Moroccan rapper Pause Flow is facing criminal prosecution in Sefrou over lyrics from nearly ten songs accused of insulting public officials and an organized body. After arrest and pre-trial detention, his potential release now depends on a high bail. The case has triggered national debate on artistic freedom, with fellow rappers and rights groups warning of rising pressure on critical voices in Morocco’s music scene.
The arrest of veteran Algerian journalist Saad Bouakba has reignited debate over shrinking space for free expression in Algeria. Detained after remarks on alleged historical financial misconduct linked to the FLN, Bouakba now faces charges of defamation and insulting state symbols. His case highlights the growing criminalization of dissent, the fragility of historical debate, and the mounting risks faced by journalists, artists, and commentators who challenge official narratives.
As war escalated in Gaza after October 2023, Meta’s platforms became crucial spaces for documentation and solidarity. Yet investigations and leaks suggest a vast system of digital censorship targeting Palestinian and pro-Palestinian content, allegedly in close coordination with Israeli authorities. While platforms deny political bias, artists and activists across the Arab world are now developing creative strategies to evade algorithmic suppression and preserve their narratives.
In 2025, Libya’s creative community faces unprecedented restrictions as authorities in the East and West impose strict controls over music, theater, and visual arts. Rap concerts are canceled, festivals shut down, and galleries closed, while bloggers and artists face surveillance, threats, and arbitrary detention. Human rights groups warn that these measures are driving self-censorship, exile, and the suppression of Libya’s vibrant cultural expression, raising urgent concerns about freedom of expression.
A young singer in Tangier faced legal consequences after his Eid al-Fitr performance went viral, drawing criticism for content viewed as inappropriate for minors. The Tangier Court of First Instance imposed a suspended prison sentence and a fine. The case demonstrates how social media and local public-morals laws intersect with neighborhood celebrations in Morocco.
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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.
Across the Arab world, governments are rapidly tightening rules on social media, influencers, and online expression. From Saudi Arabia’s 2025 media code to Egypt’s cybercrime prosecutions and Bahrain’s high-profile influencer arrests, these measures claim to protect morals and national identity—but also sharply limit free expression. The region is entering a decisive phase of digital governance, reshaping youth culture, journalism, and creative industries.
Saudi Arabia's newly enforced 2025 Media Rules, introduced by the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM), impose stringent guidelines on digital content. These regulations, targeting both citizens and foreigners, prohibit vulgar language, ostentatious displays of wealth, exposure of family disputes, non-consensual filming, and divisive content. Violations can lead to penalties ranging from fines to account suspension, significantly impacting influencers, brands, and individual content creators.
Two prominent Palestinian creatives, visual artist Amna Al-Salmi and photojournalist Ismail Abu Hatab, were among those killed when Israeli forces bombed the al-Baqa café in Gaza City. Once a vital social and cultural hub, the café offered rare space for connection and creativity under siege. Their deaths underscore the devastating toll of the war on Gaza’s civilian life and cultural memory.
Sarah Al-Bahrani, a rising Iraqi actress, was indefinitely suspended by the state-linked Artists Syndicate after exposing sexual extortion in the entertainment industry. Accused of “unethical conduct,” she alleges retaliation for speaking out. Her case reflects Iraq’s broader suppression of artistic freedom and gendered censorship. Despite harassment and threats, Al-Bahrani has become a symbol of resistance in the face of systemic repression.
Hoba Hoba Spirit's Rabat concert was indefinitely postponed after backlash from AS FAR football club supporters over frontman Reda Allali’s critical comments. The incident reveals Morocco’s ongoing struggle between artistic freedom and institutional sensitivities. As fans demand accountability, the postponement underscores how cultural expression remains entangled with political red lines—especially when the military or national identity is involved.
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.
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I work carefully and imperceptibly below the surface when it comes to freedom of artistic expression. Deep down I stand by those who want to break it but remind them of realities above the surface. At the same time, the water becomes shallower. This is my duty as a producer.
(Faisal Kiwewa, Bayimba, Uganda.)
