Free speech and censorship
All topics-
Foreign academics risk arrest in Iran
Tehran's new hostage policy
Political hostage takings are nothing new in Iran. But the detention of several western academics represents a new dimension. There are grounds for suspecting that hardliners in the judiciary, intelligence service and Revolutionary Guard Corps are intent on scuppering talks to salvage the nuclear accord. By Ulrich von Schwerin
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Released from prison
Turkish author Ahmet Altan and the power of words
The Turkish writer and journalist Ahmet Altan was imprisoned for three years and four months. He had always been outspoken and he remained outspoken in prison, where he wrote a collection of essays and a novel. He has now been awarded the Geschwister-Scholl-Preis for his tireless dedication. By Gerrit Wustmann
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Human rights in Egypt
Free Esraa Abdel-Fattah!
More than 4,300 people have been arrested in Egypt amid anti-government protests. One of them is Esraa Abdel-Fattah. Human rights groups and even a U.S. diplomat are calling for her release. By Sarah Salama
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Democracy and human rights
Morocco's police state makes a comeback
Morocco's rule of law, human rights and freedom of the press are under attack. According to political scientist Mohamed Taifouri, although the 2011 constitution includes a large number of freedoms, the state repression that was thought to have been overcome is making a comeback
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Held hostage by the Turkish authorities
Deniz Yucel, the "agent terrorist"
Former correspondent for Germany's "Die Welt" Deniz Yucel comes to terms with his imprisonment in Turkey in an intimate new book. Impressively and humorously, he talks about his struggle for dignity and self-assertion and provides an insight into the debates behind the scenes. Nevertheless, some questions remain unanswered. By Ulrich von Schwerin
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A year to the day
The infamous murder of Jamal Khashoggi
Key Saudi figures in the Jamal Khashoggi murder investigation have so far escaped trial for his death. But while UN efforts to deliver justice have stalled, difficult questions about the killing still won't go away. By Tom Allinson
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Art and censorship
Iran and Egypt – where making music means torture and exile
Musical freedom of expression is under fire, but artists like Iran's Farzane Zamen and Egypt's Ramy Essam refuse to be silenced. Cristina Burak has the details
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Egypt's deepening economic crisis
Abdul Fattah al-Sisi’s vanity projects
Sisi prioritises large-scale infrastructure projects to galvanise support, but these projects intensify the military’s hold over the economy, while providing no tangible broad economic benefits. By Maged Mandour
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Violence against journalists increasing
Press freedom under fire in Turkey
Journalist Levent Uysal recently survived a treacherous assassination attempt. Despite the fact that members of the press are increasingly at risk in Turkey, the government seems loath to protect them. Deger Akal has the details
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Cultural politics in India
India's celebrities confront Hindu nationalism
In July 2019, with hate crimes against minorities in India rising sharply, 49 eminent personalities signed an open letter to Narendra Modi, stating that the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram' – Hail Lord Rama – a Hindu chant usually reserved for prayers or religious gatherings had become a war cry. By Amrita Das
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Shaking the status quo in Turkey
#Susamam rappers: "Turkish society is on our side"
#Susamam has had more than 25 million clicks on YouTube. The musicians' message to their fellow citizens: "Don't remain silent!" The ruling AKP party in Turkey feels provoked; the Turkish press has even admonished Deutsche Welle
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Interview with Iranian author Amir Hassan Cheheltan
"Literature is based on politics and eroticism"
Amir Hassan Cheheltan has not published a novel in Iran in 15 years. The 62-year-old author does intend to refrain from writing either about politics or eroticism, as censorship in Iran prescribes. In Europe, meanwhile, his works are enjoying increasing popularity. Eight books by Cheheltan have already been published in German. Interview by Nasrin Bassiri