Stories about Middle East & North Africa
7 August 2017
Syrian Town of Arbin Picks Up the Pieces After Deadly Airstrike During Truce
"This act is in violation of international norms and laws, a breach of the ceasefire agreement."
6 August 2017
‘They Can't Stop Us’ — World Mourns Execution of Palestinian-Syrian Activist Bassel Khartabil Safadi by the Assad Regime
"This is a loss for Syria. This is loss for Palestine. This is my loss." - Noura Ghazi Safadi
5 August 2017
Behind Bars for 30 Days: EU Leaders Condemn Turkey's Detention of #Istanbul10
The European Commission called for the “immediate release” of the group, calling the detentions part of a “deeply worrying pattern” of imprisonment in Turkey.
4 August 2017
‘With Empty Hands But Deep Beliefs,’ Jamal Hosseini Lost His Life Fighting for Human Rights in Iran
The third anniversary of the mysterious death of Jamal Hosseini, a bridge between underground activists in Iran and the global community of human rights activists.
The New Wave of Independent Musicians Performing in Moroccan Arabic
“The alternative scene embodies freedom in genre; freedom to explore and create new genres”.
3 August 2017
Netizen Report: Tech Community Mourns Open Source Activist Executed in Syria
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Will Palestine's New Cybercrime Law Pave the Way for More Rights Violations?
The law places several restrictions on free expression through vague terms like "social harmony", "state security" and "public order".
1 August 2017
Global Voices Honors the Life of Open Web Activist Bassel Khartabil, Executed by the Syrian Regime
We honor all of Bassel's work as a leader in the open web movement, and the efforts of all those who advocated for his release over the past five years.
31 July 2017
Why Are Russians Indifferent to the Syrian Conflict?
"At a minimum, the numerous problems with rights and freedoms in Russia suck up a lot of time...which doesn’t leave energy for problems taking place far from Russia."
27 July 2017
What Do Election Results Signal About Women's Political Participation in Iran?
Iranian election results, although mixed, signal hope for an Iran where women’s voices matter on both national and local levels.
26 July 2017
Syrians Fleeing the War Seek Refuge in Brazil Where the Assad Regime Has Some Powerful Supporters
Syrians fleeing the country's civil war are trying to find a place in Brazil they can call home.
Who Are the #Istanbul10? Learn About the Work of Jailed Human Rights Defenders in Turkey
A group of human rights defenders and information technology trainers continue to face jail time in Turkey and accusations that they were "aiding a terrorist organization without being a member."
23 July 2017
Bahraini Rights Activist Ebtisam Al-Saegh Charged Under Terrorism Law
Bahraini authorities have constantly harassed Al-Saegh because of her rights activism.
21 July 2017
Lebanese Government Bans All Protests Right Before a Syrian Refugee Solidarity Sit-In
Activists called for a protest after four Syrian refugees died while in the custody of the Lebanese army.
19 July 2017
A Water Weed Is Damaging Ethiopia's Largest Lake and Putting Livelihoods at Risk
The lake has become a symbol of the dire state of Ethiopia’s natural resources at a time when Ethiopia’s fast-growing population needs more of everything.
How the Assault on Independent Media in Bahrain Silenced a Trusted Regional Watchdog
"Freedom of expression is under sustained attack here. With the shuttering of Al Wasat, there is no real journalism left.”
18 July 2017
One Year Later: Why the Purges in Turkey Were Always in the Pipeline
"What has happened in Turkey is a tragedy, made even worse by the fact that the loudest voices in the chorus said the wrong things at the wrong time."
14 July 2017
For Syrian Refugees Living in Jordan, Journalism Offers Hope and Opportunity to Rebuild Their Homeland
For Syrian refugees in Jordan, Syrians Between Us provides the skills they need to tell their own stories.
12 July 2017
A Syrian Artist From the Israeli-Occupied Golan Heights Explores Identity and Humanity in His Work
“I was motivated because I’m born undefined — and I’m still undefined — but I came to understand myself more through understanding others."
Human Rights Defenders Are Still Behind Bars in Turkey
In a tweet on behalf of their staff, Amnesty International recalled their efforts to protect (Turkish President) Erdogan when he was arrested in 1998 during a stint as Istanbul's mayor.
About our Middle East & North Africa coverage
Joey Ayoub is Middle East and North Africa editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.
Lova Rakotomalala is the French editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.
