Press freedom

'Black Friday' of Turkish democracy

Three events from Feb. 16. — a deal to release a Turkish-German journalist, the verdict against three prominent journalists and censorship in the trial of a prominent Turkish-Kurdish politician — demonstrate how Turkey's democracy is being undermined.

Turkey

Egypt imposes travel restrictions on journalists

Reporters for state-run newspapers in Egypt will now have to get permission from the government to travel to certain countries.

Egypt

Iraqi journalists face attacks by politicians' bodyguards

As attacks on journalists are on the rise in Iraq, part of the problem lies with politicians' bodyguards who are also assaulting journalists.

Iraq

Tunisia protests highlight worrying decline in press freedoms

Freedom of the press is at risk in Tunisia's post-revolution atmosphere, as violence against journalists rises amid a government crackdown.

Tunisia

Egypt tightens leash on TV dramas

A new committee in Egypt designed to monitor TV series to make sure they abide by customs and traditions has been met with mixed reactions.

Egypt

Egypt's progressive parties unite to push for reforms

A new liberal political alliance hopes to open up Egypt's government to fresh ideas, candidates and human rights efforts.

Egypt

Are hit squads about to take aim at Turkey's dissidents abroad?

A Turkish parliamentarian has told Al-Monitor that Western officials believe dissidents and religious minority leaders in exile are being targeted by Turkish government operatives for assassination.

Turkey

Turkish feminist artist takes on Mount Qaf

An exhibition in Istanbul by the Turkish artist CANAN defies gender stereotypes and sexual taboos, marrying the personal with the political.

Turkey

What was on the agenda for British foreign secretary's Iran visit?

Boris Johnson becomes the first British foreign secretary to visit Iran since 2015.

Iran

Iranian media workers warn of ‘death of independent journalism’

As the Rouhani administration moves to change media laws, it faces a wave of accusations that it seeks to end independent journalism.

Iran

Egypt's 'talk show emperors' set to return to the screen

As the presidential elections approach, the emperors of talk shows are returning to the Egyptian screens, raising questions on whether or not the regime is open to criticism or using the shows to embellish its image.

Egypt

Egyptian proposal to protect formal Arabic has journalists worried

Critics say a draft law intended to preserve traditional, formal Arabic and discourage the use of the modern Egyptian dialect threatens the freedom of the press.

Egypt