Supression of the free press: What's the galactic Precedent?

There are ample examples throughout Earth's history of political leaders silencing press, squashing dissention and suppressing truth in order to cement power. Yet, on a galactic scale, these trends are surprisingly rare.  There are, of course, some notable exceptions to this trend of openness and enlightenment throughout the galaxy – exceptions that this reporter and publication have covered extensively in the past. Let's take a look at a few.