Latest posts by Afef Abrougui
Jordanian Cartoonist Goes to Trial For Drawing Jesus
The cartoon commented on the Orthodox Church in Jerusalem, which sold church property to Israeli settler groups to pay off church debt.
Moroccan Journalists Keep Fighting to Cover the Hirak Movement, Despite State Intimidation
Journalists reporting on the Hirak protests are facing a myriad of restrictions.
In Algeria, Two Imprisoned Bloggers Go on Hunger Strike
Freedom of expression and press freedom are under attack in Algeria.
A Yemeni Political Analyst Has Been Held By Houthi Rebels Since August, With No Explanation
Hisham Al-Omeisy is a crucial voice on the ongoing war in Yemen, and its humanitarian cost.
Saudi Arabia Eases Restrictions on Messaging Apps, But WhatsApp and Viber Are Still Blocked
Since 2013, the Saudi government has partially or fully blocked chat and call applications including WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger and FaceTime.
Sentenced to One Year in Prison for ‘Inciting Protest,’ a Moroccan Journalist Goes on Hunger Strike
Several journalists have been arrested by Moroccan authorities over their coverage of the unrest in the Rif region.
Keeping His Story Alive: The Creative Legacy of Bassel Khartabil
One month after his execution was confirmed, friends honour Bassel Khartabil through art, song and new opportunities for open technology innovators.
In Tunisia's ‘State of Emergency’, a New Police Protection Law Could Allow More Abuse — With Impunity
Supported by the interior ministry and police unions, the bill is being criticized by human rights groups.
Rights Group Website and Columnist's Blog Become Latest Targets of Egypt's Censorship Campaign
From May 24 to August 6, Egyptian authorities blocked 133 websites, according to the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression.
Protesting Mistreatment in Prison, Emirati Activist Survives Six Weeks of Hunger Strike
Imran al-Radwan is serving a seven-year jail sentence for calling for reform in the UAE.
Caught Between Saudi Coalition and Houthi Rebels, Yemeni Journalists Face Challenges on All Sides
Press freedom in Yemen is facing "eradication".
Artists and Writers Celebrate the Work of Missing Syrian Developer Bassel Safadi
"I’ve lived all my life dreaming of Freedom, and Bassel taught me to embrace it. I feel overwhelmed when I mention his name."
Iraqi Parliament Slammed for Bill Restricting Free Speech, Right to Protest
Instead of working to ensure stronger protections for freedoms, the Iraqi parliament is rather seeking to pass a repressive law.
Tunisian Media Activist Interrogated Over Sources of Leaked Documents
Sami Ben Gharbia is a significant figure in independent media and digital human rights activism in Tunisia and the Arab region.
Draft Law Would Require Egyptian Social Media Users to Register With Government
Users who do not register could face up to six months in jail and a fine.
Jailed Emirati Academic Endures Hunger Strike to Protest Ten-Year Jail Sentence
"I have no choice but to go on hunger strike to restore my stolen freedom".
Iraqi Journalists Face Threats From ISIS, Armed Militias and the State
"As the war intensifies, and the number of armed groups and their influence in Iraq grows, the pressure on Iraqi journalists will increase.”
UAE Authorities Arrest One Rights Activist and Extend the Detention of Another
On 20 March police arrested human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor from his home. Meanwhile, UAE authorities have refused to release Osama al-Najjar, despite him having served out his prison sentence.
UAE Court Sentences Jordanian Journalist Tayseer al-Najjar to Prison
UAE authorities took issue with a Facebook post that Tayseer al-Najjar published before he had even moved to the country.
Tunisian Government Pledges to Loosen Restriction on Civil Servants Speaking to Media
The government suspended guidelines that forbid civil servants from speaking to the press without permission from their superiors.