Home Middle East and North Africa Middle East

Reports - Middle East

This is available in:

30 April 2012

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in March 2012

MADA is concerned about the deterioration in freedom of expression in the territories, in particular the safety of journalists and bloggers in response to their reporting or their writing on social networking sites.

6 April 2012

Bahrain

Press freedom situation worsens as authorities attempt to whitewash actions

The authorities have hired Western PR firms to help project a favourable image of the regime in the Western media.

29 March 2012

Bahrain

Vital reform commitments unmet, finds Human Rights Watch

Some of the BICI’s most serious concerns, like accountability for crimes such as torture and relief for people wrongly imprisoned have not been adequately addressed, says Human Rights Watch.

26 March 2012

Bahrain

BCHR documents human rights violations post-BICI Report

The report honours the past and current sacrifices made by human rights defender Abdulhadi Alkhawaja and all those who paid a high price for demanding human rights.

14 March 2012

Syria

On first anniversary of uprising, tenacity of press noteworthy

A CPJ review of the journalist fatalities found substantial evidence that two local journalists, Ferzat Jarban and Basil al-Sayed, were directly targeted by government forces.

28 February 2012

Bahrain

Human Rights Watch reports on unfair trials targeting peaceful demonstrators, activists

The egregious violations of fair trial rights in political cases do not just reflect the poor practices of individual prosecutors and judges, but serious, systemic problems with the country's criminal justice system, said the organisation.

24 February 2012

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in the occupied Palestinian territories in 2011

MADA identified a total of 206 violations of media freedoms, with the murder of Italian journalist Vittorio Arrigoni in Gaza representing the most serious violation of the year.

22 February 2012

Palestine / Israel

Palestinians facing wave of detentions, attacks

Since the beginning of 2012, at least five journalists working in the Palestinian Territories have been subjected to arbitrary arrest and a further two have seen their detention periods extended.

16 February 2012

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in January 2012

(MADA/IFEX) - Ramallah, February 2012 - The New Year did not begin well for journalists in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) with widespread violations in January, particularly towards the end of the month. Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) launched an extensive campaign of violence and harassment against journalists, with incidences of journalists being targeted with rubber coated steel bullets, live rounds and tear gas projectiles, extension of arrests and issuing of one exclusion order.

10 February 2012

Syria

Restrictions on independent media must end, says IPI

The absence of independent media reporting in Syria severely hinders the world's understanding of what is taking place there, said IPI.

9 February 2012

Yemen

Human Rights Watch reports on use of excessive force against peaceful protesters in Taizz

In the report, the organisation calls on the US, EU and Persian Gulf states to acknowledge that the immunity granted to President Saleh and his aides has no legal effect outside Yemen.

17 January 2012

Yemen

Journalists see light at end of tunnel, but dangers remain

Reporters are still afraid for their safety as media and media workers continue to be prosecuted, IPI found.

16 January 2012

Bahrain

Athletes targeted for exercising their rights as country prepares for the Formula One

On 13 December 2011, the Criminal Court sentenced racing champion Mohamed AlKhunaizi to two years' imprisonment on charges of illegal gathering and inciting hatred against the regime.

13 January 2012

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in December 2011

Violations by Israeli forces against journalists in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) rose in number in the month of December, with journalists being frequently targeted with tear gas grenades.

22 December 2011

Syria

Brutal crackdown on media continues

Arrest, imprisonment and torture await journalists who dare to defy the regime, says IPI.

15 December 2011

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in November 2011

November has seen no improvement for Palestinian journalists or media freedoms in the occupied Palestinian territories, reminding those in the field of journalism of the high price paid for disseminating the truth.

15 December 2011

Syria

'Shoot to kill' commanders named in Human Rights Watch report

Statements by former soldiers leave no doubt that the Syrian security forces committed widespread and systematic abuses, including killings, arbitrary detention, and torture, as part of a state policy targeting the civilian population.

23 November 2011

Bahrain

BCHR releases report on the price of freedom and social justice

The report gives background to the situation, then identifies and documents all the types of violations that took place, with the aim of putting out recommendations to the Bahraini government, as well as the EU, US, UN OHCHR and the ICC.

10 November 2011

Bahrain

Freedom House reports on brutal crackdown in the country

Despite the regime's brutality, the United States recently signed a multimillion-dollar arms deal (currently on hold) with the country and has remained largely silent amid a crackdown that proportionally surpasses the magnitude of any other in the region.

7 November 2011

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in October 2011

Palestinian journalists faced a difficult month in October, with MADA monitoring an increased number of violations committed by the IDF and settlers across the West Bank.

17 October 2011

Bahrain

Regime continues to target free expression by bringing journalists and photographers to trial

A number of media professionals have recently been summoned to appear before criminal courts, according to BCHR.

7 October 2011

Palestine / Israel

Violations of media freedoms in September 2011

The state of media freedom in the Palestinian territories continued to decline in September, with an increase in the number of violations perpetrated against journalists, particularly by the IDF.

4 October 2011

Syria

ANHRI condemns targeting of pro-revolution artists

A number of singers, actors and artists have been harassed for participating in anti-regime demonstrations or criticising the president.

14 September 2011

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in August 2011

Israeli occupation forces arrested three journalists in the West Bank in August, two of which remain in custody, bringing the total number of Palestinian journalists incarcerated in Israeli jails to four.

31 August 2011

Bahrain

Authorities attempt to muzzle, intimidate independent broadcasters covering rights violations

Recent moves include the jamming of the opposition Lulu channel and pressure tactics used against Al-Jazeera to prevent the airing of a video on the situation in the country.

18 August 2011

Palestine

MADA issues original study on online media and freedom of expression

Among the key findings of the report is that Facebook enhances freedom of expression but fails to encompass or represent the diversity of heterogeneous societies and political movements.

16 August 2011

Palestine / Israel

Violations of media freedoms in July 2011

Numerous violations were committed against journalists during July 2011, particularly while journalists were covering peaceful weekly marches and activities regularly hosted in several locations across the West Bank.

25 July 2011

Palestine / Israel

MADA issues 2011 mid-year report

In the first six months of 2011 MADA has monitored 113 violations on press freedom in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), including 68 committed by the security services of the West Bank and Gaza and 45 committed by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF).

22 July 2011

Lebanon

IPI calls for justice for murdered journalists in light of UN STL indictments

"The Special Tribunal for Lebanon should continue its investigations not only into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, but also into the murder and attempted murder of journalists in 2005," said IPI.

11 July 2011

Bahrain

Foreign journalists face continued harassment, restrictions imposed by authorities

BCHR provides a synopsis of actions against foreign media personnel since the start of pro-democracy protests in February.

8 July 2011

Palestine / Israel

Violations of media freedoms in June 2011

MADA monitored 13 violations against journalists during the month of June, with a noted decrease in the number of attacks stemming from Palestinian security services.

6 July 2011

Bahrain

Human Rights Watch documents unfolding rights crisis

There have been widespread arbitrary arrests and incommunicado detention, torture, and unfair military court trials since pro-democracy protests began, as well as summary dismissals of workers accused of sympathising with the protests.

29 June 2011

Bahrain

BCHR documents attacks on those who dare speak to the media

Many who have spoken to media have been subject to intimidation, violence, arrest, and prosecution, according to BCHR.

14 June 2011

Bahrain

BCHR releases report on government crackdown against photographers

The report documents the authorities' targeting of photographers, from dismissals to assaults and arrests, in response to their involvement in documenting the events of Bahrain's revolution.

10 June 2011

Palestine / Israel

Violations against journalists continued in May 2011

MADA monitored 12 violations of media freedom in May 2011, including the near fatal shooting of Mohamed Othman.

3 June 2011

Bahrain

BCHR documents attacks on organisation's president by security forces and sectarian media

BCHR reiterates its concern for the safety of organisation president Nabeel Rajab and that of his family.

2 June 2011

Syria

Information blockade shields crimes against humanity, says Human Rights Watch report

Security forces have killed at least 418 people in the Daraa governorate alone, and more than 887 across Syria, according to local activists who have been maintaining a list of those killed.

1 June 2011

Bahrain

BCHR report outlines misinformation campaign waged by the Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation

The Bahrain TV station has been broadcasting fabricated images and programs aimed at discrediting those who participated in the peaceful protests, says BCHR.

27 May 2011

Bahrain

BCHR report documents government's attempts to stifle online free expression

A number of political affairs sites, discussion forums and activists' blogs have been blocked or shut down by the authorities, BCHR notes.

20 May 2011

Palestine / Israel

Violations of media freedom in April 2011

There was a marked decrease in the number of violations in April, which was, however, negated by the increased brutality of the attacks.

4 May 2011

Palestine

MADA releases first quarter report on World Press Freedom Day

According to the report, 2011 has brought with it an unprecedented increase in Palestinian-perpetrated violations against the media.

15 April 2011

Palestine / Israel

Violations against journalists in March 2011

Numerous violations against press freedoms in Gaza were recorded as well as incidents of the targeting of women journalists.

7 April 2011

Palestine

Human Rights Watch report documents rise in attacks, detentions of journalists in West Bank and Gaza

Human Rights Watch calls on Palestinian authorities to hold their security forces to account for abuses and urges foreign donors to condition aid to security forces on concrete accountability measures.

5 April 2011

Lebanon

SKeyes Annual Report 2010

SKeyes has issued its annual report on the status of media and cultural freedoms in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Jordan in 2010.

14 March 2011

Palestine / Israel

Violations against journalists in February 2011

MADA monitored numerous violations against journalists in the occupied Palestinian territories during February.

10 March 2011

Yemen

Security forces killed at least nine, injured 150, at peaceful Aden protests

The 20-page report, "Days of Bloodshed in Aden," documents attacks on protesters in the strategic port city of Aden from 16 to 25 February.

23 February 2011

Palestine / Israel

MADA report on violations of media freedoms in 2010

MADA monitored an increase in the number of attacks on journalists as a result of the continued Israeli occupation and internal Palestinian disputes.

22 February 2011

Iraq

Human Rights Watch releases report on human rights situation, including conditions for journalists

The 102-page report calls on the government to protect the rights of vulnerable groups and amend laws that violate freedom of speech.

10 February 2011

Palestine / Israel

Violations of media freedoms in January 2011

MADA has documented numerous violations against journalists by both Israeli occupation forces and Palestinian security services.

17 January 2011

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in December 2010

MADA documented 19 actions against journalists or their property in December 2010.

14 January 2011

Bahrain

ANHRI announces release of Arab Working Group report on the media's performance during the elections

The report points to the media's bias towards government candidates and the effect of the detention crackdown on the media's performance.

26 November 2010

Palestine

Research on access to information rights

MADA publishes a report on the right of access to information and the reality of its implementation and practice.

4 November 2010

Iraq

RSF issues investigative report on the state of press freedom in Iraqi Kurdistan

In a new report titled, "Between Freedom and Abuses: The Media Paradox in Iraqi Kurdistan", RSF reviews the political and historical circumstances surrounding the growth of media outlets in the region.

4 October 2010

Palestine

MADA releases access to information study

To mark International Day of Access to Information, MADA issued a new study entitled, "The reality of access to information in Palestine".

30 September 2010

Yemen

A CPJ special report: In Yemen, brutal repression cloaked in law

President Ali Abdullah Saleh's administration is erecting an elaborate legal structure intended to further restrict news coverage and provide a veneer of legitimacy for its brutal action.

14 September 2010

Palestine / Israel

Palestinian media in the Gaza Strip continue to carry out their work despite restrictions, MADA study concludes

The study was entitled, "The impact of the Israeli siege on media outlets in the Gaza Strip".

9 September 2010

Iraq

Iraq war: heaviest death toll for media since World War II

Two weeks after the U.S. Army's last combat brigade withdrew from Iraq, RSF surveyed the country's seven years of occupation by the coalition forces and their impact on press freedom.

7 September 2010

Palestine

MADA study calls for an end to self-censorship

The study was prepared by journalist and researcher Mahmoud Alfataftah.

19 July 2010

Syria

President Bashar al-Asad's decade in power marked by repression, says Human Rights Watch report

The 35-page report reviews Syria's bleak human rights record in five key areas, including freedom of expression.

15 July 2010

Syria

Ten years after Bashar el-Assad’s ascent to power, government still decides who can be a journalist

All the talk of political and legislative reforms have not produced any results. As in his foreign policy, Assad says one thing and does another.

10 June 2010

Iran

RSF reports on press freedom one year after Ahmadinejad's re-election

Using a skillfully devised strategy, the regime's repressive policies have succeeded, says RSF report.

21 April 2010

Yemen

Yemeni media and journalists targeted by spate of prosecutions

RSF strongly condemns a sharp decline in the press freedom situation since the start of the second half of 2009.

11 March 2010

Palestine / Israel

MADA's 2009 annual report on press freedom

MADA recorded 173 violations of media freedoms, 97 committed by Israeli occupation forces and settlers and 76 by Palestinian security forces and armed groups.

1 March 2010

Iraq

Election candidates should promote human rights, says Human Rights Watch

The country remains one of the world's most dangerous countries for journalists, who also face harassment and legal action by government officials.

16 February 2010

Iran

Human Rights Watch report documents mounting rights violations as government celebrates revolution's anniversary

The scope of the government's crackdown on dissent since the disputed June 2009 elections is even broader than previously reported, says Human Rights Watch.

4 February 2010

Iran

With 47 journalists in jail, Iran setting notorious records

While many were arrested after the 2009 presidential election, a CPJ survey found that a campaign to detain independent and opposition journalists is ongoing.

18 December 2009

Iran

RSF assesses media toll of six-month crackdown

Six months after Iran's disputed presidential election, authorities continue to censor news and information and persecute journalists.

15 December 2009

Yemen

End harsh repression in south, says Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch report documents attacks by security forces on Southern Movement supporters as well as journalists, academics and other opinion-makers.

9 December 2009

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in Palestine during November 2009

November 2009 witnessed a serious escalation in attacks on journalists by Israeli forces and the Palestinian security services in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

26 November 2009

Syria

End persecution of Kurds, Human Rights Watch report urges

The 63-page report, "Group Denial: Repression of Kurdish Political and Cultural Rights in Syria," notes that arrests of activists are intensifying.

4 November 2009

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in Palestine during October 2009

(MADA/IFEX) - There have been disturbing violations of media freedoms in the occupied Palestinian territories during October 2009. The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) monitored many of the Israeli violations against journalists, especially incidents in Jerusalem and Hebron committed by the Israeli occupation forces.

4 November 2009

Lebanon

Maharat Foundation releases study on media coverage of the 2009 parliamentary elections

The results of the study were presented during a roundtable organised by the group.

8 October 2009

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in Palestine during September 2009

(MADA/IFEX) - September 2009 witnessed renewed violations of media freedoms in the occupied Palestinian territories, where Israeli forces continued to target journalists who cover demonstrations against the construction of the separation wall and settlement expansion.

14 September 2009

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in the Palestinian territories during August 2009

8 September 2009

Iran

ARTICLE 19 urges Human Rights Council to address free expression

ARTICLE 19 has provided a submission to the UN Human Rights Council raising concerns about Iran's failure to respect and promote freedom of expression.

26 August 2009

Lebanon

ARTICLE 19 calls for comprehensive reform of print media legislation

ARTICLE 19 released its analysis of the Press Law and amendments to a range of domestic media laws, as proposed by the Maharat Foundation.

12 August 2009

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in Palestine during July 2009

Violations of media freedoms in oPt during July 2009

10 July 2009

Palestine

MADA report on press freedom violations in June 2009

Please click here to read MADA's report:

23 June 2009

Iran

Freedom to publish under siege: IPA report slams censorship in Iran

The report describes mechanisms of censorship and makes specific demands to curb censorship through an "IPA Road Map for Freedom to Publish in Iran".

11 June 2009

Iraq

Press freedom abuses cited in letter to prime minister

CPJ and the Journalistic Freedoms Observatory have documented a number of assaults and instances of harassment committed by government officials against journalists in various parts of the country.

27 May 2009

Lebanon

Maharat Foundation launches report on the status of freedom of speech and expression

In cooperation with UNESCO's regional office in Beirut, Maharat Foundation launched its annual report on the status of freedom of expression and opinion in Lebanon for the year 2008.

12 March 2009