Not just western countries either, unfortunately. Having been familiar with Japan for over 20 years now, I've noted an increasing tendency to go the way of the wicked west. Even many of those aspects that most people think of as distinctively oriental have more in common with 19th century western imperialistic authoritarianism than anybody suspects. I guess Japan is a lot like the UK in that way: so many of these quaint, polite little touches to all aspects of their society are in reality the fruit of government oppression, lack of liberty and an unquestioning acceptance of state authority.
RE: UK Free Speech: Six Years in Jail for anti-Religion/anti-Transgender Posts