11.   It widens a crackdown that has tightened controls on Chinese media in an effort to stifle criticism before a key party meeting.

12.   New media and security laws enforced since the poll have been described as efforts to stifle criticism of the government.

13.   Since the election, police have used the law to break up efforts to organize protests and to stifle criticism of the regime.

14.   Such a law could stifle criticism of Russian military actions in breakaway Chechnya or elsewhere, critics say.

15.   The ban is certain to provoke a chorus of protest from the media, which accuse the government of trying to stifle criticism.

16.   The change is intended to stifle criticism from international human rights groups which have accused Thailand of brutality for shooting its condemned convicts.

17.   Tomescu and others claim the government is pushing for greater influence over the national broadcaster to stifle criticism by radio commentators and ensure its grip on power.

18.   After journalists protested it could be used to stifle criticism of officials, the government appointed a special committee to review the law.

19.   Egyptian journalists of all political persuasions have mobilised against the law, charging it aims to stifle criticism of the government and cover up corruption.

20.   They say the stiff fines and prison sentences it sets for journalists accused of defamation are aimed at stifling any criticism of the government.