Justice
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Iranian feature film "Lantouri"
A society in close-up
Iranian film director Reze Dormishian's third film is a powerfully articulated indictment of some of his country's more dubious and controversial practices, such as the execution of children and adolescents, horrific acid attacks and retributive justice. By Rene Wildangel
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Democracy and civil society in the Arab world
Talk is not a crime
With the violent radicalism and civil wars of the Middle East and North Africa capturing the world′s attention, the region′s grossly distorted legal systems are being given short shrift. Yet problematic laws like those criminalising defamation, which facilitate political and economic repression, undermine development – and destroy lives. By Daoud Kuttab
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Bangladeshi cinema
"Rana Plaza" film ban: the two sides of the story
"Rana Plaza", a Bengali film based on the 2013 garment factory disaster in Bangladesh, has been banned by the High Court in Dhaka. Deutsche Welle spoke to the writ petitioner as well as the filmmaker
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New anti-terrorism law in Tunisia
Law triggers hope and concern
Tunisia has adopted a new anti-terror law in a bid to rein in the country's security problems. But critics say the legislation is inadequate and that it could potentially spell a return to authoritarian structures. By Sarah Mersch in Tunisia
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Death sentence against Mohammed Morsi
Democracy is futile
The most problematic aspect of the death sentence handed down to the democratically elected former President Morsi is arguably the dangerous message it sends out to the Islamists, namely that there is no point participating in the democratic process. A commentary by Karim El-Gawhary
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Interview with Fereshta Ludin
"The decision for or against the headscarf is wholly a matter for the woman herself"
Fereshta Ludin is probably one of the most famous teachers in Germany. Her battle to be allowed to wear the headscarf in the classroom began in 2003 – initially without success. But she is optimistic following the latest ruling from the judges at Germany's Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe. She spoke to Emran Feroz
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Islam in Pakistan
The myth of the Muslim monolith
In Pakistan, a radical minority of Muslims has usurped the definition of "Islam". Since the 1980s, government policies have supported their radical and violent ideology, and the judiciary confirmed that trend. The bitter irony is that the militant groups that benefited from state action are now not only terrorising the people, but rising up against the state itself. By Maryam S. Khan
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The headscarf ruling from Germany's Constitutional Court
Heated debate on all sides
The headscarf ruling handed down by the Karlsruhe judges on 13 March met with divided reactions. While some are calling it a landmark decision, others see it not as a solution but as a potential source of further problems. Canan Topcu outlines the various positions
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The Tunisian judiciary
Piecemeal change as reform stalls
The reform of Tunisia's judiciary has not progressed since the political upheaval of 2011. According to the constitution passed a year ago, however, new institutions are planned for the future. The constitutional court soon faces a mammoth task. By Sarah Mersch
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After the release of Egyptian blogger Alaa Abdel-Fattah
Freedom of expression at an all-time low
The well-known Egyptian blogger Alaa Abdel-Fattah has been released on bail. Is it a sign that the powers that be in Cairo are ready to allow increased freedom of expression? Egyptian filmmaker and activist Omar Hamilton says it's not. Interview by Sella Oneko
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Mass death sentences against the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt
Egypt's future at risk
Earlier this week, an Egyptian court sentenced over 500 Muslim Brotherhood supporters to death in a case that lasted less than two days. According to Loay Mudhoon, this ruling is the work of a politicised judiciary and could destroy any chance of national reconciliation