Stories about Middle East & North Africa from January, 2016
Netizen Report: Change is on the Horizon for Iran. But Let’s Not Forget Human Rights.
Protesters in Poland say no to unchecked surveillance, Kuwait tightens laws on critical speech, and an exiled Bangladeshi blogger tells his story.
Did a Text Message Lead to the Arrest of This Recently Released Iranian-American Prisoner?
Another prisoner released in the swaps, Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari, appears to have been arrested to due to mass surveillance by Iranian authorities. His SMS messages were surveilled.
[TIMELINE] Morocco: Political Repression in the Era of Social Media
Since the mid-2000s, investigative journalists and citizens engaged in political activism online have become regular targets of the Moroccan government. Learn more with this timeline.
How Netizens Are Pushing Back Against ISIS’ Social Media ‘Propaganda Machine’
Alongside the efforts of big companies and governments, many independent groups and individuals are making their own efforts to combat ISIS' activities online.
Activist-Blogger Hossein Ronaghi Maleki Returns To Jail
While much hope and happiness came with the lifting of nuclear sanctions and the release of Iranian-American prisoners in Iran, a blogger and activist returned to jail.
#Justice4Morocco: 7 Defenders of Free Expression Face Trial
Since the mid-2000s, the regime of King Mohammed VI has systematically targeted and persecuted Moroccan citizens working to hold their government accountable to its people.
Is ISIS Trying To Manipulate the Crypto Debate? Tech Experts Debunk Encrypted Email Video
ISIS releases a new video that aims to play into fears over encrypted communication.
Netizen Report: Egyptian Activists and Authorities Brace for January 25 Protests
Egyptian activists confront rising tensions approaching the 5th anniversary of the 2011 revolution, Morocco is blocking VoIP apps and China unveils a new assault on circumvention tools.
Moroccans Protest Ban of VoIP Calls, Including Whatsapp, Viber, Facebook and Skype
Moroccans have decided to boycott telecom companies for blocking VoIP services to teach them a lesson. Do such boycotts work?
Netizen Report: Keeping the Spotlight on Syria’s Independent Media
As protests continue in Ethiopia, Bahrain is contracting for new Internet filtering tools. Meanwhile, another Ecuadorean politician faces jail time for critical tweeting.