Suppression of artistic expression on political grounds has been the most common violation of artistic freedom documented by Freemuse over the years. These cases exemplify violations of artistic freedom in which artists face varying consequences for their expressions – artistic or otherwise – deemed critical of state authorities, including presidents, members of police, military, judiciary, etc. 

Artists are commonly subject to censorship or in more severe cases to criminal prosecution for expressing dissent about the way the authorities run their country. They face repercussions for alleged insult of a head of state or state symbols, production of satirical commentaries on political reality in their country or for their active engagement in political events, such as protests, rallies, or public performances. 

In countries where democracy has been challenged over years, some opposition-aligned artists have been under the constant radar of the authorities which leads to their multiple arbitrary arrests on annual basis.