Dr Bassem Youssef, the former heart surgeon and Egyptian TV presenter likened to Jon Stewart, has declared he is taking extended time off from journalism, after an anti-semitism and plagiarism row swept through Egypt. Alastair Sloan reports
Every year, the Bahraini government hopes the roar of Formula One cars will drown out criticism for the regime’s human rights violations. This year,...
In a move that has sparked concern among Egyptian secularists, the country’s censorship committee this week banned 20 music videos allegedly containing “heavy sexual connotations” and featuring “scantily-dressed female singers and models”, Shahira Amin writes
Freedom of speech clashing with commercial concerns has been an ongoing theme for many media and internet companies operating on an international stage, but it’s rare that a country’s liberal approach to expression is presented, in itself, as a prime investment opportunity. Alastair Sloan reports
Mayam Mahmoud has been named the Index Arts Award winner.
Amid deep polarisation and a widening crackdown on dissent in Egypt, the country’s military-backed authorities have now taken their conflict with the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood to a new front — houses of worship. Shahira Amin reports
Rapper Mayam Mahmoud uses hip-hop to address issues such as sexual harassment and to stand up for women’s rights in Egypt.
Emirati citizens are using social media platforms to criticise security services for growing levels of repression with authorities responding in kind by arresting and torturing them. Rori Donaghy reports
Yemeni journalist Abdulelah Haider Shaye has produced critical investigative reports on the US military’s activities in Yemen, including drone attacks.
The trial in Egypt of 20 journalists charged with spreading misinformation and aiding or belonging to a terror cell has been adjourned until March 24.
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
People gathered in Trafalgar Square on Thursday for a silent protest in support of jailed journalists
