The January 2025 arrest of journalist Ahmed Serag, following an interview with the wife of jailed cartoonist Ashraf Omar, has drawn sharp criticism from press freedom advocates. Charged with terrorism-related offenses after highlighting human rights abuses, Serag’s case exemplifies Egypt’s escalating crackdown on dissenting voices and independent journalism under President al-Sisi’s regime
The January 2025 arrest of Lebanese comedian Qassem Jaber over a satirical video has ignited a national debate on freedom of expression. Jaber, known for mocking Hezbollah and its affiliates, was accused of defamation and sectarian incitement after targeting lawyer Bouchra al-Khalil. His case underscores the risks faced by artists challenging political powers in Lebanon, where tensions between satire and censorship remain high.
Egyptian-Turkish poet Abdul Rahman Yusuf Al-Qaradawi was deported from Lebanon to the UAE in early 2025, despite urgent warnings from human rights groups. Known for his politically charged poetry, Al-Qaradawi now faces potential torture and enforced disappearance. His case underscores growing regional threats to artistic freedom and expression, and raises serious questions about Lebanon’s role in enabling cross-border censorship.
The cancellation of the Ramadan TV show Al-Musaharati by Jordanian television has sparked discussions about artistic freedom and cultural traditions
EGYPT: The unexpected cancellation of Istinsakh’s private screening on April 7, 2025, has stirred major controversy in Egypt’s film industry. The sci-fi thriller, which tackles the societal impacts of artificial intelligence, was set to premiere publicly on April 9. While officials blame administrative delays, many suspect censorship, reigniting broader concerns about artistic freedom in Egypt's entertainment landscape. As of April 10, 2025, Istinsakh has yet to be release
IRAQ: The banning of the Saudi-produced series Muawiya in Iraq has sparked major controversy, highlighting deep sectarian and political tensions. Centered on Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, the show has been accused of glorifying divisive historical narratives. Critics warn it may inflame Sunni-Shia sensitivities, especially during Ramadan, a time of unity. With bans also in Iran, the incident reveals how historical portrayals shape modern geopolitics in the Middle East.
Lebanon has banned Captain America: Brave New World due to the inclusion of Israeli actress Shira Haas as Sabra, a controversial character with ties to Israeli identity and history. Despite Marvel altering her background for the film, the move reignited political and cultural tensions. Activists, including the BDS movement, accuse Disney of promoting Israeli narratives, sparking protests and renewed calls for boycott across the Arab world.
SYRIA: The Syrian TV drama Caesar, set after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, faced backlash and halted production after attempting to film inside former regime prisons. These facilities, infamous for torture and mass executions, hold deep trauma for survivors. The controversy reveals the sensitive balance between artistic expression and honoring victims’ experiences in post-conflict Syria.
SYRIA: Nour al-Din al-Labbad, former Syrian ambassador and renowned poet, was assassinated on March 11, 2025, in his hometown of al-Sanamayn, Daraa. A prominent defector from Assad’s regime, al-Labbad returned from exile just weeks before his death. His killing, amid growing violence in post-Assad Syria, highlights the peril faced by opposition figures and the fragile security situation during the country’s ongoing transition
SYRIA: The defacement of Adnan al-Malki's statue, a revered Syrian nationalist and anti-colonial figure, has stirred public outrage and reignited debates over memory, identity, and national heritage. Though the damage occurred during the chaotic aftermath of Assad's fall in December 2024, its resurfacing in March 2025 highlights deep political divisions and the fragile process of reconciliation in post-conflict Syria.
Jordanian publisher Omar Al Zayood’s arrest on March 17, 2025, under the controversial Cybercrime Law, has ignited alarm over the country’s growing clampdown on press freedom. Charged after a complaint by ex-PM Bisher al-Khasawneh, Al Zayood faces prison time and steep fines. His case underscores rising concerns over legal tools being used to silence dissent and restrict journalists in Jordan.
EGYPT: Dr. Mabrouk Attia, a retired professor from Al-Azhar University, faces an investigation following controversial content in his Ramadan program on social media, "Kalam Mabrouk." The university's referral comes amid backlash for Attia’s discussions with Mahraganat singers and provocative statements on social issues. This marks the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the scholar, raising questions about Egypt’s approach to freedom of expression, the regulation of religious discourse, and the role of social media in public life.
In January 2023, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior launched the Ballegh platform, an online reporting system that allows citizens to flag social media content deemed “indecent” or harmful to public morals. Promoted as a tool to uphold societal values, Ballegh quickly became a mechanism for state repression.
Lebanon’s vibrant arts scene, known for its cultural richness and political critique, continues to face significant challenges due to censorship and harassment. Artists, filmmakers, and performers are frequently targeted by authorities, religious groups, and political factions when their work addresses sensitive issues such as politics, religion, or gender, domestically and abroad
In February 2025, Moroccan artist Khadija Tanana became the latest target of state censorship when her artwork, Hand of Fatima, was forcibly removed from the Tetouan Centre of Modern Art.
Artistic freedom in Jordan faces significant challenges, with artists across various fields—spanning journalism, street art, music, and filmmaking—dealing with censorship, harassment and legal action, making an environment where creative expression is increasingly constrained
Arrested in 2018 for criticizing corruption, Egyptian poet Galal El-Behairy has endured torture, harsh prison conditions, and prolonged detention. His case exemplifies Egypt’s escalating crackdown on artistic freedom.
In Tunisia, artists face growing harassment and censorship, yet they continue to reclaim public spaces through creative expression. Ballet dancer Nesrine Ben Arbia performs in historic locations, resisting conservative pressures. Despite threats from extremist groups and restrictive laws, artists persist in challenging societal norms. Initiatives like Street Art in Médenine and the Dream City Festival highlight art’s power to inspire change in Tunisia’s evolving political landscape.
