The trial of 20 journalists charged with “fabricating news and assisting or belonging to a terror cell” has been adjourned until 5 March. Shahira Amin reports
Egypt: “We are strong and we shall walk free,” declare jailed journalists
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CATEGORY: Middle East and North Africa
Palestinian Arab Idol banned from performing at the World Cup
Mohammed Assaf says he can’t sing at the Brazil 2014 opening ceremony because of some “countries” or “groups” — and that Shakira is boycotting the event because of it
Iraqi newspaper bombed after Ayatollah caricature
Al-Sabah Al-Jadeed has fought for its independence for 10 years. It needs solidarity now more than ever, says Anneke van Ammelrooy
Will It Pass or Not? A play by Lucien Bourjeily
In this extract from Will It Pass or Not?–published for the first time in English by Index magazine –Lucien Bourjeily exposes the ridiculousness – and arbitrary nature – of the Lebanese Censorship Bureau.
Tunisia: The long road to reform is far from over
Tunisia made a major stride by adopting a new constitution. However, the long road to reform is far from over as the authorities should amend or abolish all repressive laws of the dictatorship era. Afef Abrougui reports
Youssef returns to the small screen as Egypt targets journalists
With much anticipation, Egyptians huddled around their television sets on Friday night to watch their favourite comedian, Bassem Youssef, make his debut appearance on the Saudi-funded MBC Misr Channel after a three-month absence from the small screen. Shahira Amin reports
Tunisia: Will new constitution protect press freedom in practice?
The ratification of Tunisia’s new constitution undoubtedly marks an important victory, but a recent attack on journalists has raised concerns. Mary Atkinson reports
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
Israel tells Palestinian TV station to stop broadcasting
Israeli authorities have told a Palestinian TV station to stop broadcasting amid claims it was disrupting Israeli television broadcasting.
Egypt: Another attempt to “demonise” its journalists
Just as rights groups and press freedom advocates were thinking things could not get any worse for journalists in Egypt, a video proved them wrong. Shahira Amin reports
Egypt’s draft anti-terrorism law sparks concern about censorship
Egyptian legislation could allow for social networking sites such as Facebook to be barred, if they are deemed to be endangering public order. Alastair Sloan reports
There is only one side to the story in Egypt: The government line
Twenty journalists working for the Al Jazeera TV network will stand trial in Egypt on charges of spreading false news that harms national security and assisting or joining a terrorist cell. Shahira Amin reports.
Statement: Egyptian authorities must stop their attacks on media freedom
