Avant-Garde Lawyers (AGL) is launching the third edition of itsonline course, The Art of Defending Artists 3.0. This program is designed to empower human rights defenders, legal professionals, civil society advocates, and socially engaged artists with the tools and knowledge to protect artistic freedom worldwide.
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.
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
Apply now the Rawabet program production grants! The Production grants are a key component of the Rawabet Programme. These grants are aimed at artists from the Arab region who have resided in Europe since 2015. The programme offers production grants valued up to 12,000 euros for those in the performing arts field, including theatre, dance, circus, performing acts, and music. Some of the supported projects will also have the opportunity to participate in one of the Rawabet festivals during 2025 or 2026.
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.
Political violence and civil unrest are among the top global business risks, driven by rising protests, economic instability, and ideological extremism. Allianz Commercial reports that over 50% of businesses identify civil unrest as their primary political violence concern. With 800+ major protests since 2017, and $10B+ in related losses over a decade, companies must prioritize risk mitigation, continuity planning, and insurance coverage to navigate the unstable geopolitical climate.
Uganda’s artists face growing censorship under President Museveni’s rule. From banned music and plays to arrested comedians and TikTokers, creative expression is under siege. Laws targeting LGBTQ+ content and political satire have silenced many, yet artists continue to resist through coded messages, digital activism, and global collaboration—proving that creativity remains a powerful force against oppression.
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Amid rising global uncertainty and a rapidly shifting philanthropic landscape, the 2025 Skoll World Forum brought together changemakers from around the world in Oxford and online under the theme, “Together We Can Mend What is Broken.” From April 1–4, the forum served as a catalyst for ideas, urgent action, and transformative collaboration. By spotlighting pioneering social innovations and reimagining how philanthropy and development can adapt to today’s complex realities, the event offered a hopeful yet pragmatic roadmap for tackling systemic challenges and shaping more equitable futures.
On April 3, 2025, Lusaka's streets echoed with the voices of protesters demanding justice for the alarming rise in child rape cases. Among them were prominent musicians like Sista D, B’Flow, and Wezi Heartsound, who joined civil society groups to call for legal reforms to protect Zambia’s children from sexual violence.
