Featured stories about Middle East & North Africa
Stories about Middle East & North Africa
25 May 2017
Iraqi Parliament Slammed for Bill Restricting Free Speech, Right to Protest
Instead of working to ensure stronger protections for freedoms, the Iraqi parliament is rather seeking to pass a repressive law.
24 May 2017
Following Uproar, Shia Leader Tries to Make Amends With Iraq's Christian Community
Past comments by Alaa al-Moussawi sparked a number of lawsuits by Christian Iraqi families for disturbing the plurality of Iraq. He has since apologized.
22 May 2017
Lebanese Activists Disturb Talk by Politicians and Call for Better Political Representation
"We wanted to tell them: You Stink, your expiry date has passed...you stole people's rights by not allowing them to vote."
Beirut's Municipality Deals Another Blow to the City's Green Space
The municipality's recent policies are threatening the capital's last remaining major green space
17 May 2017
Iran Elections 2017: Hassan Rouhani Ran on Openness. But What Did He Actually Achieve?
Hassan Rouhani has been both the candidate and President of "hope and moderation" for Iranians. Article 19's report assesses how this has had an affect on freedoms online.
To Take a Stand for Love, Beirut Pride Had to Overcome Hate
A hotel where the first event was scheduled canceled on organizers after facing pressure from religious groups. But that hasn't stopped Beirut Pride from going forward.
12 May 2017
Calls for Boycott After Pizza Hut Israel Mocks Palestinian Hunger Strikers on Facebook
"...because human dignity is much more precious that your pizza!! #Boycott_PizzaHut"
11 May 2017
Netizen Report: Draft Laws in Egypt Could Lock Down Social Media
As Egypt's parliament pushes to further restrict expression, Turkey blocks Wikipedia, Russia blocks WeChat, and the UK can't seem to stop snooping.
Iran's Upcoming Local Elections Are an Opportunity for Women
Elections later this month present Iranians with the chance to reshape their government by putting more women in politics.
9 May 2017
Iraq's Parliament Is ‘Convinced’ There's No Corruption Under Health Minister Hamoud. But Are Iraqis?
"Parliament’s satisfaction with Adilah Hamoud’s answers means the government believes that poor healthcare is what the people deserve from the corrupt minister."
8 May 2017
Seven Years After Execution, Kurdish Teacher Farzad Kamangar's Legacy of Hope Remains
"I know that one day, this harsh and uneven road will be paved for teachers and the suffering you endured will be a badge of honour..."
Tunisian Media Activist Interrogated Over Sources of Leaked Documents
Sami Ben Gharbia is a significant figure in independent media and digital human rights activism in Tunisia and the Arab region.
6 May 2017
Jordan's Magic Sorcerers Continue to Be Sought After
"Looking at what we might call magic today or throughout Muslim traditions, in many cases it seems to expand the possibilities of what is thinkably 'Islamic'."
5 May 2017
Draft Law Would Require Egyptian Social Media Users to Register With Government
Users who do not register could face up to six months in jail and a fine.
Omani Authorities Block Access to Online Magazine Mowatin
The independent magazine was blocked by Oman authorities on World Press Freedom Day, hours after resuming publication.
Wikipedia Is Turkey's First Major Censorship Target, Post-Referendum. What Will Be Next?
"Whats the aim, to stay uninformed?"
Venezuela's Protests Arrive in Lebanon
"What nerve. Tarek WIlliam Saab, who should ensure the Human Rights of Venezuelans and doesn't do it, goes and talks about Human Rights in #Lebanon."
4 May 2017
Iranian News Agency Publishes ‘Fabricated’ Story Accusing UN Special Rapporteur of Misdeeds With Saudi Arabia
It's not the first time Iranian officials have tried to discredit the office of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Iran.
3 May 2017
Salt Water Challenge, Skipping Meals and #DignityStrike: Palestinians Show Solidarity With Prisoners’ Hunger Strike
Prisoners are demanding an end to solitary confinement, arrest and detention without trial known as administrative arrest, and medical negligence, as well as the improvement of conditions within the prison.
‘We Are Not Slaves, We Want Our Rights': Lebanon's Migrant Domestic Workers March on Labour Day
Hundreds of migrant domestic workers and Lebanese activists took to the streets on Labour Day to protest against Lebanon's notorious Kafala system and for justice.
About our Middle East & North Africa coverage
Afef Abrougui is Advox Editor for the Middle East and North Africa. Email her story ideas related to freedom of expression online.
Lova Rakotomalala is the French editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.
