Latest posts by Afef Abrougui
Is Tunisia Rolling Back Freedom of Information?
In 2016, Tunisia introduced a law on access to information, but its implementation by the government remains limited.
‘Why Are We Still Doing This?': Iraq Shuts Down Internet to Prevent Exam Cheating—Again
Internet outages to prevent exam cheating have now become common in Iraq.
After Waiting More Than a Year, Jordanian Journalist Appears Before UAE Court
Journalist Tayseer Al-Najjar is on trial in the UAE over 2014 Facebook posts deemed offensive to the Emirati state.
Algerian Blogger Merzoug Touati Could Face 25 Years in Jail for Interviewing an Israeli Official on YouTube
The interview focuses on Algerian government accusations that foreign powers stoked protests against austerity measures in the country. Blogger Merzoug Touati is charged with "exchanging intelligence with a foreign power."
Originally Sentenced to Death, a Blogger Goes Before Mauritania's Supreme Court
In 2014, Ould Mkhaitir was arrested and convicted of "apostasy" over an opinion article in which he addressed Mauritania's discriminatory caste system.
Health of Detained UAE Academic Nasser Bin Ghaith at Risk, Rights Groups Say
Bin Ghaith was held incommunicado for nine months over and deprived of adequate food and clothing. Supporters are now concerned for his health.
Bahrain Intensifies Media Crackdown Ahead of Protest Anniversary
On 16 January, the government banned the online edition of the country’s only independent newspaper al-Wasat, from "using electronic media tools".
Former Kuwaiti Lawmaker Sentenced to 42 Years in Jail for Tweets, ‘Insulting Saudi Arabia’
Dashti is a critic of Saudi Arabia, in particular its war in Yemen. He is also known for his controversial support of the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad
Assaults on Rights Activists Harm Civil Society — And Saudi Arabia's Progress
Saudi Arabia's ongoing crackdown on peaceful activism is depriving activists of their freedom and basic rights -- and it's costing the kingdom the work and creativity of its brightest reformists.
The High Cost of Algeria's Crackdown on Speech: Life and Freedom
Will the Algerian government acknowledge the high cost of silencing its critics before more lives are lost or destroyed for a mere Facebook post?
Military Trials of Journalists Cast Light on the Taboo of Criticizing the Army in Tunisia
Laws allowing military courts to handle cases involving citizens, including journalists and bloggers, continue to hold back Tunisia's democratic reforms.
Sudanese Government Targets Activists, Stifles Media Coverage of Civil Disobedience
The civil disobedience action began on 27 November after the government removed subsidies on electricity, fuel and medicine.
Omani Film Critic Sentenced to Jail Over Facebook Posts
"As long as there is a human being exploiting a human being, there are revolutionary dreams, and dreams make the future."
Demystifying Social Media Censorship — in Arabic, Spanish and English
Social media platforms have terms of use that restrict several types of content including nudity, hate speech, and violence. But these difficult-to-define rules are always subject to interpretation.
In Oman, Independent Media Suspended Until Further Notice
Albalad is the second independent media to stop publishing of its own accord this year. Another newspaper, Alzamn, was suspended by the government last August.
Morocco Unblocks VoIP Applications Ahead of UN Climate Conference
"To avoid being seen as a police state during the #COP22, Morocco temporarily unblocks VoIP services," tweeted one user.
Saudi Mobile Data Quality Provokes National Protest Against Bad Service
Saudi social media users are protesting against the nation's mobile network operators' bad service and the continued blocking of VoIP apps that are supposed to be available for free.
WhatsApp Reportedly Blocked in Yemen, Mobile Operator Cites ‘Technical Issues’
Censorship of online content has surged in Yemen since the beginning of the conflict opposing Houthi rebels and forces loyal to president Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.
Tunisian Teen Risks Suspension for Denouncing Poor School Conditions on Facebook
The school administration has accused Hamza Batti of engaging in a "smear campaign" against it.
Kuwait Detains Activist Sara Al-Drees for Insulting the Country's Ruler
The pro-democracy activist has previously served jail time for the same charge.
