Egyptian photojournalist Mahmoud Abou Zeid, also known as Shawkan, released after 5 years in prison according to a post from his Twitter account.
Middle East articles on Democracy Chronicles
View news about the struggle for democracy in the troubled Middle East where vast cultural change and persistent political violence cry out for democracy. Also see our World Democracy section and our articles on the ongoing Arab Spring.
Egypt Praises Rami Malek for Oscar Win But Censors Him Too
Egyptian authorities were eager to claim a connection to Egyptian-American actor Rami Malek after his best actor win at the Academy Awards last week.
Observers Warn of Worrying Decline in Oman’s Press Freedom
Oman will be a “special guest” at the 2019 Paris Book Fair from the 15-19 March 2019, despite banning books at the Muscat International Book Fair.
Over 50 Human Rights Groups Call for Release of Saudi Rights Defenders
Over 50 human rights groups in Saudi Arabia stand together in demanding for the immediate and unconditional release of Saudi women human rights defenders.
Saudi Arabia Charges Women’s Rights Activists, No Mention of Torture
Leading women’s rights activists who have been detained following arrests that began in May 2018 would face charges and be put on trial.
Turkey’s Erdogan Threatens to Reverse Local Election Results
Turkish President Recep Erdogan, whose AK Party is facing major defeats this month in local elections, is being accused of behaving like a “dictator”.
Israel’s Netanyahu Vows to Stay On in Face of Corruption Charges
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing indictment for alleged corruption, says he will lead Israel for “many more years.”
Exposing How Impunity Emboldens Mideast Rights Violations
The world community’s “chilling complacency toward wide-scale human rights violations” emboldened governments to commit “appalling” violations.
UN Urges Egypt to Stop Executions Based on Forced Confessions
The U.N. Human Rights Office is urging Egypt to halt all executions and to conduct investigations into all allegations of people subjected to death penalty.
Syrian Director Posed as Extremist to Film Documentary on Jihadists
Syrian-German director of Oscar-nominated documentary posed as extremist to film Jihadists to better understand what led to extremism in his home country.