Stories about Middle East & North Africa from May, 2014
The “Happy” Video That Got Six Young People Sent to Jail
Six Iranians were jailed and forced to confess on national television that they were tricked into the making of a "Happy" video in Tehran.
Moroccan Blogger and Rapper El-Haqed Arrested Again
Friends say police recognized the rapper and explicitly targeted him at a football match. Mouad Belrhouat, aka El-Haqed, has been jailed twice since 2011 for his political music and activism.
On May 22, Say Happy Birthday To Bassel
On May 22, Bassel Safadi will celebrate his 33rd birthday -- his third in a prison cell in Damascus. We do not want him to spend his birthday alone. We want him to hear our voices loud and clear and know that we are still supporting his case.
Tunisian Activist Azyz Amami Arrested on Drug Charges
Amami has been blogging on social and political issues in Tunisia since 2008. He has demanded an end to state surveillance and censorship in concert with Tunisia’s most influential cyberactivists.
#FreeSimpson: Campaign to Free Jailed Activists in Morocco
Eleven members of the pro-democracy February 20 Movement were detained in April after joining a labor protest. Using #FreeSimpson and #FreeKoulchi hashtags, supporters are calling for their release.
Digital Citizen 1.6
Digital Citizen brings you the latest human rights and technology news from the Arab World. This edition looks at Internet blackouts in Syria and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, new cyber laws in Mauritania and Morocco, and more.
Saudi Blogger Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison, 1000 Lashes
Yesterday, a Saudi court sentenced Raif Badawi to 10 years in prison and 1000 lashes for setting up a liberal website.