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
Palestinian journalists launch independent online news channel At a time when biased media outlets are a dime a dozen in Palestinian territories, a group of Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip decided to launch an independent online news channel that uses Facebook and YouTube to disseminate news items. Palestine
Turkey convicts WSJ journalist of terror propaganda A Turkish Wall Street Journal columnist has been sentenced in absentia to two years in prison for engaging in terrorist propaganda, the latest dual citizen to be caught up in the government's sweep of remotely critical journalists. Turkey
Turkish court frees leading journalist as press trial drags on Prominent Turkish journalist Kadri Gursel has walked out of prison after 330 days, though the often ludicrous proceedings against him and 17 other Cumhuriyet journalists are far from over. Turkey
Egyptian TV network's sale concerns free press advocates Private Egyptian security company Falcon acquires Al-Hayat TV network, sparking concerns over the state’s grip on the media. Egypt
Turkey’s ‘resistance media’ refuses to buckle A Turkish oppositional news site seeks recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records after 61 bans and as many reopenings. Turkey
Trial begins for Turkish journalists accused of Gulen links The Zaman newspaper trial has opened with 31 journalists accused of membership in the network of preacher Fethullah Gulen. Turkey
No release for jailed journalists in Turkey’s Cumhuriyet case During the latest hearing in a state lawsuit against journalists from Turkey's Cumhuriyet newspaper, the court has upheld its decision to keep the defendants in jail until the next hearing. Turkey
In Morocco, press freedom shrinks with Hirak protests As part of the Moroccan authorities' efforts to silence the Hirak protest movement, journalists are facing pressure and repression, prompting questions about their objectivity and the freedom of the press. Morocco
Egypt's court media ban limits public access to trials Egypt’s Supreme Judicial Council has banned the media's use of audiovisual devices for all trials, stirring anger among journalists and human rights activists. Egypt
Quitting the propaganda machine Al-Monitor contributor Shahira Amin reflects on her time as an Egyptian state TV anchor as President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi consolidates control of the media. Egypt
The reason Erdogan champions press freedom abroad Defending Al Jazeera’s right to report becomes a double-edged sword for Erdogan, who suffocates free media in Turkey and struggles to remain friends with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Egyptian court hands down surprise victory for press freedom Egypt's Supreme Constitutional Court has struck down a restriction on launching newspapers, but a replacement law that parliament is considering is an unknown entity. Egypt
