Being a hip-hop artist in a country where the genre is banned comes with many challenges Iranian rapper Hichkas explains. Mari Shibata reports
The godfather of Iranian hip-hop wants grassroots change
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CATEGORY: Iran
Iran: Rouhani’s insistence on faster internet has staying power
While previous moves toward more openness in Iran have faltered, President Rouhani’s call for faster connection speeds for internet users has carved out common ground with the country’s supreme leader. Azadeh Moaveni writes
Group of death: The worst World Cup countries for free expression
Index has looked at the countries taking part in arguably the biggest show on earth, and put together our own group of death — the freedom of expression edition
Iran: Rouhani’s mixed messages on artistic freedom
The Iranian cultural sector hoped conditions would take a turn for the better when the more moderate Rouhani took over from hardliner Ahmadinejad. The reality is more complicated, writes Raha Zahedpour
Iran’s online conservatives skirt social media restrictions
A new report by Small Media sheds light on the Arzeshi, a hardline, conservative faction of online activists, devoted to the principles of the 1979 revolution and the supreme leader. Milana Knezevic reports
Iran: Friends with (social media) benefits?
During the World Economic Forum currently taking place in Davos, Iran’s president Hassan Rouhani dropped some major news — he doesn’t write his own social media messages.
Being a gay poet in Iran: ‘Writing on the edge of crisis’
Iran’s government has been increasing pressure on writers and artists over the past few years, but its heavy hand does not strike evenly.
Hassan Rouhani raises Iranian hopes for free expression
During his inauguration address, Iran’s new president Hassan Rouhani promised peace and a push towards a more open dialogue with the West. Although it is far too soon to gauge whether his promises will transform into policies as he pushes against Iran’s convoluted theocracy. Small Media reports
Shutting down culture in Iran
In recent weeks, Iran has clamped down on cultural institutions, including officially revoking the license of 27-year old publishing house Cheshmeh Publications, and shutting down the country's independently-run House of Cinema. Here is a look at...
Iranian Girl In Conflict and Consent
Natalie Abbassi is an Iranian-American artist based in North Carolina. In a series of self-portraits entitled "In conflict and consent", Abbassi explores the relationship between her two different identities: This project is a series of self...