· June, 2013

Stories about Middle East & North Africa from June, 2013

Egyptians Want to Overthrow the Regime

  30 June 2013

Egyptians marked the first anniversary of Mohamed Morsi's presidency with huge rallies across Egypt on June 30, calling for him to leave office. Anti-Morsi campaign Tamarrod, whose name translates to rebel, says it has so far gathered more than 22 million signatures from citizens, which call for early presidential elections.

Dozens of Azeri Activists Arrested in Iran

  28 June 2013

Thirty-six Azeri activists including one blogger, Kiaksar, were arrested on Thursday, 27 June in Urmia. Security forces released 300 of these activists after a few hours of interrogation.

Composer's Ode to Turkish Protesters

  28 June 2013

German musician Davide Martello performed live during the protests in Istanbul's Taksim Square. This track is dedicated to the Soldiers of Light, the victims of this insane violence by the turkish government. Composed during the protests in Istanbul two weeks ago… live in the crowds on Taksim Square. That's how...

What Do Brazil and Turkey Have in Common?

  26 June 2013

Brazil and Turkey are thousands of kilometers away from each other, but they have something in common: both countries went out to the streets to protest for their rights as citizens and are now struggling against the excessive violence and oppression from the police. V for Vinegar is a website...

Tamim Bin Hamad Named New Qatar Emir

  25 June 2013

Former Qatari ruler Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani handed power today to his fourth son, Shaikh Tamim. Doha News maintains a live blog here to cover the story.

New Regulations for Skype and Viber in Bahrain

  25 June 2013

“Security considerations” are being cited as reasons behind new regulations which could put an end to the use of popular services such as Skype, WhatsApp, Viber and Tango in Bahrain. A government official says a study is being conducted to regulate Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications - popular services, whose use is costing telecommunication companies.

Saudi Forces Hunt and Kill ‘Wanted’ Protester in Residential Area

  25 June 2013

According to netizen reports, Saudi Emergency Forces entered residential areas in the eastern city of Qatif over two nights, and opened fire. An innocent bystander was killed on the first night, and a man 'wanted' by authorities for protesting and demanding reform in the Kingdom, was shot dead on the second night.

Yemen, Beyond the Headlines

  25 June 2013

Yemen is a country rich in culture, heritage, and history, as well as extremely friendly and hospitable. But that doesn't make the news, and Yemen is often reduced to Al-Qaeda, poverty, and wars in Western media coverage. But through film, photography, blogging, and social media, some Yemenis are trying to change that.

Saudi Human Rights Activist Sentenced To 8 Years in Prison

  24 June 2013

Abdulkareem al-Khadar, founding member of the Kingdom's defiant leading human rights organisation, the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association (ACPRA), was sentenced to eight years in prison for inciting public opinion and establishing an unlicensed human rights organization, among other charges.

Palestinian Assaf Wins Arab Idol Singing Contest

  24 June 2013

Palestinian Mohammed Assaf won the title of this year's Arab Idol, the Arabic version of American Idol. Because there are contestants from different Arab countries, the citizens of each country consider the win a national trophy. Assaf's win sent thousands to the streets celebrating, chanting and dancing.

Salafists Attack Shia Homes in Egypt, Killing Four

  23 June 2013

Four Egyptian adherents of the Shia faith were killed in Egypt today when the house they were meeting in was attacked by Salafists, following two weeks of instigation against the Shia. According to various reports, the house the Shia were meeting in, in Giza, Cairo, was attacked and burned. Al Badil News quotes a witness from the mortuary [ar] who says that one of those killed was slaughtered and the remaining three had injuries to their heads. The horrific incident unleashed anger online.

Egyptians Plan Protests for #June30 to Topple Muslim Brotherhood Rule

  19 June 2013

Egyptians are back to the drawing board, planning protests for June 30, to “topple the regime.” The date, being circulated on social media under the hashtag #June30, marks the first anniversary of the rule of President Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood candidate, who was elected after massive protests started on January 25, 2011, had uprooted Hosni Mubarak.

Iran Qualifies for 2014 World Cup

  18 June 2013

Iran won against South Korea and booked a place in next year's FIFA World Cup. Iranians took to the streets across their country to celebrate.

Iran: Dear Mr. President, Fix the Internet!

  17 June 2013

A group of bloggers and cyber activists wrote a letter to new President-elect Hassan Rouhani, asking him to increase Internet speed. They also complain about filtering and remind Rouhani that he used the Internet to promote his campaign.

Iran:Remember Jailed Opposition Leader

  16 June 2013

Several people who celebrated Hassan Rouhani's victory in presidential election in Shiraz chanted slogans to support Mir Hussein Mousavi, an opposition leader who has been under house arrest for several years.

About our Middle East & North Africa coverage

Mariam A.
Mariam A. is the editor for the Middle East & North Africa. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.