In February 2025, Lebanese-Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi was abruptly removed from representing Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale, igniting a firestorm of controversy within the international arts community. The decision, made by Creative Australia, followed backlash over Sabsabi’s 2007 video installation You
Lebanon’s vibrant arts scene, known for its cultural richness and political critique, continues to face significant challenges due to censorship and harassment. Artists, filmmakers, and performers are frequently targeted by authorities, religious groups, and political factions when their work addresses sensitive issues such as politics, religion, or gender, domestically and abroad
Zimbabwe remains a hostile space for artists challenging the government, with increasing censorship and harassment under President Mnangagwa. Despite constitutional guarantees, musicians like Winky D and comedians like Samantha Kureya face threats, abductions, and show cancellations for criticizing corruption and injustice.
In February 2025, Moroccan artist Khadija Tanana became the latest target of state censorship when her artwork, Hand of Fatima, was forcibly removed from the Tetouan Centre of Modern Art.
Artistic freedom in Jordan faces significant challenges, with artists across various fields—spanning journalism, street art, music, and filmmaking—dealing with censorship, harassment and legal action, making an environment where creative expression is increasingly constrained
The violent pro-monarchy protests in Nepal have claimed the life of journalist Suresh Rajak, a dedicated photojournalist with Avenues Television, after demonstrators set fire to a building he was reporting from in Kathmandu.
Artists often wield significant influence beyond their craft, shaping political discourse and national identity. Manisha Koirala, a celebrated Bollywood actress of Nepali origin, exemplifies this power through her vocal support for monarchy and Nepal’s Hindu identity.
Zimbabwe’s music and comedy scenes have long been vibrant arenas for cultural expression, but they are increasingly becoming battlegrounds for freedom of speech.
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.
Iranian filmmakers face significant challenges due to strict censorship, which limits creative freedom and forces many to produce films in secret or leave the country. Nina Zarabi's story highlights these challenges
From June 2-13, 2025, UN Special Rapporteur Alexandra Xanthaki will visit Micronesia to evaluate cultural rights, inclusivity, and challenges. Her findings, including recommendations, will be presented to the UN in March 2026.
The U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing on March 25, 2025, addressing concerns over censorship and threats to free speech.
The White House's ban on AP raises serious First Amendment concerns, setting a dangerous precedent for press freedom and government control over media access.
Hamdan Ballal, co-director of "No Other Land," was assaulted by Israeli settlers and detained by soldiers in the West Bank
The Mahmoud Khalil case has become a focal point in the ongoing controversy surrounding Columbia University, free speech, and federal funding
X blocks opposition accounts amid Turkey protests, raising free speech concerns.
The recent jailing of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has sparked significant political unrest in Turkey, leading to widespread protests and heightened tensions between the government and opposition forces.
The Albanian government’s decision to ban TikTok for a year has led to public outrage and protests. Officials cite youth protection, while critics argue it’s a move to control information ahead of elections.
