41.   Niyazov has stifled dissent and the country has no independent watchdogs to monitor corruption or human rights abuses.

42.   NTV says its struggle for survival reflects an authoritarian drive to stifle dissent.

43.   Opponents say he has stifled dissent to strengthen his hold on power.

44.   Opposition lawmakers had opposed the spy agency bill, claiming that it could be used to stifle political dissent.

45.   Opposition leaders and human rights groups accuse the government of fabricating the charges to stifle dissent.

46.   President Alexander Lukashenko has been accused of stifling dissent and harassing opposition parties in this former Soviet republic.

47.   Residents say the accusations are a government effort to stifle dissent.

48.   President Fidel Ramos says the law is needed to combat a rise in international terrorism, but critics say it could also be used to stifle dissent.

49.   Residents say the accusation is a government effort to stifle dissent.

50.   Ramos said the measures are needed to combat a rise in international terrorism, but critics say they could also be used to stifle dissent.