Al Jazeera journalist Hossam Shabat killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza: What to know Two journalists were killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza on Monday amid Israel’s renewed offensive in the territory. Palestine
Turkey arrests journalist as clampdown on dissent tightens The arrest of journalist Suat Toktas comes amid increasing pressure on dissidents from various backgrounds over the past weeks. Turkey
Italian journalist Cecilia Sala lands in Rome after release from Iranian prison After more than three weeks of detention, Cecilia Sala has been released from Tehran's Evin Prison and was met at the airport in Rome by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Iran
After meeting Italy’s Meloni, Trump agrees to halt extradition of Iranian detainee: What we know Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and US President-elect Donald Trump have reportedly agreed to delay a US extradition request for an Iranian citizen to allow Italy to negotiate the return of its journalist Cecilia Sala, currently detained in Iran. Iran
Iran, Yemen, Saudi Arabia follow close behind China in VPN blocking China led the ranking, blocking about 73% of all attempts to access VPN providers, with Iran and several Gulf Arab countries following close behind. Gulf
Turkey arrests prominent TV journalist over criticizing Ocalan's isolation Journalist Merdan Yanardag’s arrest comes amid a post-election climate in which many journalists feel threatened, according to media watchdogs. Turkey
Two Palestinian journalists shot during Israeli operation in West Bank The incident follows a US senator calling on the Biden administration to declassify the report on Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed by Israeli forces while covering a raid last year. Palestine
Egypt frees long-held Al Jazeera journalist amid thaw with Qatar The release of Hisham Abdelaziz comes as Egypt and Qatar are working to normalize their relations after years of tension, even as Cairo continues its crackdown on journalists. Egypt
In Lebanon, journalists come under legal intimidation as press freedom declines Two editors-in-chief of independent Lebanese news outlets have been summoned by security services, reigniting freedom of the press issues in Lebanon. Lebanon
Germany's DW closure in Turkey sparks fears of pre-election media clampdown Deutsche Welle, which produces news in Turkish, will close its office next week after the government refused it permission to operate. Turkey
MidEast freedom rankings: Syria worst, Tunisia in decline, says Freedom House Syria remains to be the least and Israel the best performing country when it comes civil and political freedoms while the biggest one-year decline has been observed in Tunisia. Turkey
Turkey: Journalists bullied, censored by government over earthquake coverage The post-quake experience of Turkey’s media offers clues as to what forms of censorship Ankara could employ in the upcoming election season. Turkey
In press freedom index, Middle Eastern countries go from bad to worse Press freedom and journalist safety remain “very bad” in the majority of the Middle East and North Africa nations, Reporters Without Borders' 2022 index shows. Syria
Iranian dissident who disappeared in Turkey resurfaces in Evin prison Mohammad Bagher Moradi who took refuge in Turkey has ended up in Iran's notorious Evin prison, five months after he went missing in Ankara, his lawyer told Al-Monitor. Turkey
Israel rejects US plan to investigate death of Palestinian journalist The outgoing and incoming Israeli leaderships agree that Israel will not allow the FBI to investigate the death of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Israel
Iran charges journalists amid mounting protest toll While the death toll from nearly two months of consistent protests continued to rise, the government was pushing to contain the unrest with severe judicial measures. Iran
