Egyptians head to polling stations on Tuesday to vote on a revised constitution heralded by Egypt’s military-backed government as a” first step in the country’s democratic transition” and billed as a blueprint for the “new Egypt.” Shahira Amin reports
As journalists are detained and activists face violence and politically motivated charges, Egyptian authorities’ heavy clampdown on dissent increasingly targets non-Islamists, Shahira Amin reports
Years of massive surveillance haunt Tunisians as they commemorate three years since the toppling of the police State of former dictator Zeine al Abidin Ben Ali. Afef Abrougi reports
In a new sign of a regression in press freedom in Egypt, authorities have ordered three journalists working for the Al Jazeera English (AJE) channel held in custody for fifteen days.
In spite of the release of some pro-Morsi protesters, Egyptian activists worry that the state is as brutal as ever, says Shahira Amin
Ahmed Fouad Negm, who became popular for his political stance on the poor and working class, has died at the age of 84
Editorials and articles labelling democracy activists “anarchists and “thugs” signal that most Egyptian media has reverted to its old pre-revolution ways, siding with the military-backed government against the opposition activists. Shahira Amin reports
Bookstores told by authorities to stop selling the novel H W J N
Shezanne Cassim was arrested for posting a mock documentary spoofing youth culture in Dubai
The authorities of the United Arab Emirates are using the 2012 cybercrimes decree crack down on dissent. Rori Donaghy, director of the Emirates Centre for Human Rights, writes
Palestinian news agency Ma’an to reopen in the Gaza Strip four months after Hamas closed down the organisation
Public service messages on Egyptian radio stations candidly tell listeners that a new constitution currently being drafted by a fifty-member panel “won’t be the best that the country has had”. Listeners are assured however, that the new charter will not be Egypt’s last. Shahira Amin reports
