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
Journalists in Gaza face intensifying crackdown Several journalists from the Gaza Strip have recently been kidnapped by the Hamas-run security services, beaten and tortured, to finally be released after being instructed not to criticize the movement. Palestine
Journalists concerned with formation of Egypt's National Media Council The National Media Council was formed without including any opposition figures, which raised concern over the freedom of the media and press under Egypt’s renewed state of emergency. Egypt
Egypt's publishers hope book fair can boost slumping sales The high number of visitors to the Cairo Book Fair, the second largest of its kind in the world, came as a pleasant surprise. Egypt
'Working Journalists Day' adds insult to injury for Turkish press This year's "Working Journalists Day" is a bleak holiday indeed in Turkey, the biggest jailer of journalists in the world. Turkey
Is Iraqi government censoring media's military coverage? The Iraqi government is keeping an eye on media outlets and humanitarian organizations covering the battle of Mosul in order to prevent them from publishing false reports. Iraq
Iranian judiciary chief calls out Rouhani over press freedom The ongoing Press Exhibition in Iran has provided a platform for debate on freedom of the press in the country, highlighting the divisions among political factions. Iran
The death of critical journalism in Turkey Press freedom in Turkey is often assessed on the basis of jailed journalists, but this fails to fully reflect the gravity of the situation if one omits the huge number of journalists who have lost their jobs and are facing an uncertain future and struggling to survive. Turkey
Arrest of security officer shines light on freedom of expression in Palestine The arrest of a Palestinian government employee critical of President Mahmoud Abbas is indicative of the constraints on freedom of expression that Palestinian journalists face. Palestine
