According to opposition website rahesabz a think tank close to the Iranian security apparatus has published a leaflet containing a list of publishers, writers and translators deemed as "usurpers" intent on overthrowing the regime. The publishers...
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Pakistan: Father and son sentenced for life for blasphemy
A court in Punjab has sentenced a father and his son to lifetime imprisonment for allegedly tearing down a poster in a gathering to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammad. Mohammad Shafi, the 45-year-old father is himself a mosque prayer leader....
Kuwait: TV Channel and newspapers shut down
The Kuwaiti satellite channel Mubasher and newspaper Al-Mustaqbal, both owned by Shaikh Fahd Salem Al Ali have been banned by the country's ministry of commerce on a request by the ministry of information. The ministry of commerce...
Iran: Coelho books banned
Brazilian author Paulo Coelho has published a message on his blog claiming his books have been banned in Iran. The Brazilian author has not been given the specific reasons for this action. However he has said that he has been using social networks...
Ban Ki-Moon calls for release of Belarus journalists
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has expressed concern for political prisoners being held in Belarus in the aftermath of December's presidential elections. A UN spokesman told reporters: "[Ban is] concerned about the continued detention of...
Tunisia: Protesters killed in continuing unrest
At least 14 protesters have been killed in violent demonstrations in the cities of Tala, Kasserine and Rgeb since Saturday amidst continuing anti-government protests. In Tala the Tunisian security force allegedly started firing at protesters who...
Iran: Two imprisoned for “anti-government” activities
Prominent Iranian lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh and human rights activist Shiva Nazar-Ahari have received prison sentences for their activities in the aftermath of the disputed 2009 presidential election. Nazar- Ahari has received a...
Hungary: New media watchdog “threatens” press freedom
The Hungarian parliament has passed a new law creating a media watchdog with powers to restrict and punish private news agencies. The new body has the power to impose sanctions upon media outlets if it decides that their coverage is unbalanced or...
Jafar Panahi jailed, banned from film directing
Iranian director Jafar Panahi has been sentenced to six years in prison for "colluding in gathering and making propaganda against the regime". Panahi has also been banned from directing films or speaking to the press for 20 years.
Iran: Activists detained for planning a meeting
Four activists from the youth branch of the reformist Islamic Participation Front have been detained after they were summoned to a resident court in Evin prison. According to opposition website Rahesabz, prison officials cited "plan[s] to hold...