Turkey bans T24 news site as dissent crackdown widens: What to know Turkish authorities cited alleged LGBTQ+ propaganda for the ruling against the independent news website. Turkey
Algeria pulls Sky News Arabia accreditation amid UAE rift: What to know Algeria severed diplomatic ties with the UAE, which owns Sky News Arabia through Abu Dhabi-based International Media Investments, last Thursday. Algeria
Iraq sentences kidnapper of US journalist Shelly Kittleson to 15 years: What to know The first sentencing in relation to Shelly Kittleson’s abduction comes as Iraq moves to rein in Iran-backed militias. Iraq
Israel tightens election safeguards as public distrust surges: What to know Israelis have lost trust in the government and in its ability or willingness to conduct free and fair elections. Israel
Egypt's Mada Masr determined to press on despite raid Lina Attalah, editor in chief of the news website Mada Masr, spoke to Al-Monitor about a harrowing police raid of the site's office and how she and the staff are determined to continue their work. Egypt
Iraq clamps down on media and broadcast networks covering protests In order to reduce coverage of the protests in Iraq, the government has shut down several TV channels and warned others. Iraq
Iran debates end of confession broadcasts An outspoken Iranian lawmaker is pushing legislation that would abolish the state broadcaster's controversial tradition of airing forced confessions. Iran
Is release of two prominent journalists a sign of normalization? The release of two well-known journalists from prison shouldn’t lead anyone to believe and hope that Turkey is becoming less autocratic. Turkey
Palestinians up in arms over PA and Facebook censorship Palestinian Authority security forces in Ramallah were behind Magistrate Court's decision to block websites and social media pages. Palestine
Al Jazeera spends more than $500,000 defending itself against attacks The Qatari broadcaster is under attack from Doha’s Gulf rivals. Saudi Arabia
Civil society activists and journalists leave Baghdad in fear of being arrested In the wake of protests, civil society activists and journalists are leaving Baghdad after hearing the Iraqi government is preparing to arrest them. Iraq
Is Sisi shutting down internet freedom in Egypt? During the demonstrations that broke out across several governorates in Egypt, many news websites were blocked, not to mention the censorship of many social networking sites. Egypt
Cairo attempts to quell anger following spate of protests In the wake of protests, the Egyptian government OKs some small price reductions and may allow a little greater press freedom. Egypt
One year on, Turkish human rights advocates lament inaction on Khashoggi murder One year after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, advocates for human rights and press freedom highlight failures in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Saudi Arabia
Don't read too much into Turkey's gag order reversal, warn free press advocates Turkey’s highest court has struck down a reporting ban surrounding a 2013 corruption probe, but some human rights defenders warn the win for press freedom may prove minor. Turkey
Iraqi journalists blacklist politicians who attack them Some Iraq journalists are forming a list that includes all officials who attack them to prepare the ground for legal action against them. Iraq
