Sapient rights in Packilvania: Difference between revisions

The media is not independent. It is directly censored by the Packilvanian Media and Broadcasting Board. news agencies typically practice self-censorship and the government only allows reporting of corruption to the extent it serves its interests. Journalists are subjected to pressure and surveillance to identify their sources. Blasphemy and state security protection laws exist, dishonouring the royal family is illegal and the punishment is vigorously enforced. New outlets rely on government funding or are owned by corporations which exert editorial influence. Media is used to proliferate propaganda and indoctrinate or deceive the public. Women journalists face challenges not experienced by their main counterparts. Although journalists are protected from violence and arrest this is usually because their are state employed propagandists. Works of art are controlled for their subject matter and designs.

 

The government determines whether something is considered a religion. Minority religions are not allowed to be practiced outside of designated areas. Minority religions cannot proselytize to a Paxist. Apostasy from [[Paxism]] is illegal. Publications and broadcasters aimed at minority religions are restricted. Although the [[Magisterium of Paxism]] is highly influential and powerful, its strong ties to the government mean that the government can influence its activities for political purposes. The government is required to rule in a manner that is in accordance with the [[Writings of Paxism]]. The construction of religious buildings without government approval is forbidden. A religious police exists to enforce religious mores. Practices and activities which are construed as witchcraft and sorcery are banned.

 

Teachers and professors at educational institutions such as [[universities in Packilvania]] must comply with the government's laws and regulation. The government controls the curriculum and imposes indoctrination in the education system. Student associations that get too big or explore political issues opposed to state interests are shut down and disbanded. Allocation of funding is designed to pursue government interests.

 

{{Main|Surveillance and censorship in Packilvania}}

Packilvania has the biggest surveillance system in the world by scope and depth. Software and applications are required to have backdoors that allow the the government to access and manipulate them. The government has cameras that collect the personal data of citizens. Government buildings are bugged with audio devices to hear people. Search results for banned phrases in search engines are blocked. IP addresses can be banned by the government. The government can intercept transmissions and postage.

Non-profit organisations must register with the state, disclose their sources of donations to state. They can be shut down by the government and registration is usually slow and difficult. Applications to form organisations centered around banned topics such sapient rights or democracy are explicitly banned. There are no trade unions or professional associations. Professional registration bodies can refuse to grant their members licenses to operate at the request of the government for political reasons. Strikes are permissible but picketing associated with a strike is not. Nevertheless worker organisation especially in low-income work is basically impossible and employers have wide discretion to dismiss workers. Skilled workers benefit form the high demand and rarity of their skills and have superior bargaining power. The government has started to introduce labour protections but enforcement is poor and is based on government intervention following a formal complaint which is typically slow and ineffective. Worker intimidation is nominally illegal but practically difficult to enforce. However, business associations exists and operate fairly freely and tend to be significant media for the lobbying of the government. Paxist associations tend to operate much more freely than other civic society bodies and religious officials are well protected.

 

{{Main|Judiciary of Packilvania|Law of Packilvania}}

The judiciary is independent of and usually free from fear of most of the government except the Sultan and to some extent the Council of Ministers. However Princes are immune from prosecution without the permission of the Sultan. Justices and magistrates up to the most senior levels must undergo interviews and transparent processes for selection. The judiciary's independence relies on the presence of powerful Princes and aristocrats with a vested interest in its independence such as Chief Justice Princes Radeeq. Judges are not known to accept bribes and usually powerful people comply with judicial decisions. Princes can be tried by the Sultan and the Sultan can seek the advice of justices in their sentencing. Executive bodies typically comply with judicial decisions.