Turkish film producer Çiğdem Mater remains in prison, convicted for the “intention” to create a documentary on the 2013 Gezi Park protests—a film never made. Her sentence highlights the rise of artistic repression in Turkey, turning creative planning into a crime. Ongoing global advocacy efforts push for her release as her case becomes a global symbol in the fight for artistic and civic freedoms
Moroccan rapper Hamza Raid became a central figure in the Gen Z protests that swept Morocco in September 2025, demanding education and healthcare reforms. Raid was detained and charged with unauthorized assembly and incitement to protest, drawing wide attention from youth and rights groups. His case highlights the risks artist-activists face and Morocco's tense climate for artistic freedom while authorities pledge order and due process.
The arrest of 16 suspects in Mexico on November 1, 2025, for the murder of two Colombian musicians has exposed a chilling reality: criminal organizations across Latin America are systematically targeting artists. The case of Bayron Sánchez (B-King) and Jorge Luis Herrera (Regio Clown) illuminates growing dangers facing artists in regions where organized crime intersects with artistic freedom. From Peru's extortion crisis to Colombia's conflict zones and Brazil's gang coercion, artists throughout the region face violence.
On October 27, 2025, Myanmar authorities detained a director, actor, and comedian under draconian new laws criminalizing criticism of the election slated for December. Their names remain unreleased by responsible media, highlighting wider dangers for artists. The move reflects an intensifying crackdown on creative expression and dissent as the regime gears up for a widely contested vote.
Since October 2025, Iranian authorities have arrested at least five rappers and a composer, targeting minority artists from Ahwazi Arab and Kurdish communities. Forced confessions and public apologies, circulated online and via state-linked channels, expose a systematic campaign of intimidation. Human rights groups report beatings, denial of legal counsel, and coercion, highlighting a broader pattern of repression against artists and activists across Iran.
A new UN report (A/80/278) warns that digitalization and AI can both amplify censorship and empower free expression. Civsy—created by Mimeta—directly answers this challenge. By training local researchers and deploying an AI-powered platform, Civsy systematically documents violations of artistic freedom, especially in underserved regions. This evidence fuels advocacy, policy reform, and accountability, turning data into a powerful tool for protecting cultural rights worldwide
Turkish-Kurdish filmmaker Kazım Öz was acquitted of “terrorist propaganda” charges over his 2017 film Zer. The Istanbul court ruled there was insufficient evidence of intent to promote violence, highlighting ongoing pressures on artistic freedom in Turkey. The case draws attention to challenges faced by filmmakers exploring Kurdish identity and historical trauma
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
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.
Hamdan Ballal, co-director of "No Other Land," was assaulted by Israeli settlers and detained by soldiers in the West Bank
The war in Gaza has wiped out a generation of artists across all fields, erasing voices crucial to Palestinian culture and identity.
Dorgham Quraiqi, a 28-year-old Palestinian artist, was tragically killed in an Israeli airstrike on March 18, 2025. He was known for his oil paintings and community work supporting children
For første gang hedrer Raftoprisen en kunstner. Budskapet er at kunst kan være et viktig verktøy i kampen mot autoritære regimer. Anerkjennelsen av Otero Alcántaras arbeid minner oss om at kunstneriske rettigheter er menneskerettigheter – og de må beskyttes
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We are happy to announce that the Rafto Prize 2024 has been awarded to Cuban artist and activist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, in recognition of his courageous resistance to authoritarianism through art. Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is the first Rafto Prize laureate whose activism is rooted in artistic expression. His work stands as a profound example of how art can be a vital tool in the fight for artistic rights and freedom of expression, making this year’s award especially meaningful within the arts sector.
2023 was marked by severe conflicts, such as those in Sudan and Gaza, alongside political tensions fueled by extremism and threats. It was a perilous year for anyone voicing opinions on war, politics, challenging tradition, or critiquing the powerful—artists were no exception.
- I can feel the solidarity every time I meet another artist. Its rather a lack of organised solidarity, its not formalised into anything
Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen, panellist at the Wexfo Brakout session, Navigating the Pressures: Protecting Artistic Freedom in a Complex Landscape. Photo From the facebook album of Wexfo (link)
The presumption of freedom of expression being media, rather than art. The session focused on how artistic rights and freedom can take a larger space within this rights environment. Why are there poor protection networks for artists, what can artists learn from journalists and their safety structures..
This breakout session at Wexfo 2024 was collaboratively prepared by NOPA, Mimeta, and Fritt Ord, representing the collective efforts of the event. Approximately 30 participants gathered for this seminar, which was structured as a panel discussion followed by an interactive workshop.
BULLA is a platform that promotes free creation and seeks to vindicate the role of artists who exercise cultural leadership aimed at transforming their communities. It is also a collaborative movement focused on defending artistic expression and promoting its recognition as a fundamental human right in the construction of free, plural, and democratic societies. It is a space to unleash the power of art and music in defending human rights and in empowering solutions to the social issues of their communities. BULLA is a a project from Fundación Cartel Urbano focused on the defense of artistic freedom in Latin America.
"The State of Artistic Freedom in Latin America 2020-2022," a comprehensive inquiry undertaken by the platform "BULLA," an initiative of Fundación Cartel Urbano dedicated to safeguarding artistic freedom in Latin America, represents an endeavor poised to illuminate the multifaceted challenges confronting artists within the region. Positioned at the nexus of socio-political discourse, this report meticulously scrutinizes the manifold threats posed to artistic expression by an array of actors, including state entities, drug trafficking organizations, and organized crime syndicates.
Nhimbe Trust, a dedicated advocate for cultural rights, has recently published its inaugural report focusing on artistic freedom in the Africa Region. Titled "Artistic Freedom in Focus: A Call for Change," the report meticulously examines cases of artistic freedom violations, highlighting the challenges faced by creators in the region.
Invitation to Breakout Session at World Expression Forum
We are looking forward to be present on this breakout session at the upcoming World Expression Forum, themed around the intersection of art, activism, and challenges faced by artists globally.
"Navigating the Pressures: Protecting Artistic Freedom in a Complex Landscape," will explore the intricate dynamics of artistic expression amidst censorship pressures from both authorities and civil society.
