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: Middle East and North Africa
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
Bahrain: Human rights defender remains jailed
Prominent regime critic Maryam Alkhawaja was detained at Bahrain International Airport on Friday as she tried to enter the country
How Egypt’s NGO trial made me an international fugitive
Egyptian NGOs have to register under a repressive law or risk prosecution. Being convicted as an NGO worker in Egypt has consequences far beyond that country’s borders, writes Michelle Betz
Egypt’s nascent street art movement under pressure
Graffiti played a big part in Egypt’s 2011 revolution. Today the artists face threats of violence, and the potential of jail time and fines under a proposed draft law. Shahira Amin reports
Gaza: Press vests fail to protect Palestinian journalists
News coverage of the ongoing Gaza conflict would be infinitely poorer without local journalists, but it’s clear that international media needs to show their commitment by providing Palestinian reporters and fixers with extra support. Ruth Michaelson reports
Did culture and arts prepare Egypt for revolution?
Some believe the stage for Egypt’s 2011 mass uprising was already being set years earlier — with popular culture helping fuel the people’s anger and frustration. Shahira Amin reports
Index calls on Morocco to release rapper El Haqed
In an Open Letter to the Moroccan Minister of Justice and Liberties El Mustapha Ramid, 11 organisations committed to the defence of the rights to freedom of expression, culture and the arts have condemned the four-month sentence served against Mouad Belghouate.
The Egyptian approach to journalism
On Monday, three Al Jazeera journalists were sentenced in Egypt to 7 years imprisonment each, to the shock of media outlets and NGOs worldwide. Cartoonist Ben Jennings shares his take on journalism in the country.
Egypt’s message to journalists: “Adhere to the official narrative or risk severe punishment”
The sentencing of three Al Jazeera journalists in Egypt has shocked and outraged rights activists and press around the world, and fuelled concern about freedom of expression and the independence of the judiciary in the country. Shahira Amin reports