CATEGORY: Middle East and North Africa

West Bank journalist rearrested

The Palestinian intelligence service have arrested freelance journalist Mustafa Sabri in Qalqilya city north of the West Bank having only been released from preventative security prison a few days before. He has been arrested and interrogated many...

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Iraq revives book censorship

Iraq's Ministry of Culture has revived regulations forbidding the import of some books, prompting critics to accuse it of restoring Saddam Hussein-era censorship. The ministry has begun requiring publishers to submit lists of titles for approval....

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Iran releases 140 political prisoners

The Iranian government has released 140 people who were being detained for their part in the unrest following the disputed election. Another 150 people are believed to be still in detention. This comes amid increasing reports of abuse and torture...

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Terror group threaten Brüno star

Palestinian militant organisation, the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade that was ridiculed in the new Sacha Baron Cohen film has threatened to "respond in the way we find suitable" against the London-born satirist. The armed wing of the Fatah movement, has...

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Jailed Egyptian poet acquitted

Egyptian poet and teacher Mounir Saeed Hanna who had previously been sentenced to three years imprisonment and a US$18,000 bail has been acquitted. He was originally charged with writing a poem that insulted the president. Read more here

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West Bank lifts ban on al-Jazeera

Al-Jazeera has resumed its broadcasts in the West Bank, after a ban on it was lifted by the Palestinian Authority.  Last week's ban came after a guest on the station accused Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas of collaborating with Israel to have...

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Dealing with the devil

Dealing with the devil

An Iranian boycott of Nokia will not stop surveillance, say Leslie Harris and John Morris. But it may make telecommunications companies think twice about doing business with oppressive regimes

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