Indian films are facing growing, selective scrutiny in Gulf states, especially when they depict India–Pakistan tensions, Kashmir, or LGBTQIA+ lives. Recent bans on “Dhurandhar”, “Sky Force”, and the Malayalam film “Maranamass” show how geopolitical sensitivities and moral norms shape access to cinema for South Asian audiences across the region
The arrest and extradition of Kuwaiti blogger Salman Al-Khalidi in January 2025 has ignited international debate over political persecution, human rights violations, and breaches of international law. Al-Khalidi, a vocal critic of authoritarian regimes, was extradited from Iraq to Kuwait despite his status as a political refugee. This controversial action raises serious concerns about the protection of free expression and the treatment of dissidents in the Gulf region, particularly with regards to violations of international legal protections for refugees.
