Global Voices · Citizen media stories about Middle East & North Africa

“Women are front, left and center of the revolution. When people started protesting, they were like, ‘Women should stay at home.’ But we were like — no.”

Iran faces backlash from its Azeri citizens over Armenia and the Karabakh question

Written by Aisha Jabbarova · Central Asia & Caucasus

Far more Azeris live in Iran than in Azerbaijan. When Armenia's PM visited Tehran earlier this year, they made their voices heard.

10 April 2019

Four real-life locations that could have featured in Game of Thrones

Written by Filip Stojanovski · Eastern & Central Europe

As viewers gear up for one last dose of dynastic squabbling, political intrigue and looming supernatural doom, four actual locations that wouldn't be out of place on Westeros and Essos.

9 April 2019

In landmark decision, Lebanese military court rules that homosexuality is not a crime

Written by Elias Abou Jaoude · Lebanon

The good news was soon tempered by the fact that the army is seeking to appeal the court so that the four individuals are charged with crimes.

8 April 2019

Morocco’s Hirak movement has gone quiet, but the crackdown on independent media continues

Written by Afef Abrougui · Morocco

The movement triggered a backlash for independent journalists and people who wanted to document the protests and ensuing crackdown.

5 April 2019

Netizen Report: As water levels rise, Iran’s ban on messaging apps is slowing emergency relief for flood victims

Written by Netizen Report Team · Iran

Iranians ask for censorship pause in face of fatal floods, Indians suspect Facebook of election meddling and Australia tries to ban violent videos.

4 April 2019

How pro-government media in Morocco use “fake news” to target and silence Rif activists

Written by Afef Abrougui · Morocco

While the internet can provide a platform for marginalized voices, it can also facilitate their victimization.

When Algeria makes headlines, French and English media report differently

Written by Rakotomalala · Algeria

French- and English-language media sources take different approaches to reporting on the Algerian political crisis.

3 April 2019

Government official says the ban on messaging apps is slowing flood relief in Iran

Written by Center for Human Rights in Iran · Iran

"In situations where sharing information is vital, censorship can turn into a deadly phenomenon."

31 March 2019

Uyghur man bids to save ‘most extraordinary mom in the world’ from Chinese camp

Written by Chris Rickleton · China

"There is no due process, there is no trial. Nobody knows when they are getting out."

29 March 2019

#WelcomeHomeAlaa: Egyptian revolution activist Alaa Abd El Fattah released after five years in prison

Written by Afef Abrougui · Egypt

Alaa was a leading voice among Egyptian bloggers and technology activists in Cairo approaching and during the Egyptian Revolution.

25 March 2019

Two years after completing his sentence, Emirati activist Osama al-Najjar remains in detention

Written by Afef Abrougui · United Arab Emirates

Al-Najjar was arrested over tweets calling for the release of prisoners of conscience in the Emirates.

21 March 2019

Christchurch massacre brings out the best and worst in humanity

Written by Kevin Rennie · Oceania

"He may have sought notoriety but we, in New Zealand, will give nothing — not even his name."

19 March 2019

Activists speak out against Iraq's cybercrime bill

Written by Afef Abrougui · Iraq

The bill prescribes lengthy prisons sentences, including life imprisonment, for speech-related offences.

14 March 2019

Why is the Islamic Republic of Iran afraid of Nasrin Sotoudeh?

Written by Fred Petrossian · Iran

"The Islamic Republic is struggling for its survival. Anyone with the potential of leading change is regarded as a significant threat by the authorities. Nasrin Sotoudeh is such a person."