV-sTNA?...
Just listen to how dismissive she and the government are about civil liberties when talking about the roll out of LFR. This is shameful
BREAKING: Facial recognition technology is to be rolled out across England and Wales, under sweeping reforms announced by the home secretary
January 27, 2026 at 7:09 AM
Just listen to how dismissive she and the government are about civil liberties when talking about the roll out of LFR. This is shameful
Reposted by Nik Sunil Williams
“When you have absolute or runaway impunity, [...] when you’ve got law enforcement agencies working without accountability, the public have to almost step in to fill that gap.” Index's @nikwilliams.bsky.social in @notus.com following the murder of #AlexPretti ⬇️
www.notus.org/immigration/...
www.notus.org/immigration/...
The killing of Alex Pretti showed the dangers of filming law enforcement in America. It also showed how vital it is for accountability.
https://www.notus.org/immigration/filming-law-enforcement-first-amendment-accountability
https://www.notus.org/immigration/filming-law-enforcement-first-amendment-accountability
Filming Law Enforcement Is a Tool for Accountability. It's Also Under Attack.
People observing and filming immigration crackdowns have been routinely denounced or threatened by federal officials.
www.notus.org
January 26, 2026 at 12:33 PM
“When you have absolute or runaway impunity, [...] when you’ve got law enforcement agencies working without accountability, the public have to almost step in to fill that gap.” Index's @nikwilliams.bsky.social in @notus.com following the murder of #AlexPretti ⬇️
www.notus.org/immigration/...
www.notus.org/immigration/...
Reposted by Nik Sunil Williams
look at them. murderers itching to murder again but these people chose to stay, to film, to witness, to risk being next, to risk having their families targeted, their names dragged through the mud before their bodies are even cold. i wish they did not have to be brave but i'm grateful that they are.
From Whittier a few hrs ago—after shooting & killing an ICE responder in Minneapolis, 37 yr old Alex Pretti, DHS agents brutalized a crowd that gathered & flooded the area w/ tear gas.
@andral404.bsky.social captured this moment against a building where a fed then pointed his rifle at someone.
@andral404.bsky.social captured this moment against a building where a fed then pointed his rifle at someone.
January 25, 2026 at 4:25 PM
look at them. murderers itching to murder again but these people chose to stay, to film, to witness, to risk being next, to risk having their families targeted, their names dragged through the mud before their bodies are even cold. i wish they did not have to be brave but i'm grateful that they are.
Something has been bugging me about the Trump admin's narrative following the killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
They are so weak and instantly disproved but then it hit me 1/4
They are so weak and instantly disproved but then it hit me 1/4
January 25, 2026 at 4:14 PM
Something has been bugging me about the Trump admin's narrative following the killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
They are so weak and instantly disproved but then it hit me 1/4
They are so weak and instantly disproved but then it hit me 1/4
All strength and solidarity to the people of Minneapolis. Your resistance, creativity, strength and resolve in the face of such violence, ugliness and fear is astonishing.
January 24, 2026 at 10:08 AM
All strength and solidarity to the people of Minneapolis. Your resistance, creativity, strength and resolve in the face of such violence, ugliness and fear is astonishing.
Weird Little Guys by Molly Conger is a brilliant, engaging, informative and humane podcast about an inhumane subject but the intro to the "Cops & Klan" episode reflecting on the killing of Renee Good hit me like a goddamn sledgehammer, moving me to tears open.spotify.com/episode/7krf...
Cops & Klan
open.spotify.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Weird Little Guys by Molly Conger is a brilliant, engaging, informative and humane podcast about an inhumane subject but the intro to the "Cops & Klan" episode reflecting on the killing of Renee Good hit me like a goddamn sledgehammer, moving me to tears open.spotify.com/episode/7krf...
My passion is graphic design
January 22, 2026 at 3:21 PM
My passion is graphic design
I am backing One Battle After Another for the Best Picture Oscar but am delighted Train Dreams was nominated. A beautiful, poised and well-crafted piece of cinema
January 22, 2026 at 2:41 PM
I am backing One Battle After Another for the Best Picture Oscar but am delighted Train Dreams was nominated. A beautiful, poised and well-crafted piece of cinema
Reposted by Nik Sunil Williams
I came to Minneapolis to report on what's going on, and one of the main questions I showed up with is "just what is the scale of the resistance?" After all, we're all used to the news calling Portland a "war zone" or whatever when it's just some protests in one part of town.
January 22, 2026 at 3:58 AM
I came to Minneapolis to report on what's going on, and one of the main questions I showed up with is "just what is the scale of the resistance?" After all, we're all used to the news calling Portland a "war zone" or whatever when it's just some protests in one part of town.
I mean she is never gonna get a better opportunity
Disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes asks Trump to commute her sentence
Disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes asks Trump to commute her sentence
Disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes asks Trump to commute her sentence
www.independent.co.uk
January 21, 2026 at 10:09 PM
I mean she is never gonna get a better opportunity
Important thread from @danneidle.bsky.social about the disappointing decision on the appeal to the SDT findings.
Really worried this will embolden those willing to stifle protected speech using our courts to do so
Really worried this will embolden those willing to stifle protected speech using our courts to do so
The High Court has allowed Nadhim Zahawi's lawyer's appeal against the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal's finding of professional misconduct.
It’s very surprising, and concerning. Quick thread.
It’s very surprising, and concerning. Quick thread.
January 21, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Important thread from @danneidle.bsky.social about the disappointing decision on the appeal to the SDT findings.
Really worried this will embolden those willing to stifle protected speech using our courts to do so
Really worried this will embolden those willing to stifle protected speech using our courts to do so
Reposted by Nik Sunil Williams
That's not the point of the panopticon: the panopticon was not designed so that the eyes of the guard could be on the prisoners at all times; it was designed so that the prisoners did not know whether the guard was watching them or not. It's a subtle but important distinction.
Shabana Mahmood here, and the vibes are not getting better.
January 20, 2026 at 9:49 AM
That's not the point of the panopticon: the panopticon was not designed so that the eyes of the guard could be on the prisoners at all times; it was designed so that the prisoners did not know whether the guard was watching them or not. It's a subtle but important distinction.
Reposted by Nik Sunil Williams
May Minnesota's business leaders someday find the courage of our high school journalists:
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
‘My hands were really shaky’: high-school journalist documents ICE raids
Lila Dominguez was working on an article as agents came on to school grounds – their presence has jolted Minneapolis’s young people
www.theguardian.com
January 20, 2026 at 3:14 AM
May Minnesota's business leaders someday find the courage of our high school journalists:
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Nik Sunil Williams
Gardaí investigated how Irish Times reporter learned of domestic violence charge against member
Gardaí investigated how Irish Times reporter learned of domestic violence charge against member
Initial reporting into Garda Trevor Bolger case in led to journalist being questioned about sources
www.irishtimes.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:42 AM
Gardaí investigated how Irish Times reporter learned of domestic violence charge against member
Reposted by Nik Sunil Williams
"I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace"
January 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM
"I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace"
Reposted by Nik Sunil Williams
“I’ve spent years just trying to survive,” Nina says, “when I should have been building a life. I hope this case can stop other women who go to the police experiencing the same shocking treatment.”
It’s time the police stop failing survivors:
https://goodlaw.social/4w3n
It’s time the police stop failing survivors:
https://goodlaw.social/4w3n
goodlaw.social
January 18, 2026 at 1:45 PM
“I’ve spent years just trying to survive,” Nina says, “when I should have been building a life. I hope this case can stop other women who go to the police experiencing the same shocking treatment.”
It’s time the police stop failing survivors:
https://goodlaw.social/4w3n
It’s time the police stop failing survivors:
https://goodlaw.social/4w3n
Reposted by Nik Sunil Williams
Photo by Pierre Lavie. Yes this is me. And I threw my Leica. It landed on the bass plate with hardly a scratch. Another Photographer grabbed it along with my phone and I was able to track him later. I was held face down tear gas deployed right in front of me and pepper sprayed directly into the eye.
January 17, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Photo by Pierre Lavie. Yes this is me. And I threw my Leica. It landed on the bass plate with hardly a scratch. Another Photographer grabbed it along with my phone and I was able to track him later. I was held face down tear gas deployed right in front of me and pepper sprayed directly into the eye.
I cannot see any viable argument that states that the US is not now an authoritarian state.
It is not en route, it is there
It is not en route, it is there
January 17, 2026 at 1:03 PM
I cannot see any viable argument that states that the US is not now an authoritarian state.
It is not en route, it is there
It is not en route, it is there
All of the Traitors contestants left are dull, unengaging and grotesquely and uninterestingly incompetent at the task in front of them.
January 16, 2026 at 8:42 PM
All of the Traitors contestants left are dull, unengaging and grotesquely and uninterestingly incompetent at the task in front of them.