![With the CIA hacking tools, black sites, the NSA's mass surveillance programme, the US can no longer tout itself as an exceptional democracy, writes Saleem [Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/222efa105cc34a469421b56114260494_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Revelations about CIA’s extensive hacking arsenal may push governments around the world to pursue similar exploits.
![Chelsea Manning was placed in solitary confinement after her suicide attempt in September 2016 [Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/c91ad4f7e00c43d7805f6b2ee39a4efe_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
President Barack Obama set a precedent with a fierce crackdown on whistle-blowers.
![Three of the five missing Pakistani activists (clockwise from left): Waqas Goraya, Salman Haider and Asim Saeed [Facebook]](/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/b6443aac62cb49ea9064b5b6d55e03bf_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
The abductions of five activists are yet another attempt to spread fear among those who speak out in Pakistan.