Iran’s government has been increasing pressure on writers and artists over the past few years, but its heavy hand does not strike evenly.
Being a gay poet in Iran: ‘Writing on the edge of crisis’
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CATEGORY: Religion and Culture
Egyptian media reflects xenophobic sentiment of military
Xenophobia in general and anti-US sentiment, in particular, have peaked in Egypt since the June 30 rebellion that toppled Islamist President Mohamed Morsi and the Egyptian media has in recent weeks, been fuelling both. Shahira Amin reports
Brazil’s MĂdia Ninja covers demonstrations from the inside
Holding to their motto of “independent narratives, journalism and action”, a group of young journalists called MĂdia Ninja used the recent demonstrations in Brazil’s major cities as a stage for their guerilla approach to journalism, using smartphones and social media platforms to reach their audience. Rafael Spuldar writes
A conversation with Boniface Mwangi, Kenyan activist and photographer
Boniface Mwangi is an award winning Kenyan photographer and activist. Mwangi was interviewed by Index on Censorship Head of Arts Julia Farrington at an arts event in Ethiopia in July.
The Military and democracy – Turkey and Egypt both getting it wrong
While Turkey this week jailed its former Chief of Staff, General Ilker Basbug, in Egypt, General Sisi’s popularity is still riding high following the army’s ousting of President Morsi. Kirsty Hughes writes
South Africa: Confronting choices about free expression
As the G20 nations prepare to meet in St Petersburg, Russia in early September, Index on Censorship is exploring the nations’ records on free expression. Today: Christi van der Westhuizen reports on South Africa
Caitlin Moran: a response
Being wary of quick fixes for online abuse is not the same as being dismissive of misogyny, says Padraig Reidy
Third Square movement hopes to unite Egyptians
Amidst Egypt’s conflict and division, a third group has emerged between the military and the Morsi supporters — one whose members hope to re-unite Egyptians behind the common cause of “a free, democratic and civil Egypt.” Shahira Amin reports
Pope’s remarks: praise and criticism in Brazil
Pope Francis’ remarks about gays and Catholicism left some in Brazil hoping for more dialogue, but drew criticism from some equal rights leaders. Rafael Spuldar reports
Should you sue for a bad review?
Do you have a right to take critics to court, asks Padraig Reidy
‘The biggest form of blasphemy we commit is to force another to live in fear’
YouTube has been blocked in Pakistan since September 2012 for hosting the “blasphemous” Innocence of Muslims film. But now the country’s parliament has been asked to define what actually constitutes blasphemy. Sana Saleem has some suggestions
Saudi liberal blogger sentenced to 600 lashes and seven years in jail
A Saudi activist is being punished after calling for a “day of liberalism”, Padraig Reidy reports
