In January 2023, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior launched the Ballegh platform, an online reporting system that allows citizens to flag social media content deemed “indecent” or harmful to public morals. Promoted as a tool to uphold societal values, Ballegh quickly became a mechanism for state repression.
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
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
Hamdan Ballal, co-director of "No Other Land," was assaulted by Israeli settlers and detained by soldiers in the West Bank
Miami Beach's mayor is trying to cut funding for O Cinema after it screened the controversial film No Other Land.
The Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land" fuels controversy over its political themes, highlighting Palestinian resistance and Israeli demolitions in the West Bank.
Brookings Institution warns of rising threats to U.S. arts, linking censorship, defunding, and authoritarian tactics
Sukatani’s censored song sparks protests and debate on free speech, with police facing allegations of intimidation.
A cohort of national free speech and arts organizations expressed outrage at the Trump Administration’s recent efforts to establish ideological control over federally-funded cultural initiatives in the United States
Recent actions by the Trump administration that have sparked concerns about censorship in the US arts scene
Fareed Armaly rejects Käthe Kollwitz Prize from the Berlin Academy of Arts, protesting Germany’s censorship, racism, and suppression of Palestinian voices.
Bangladesh: The government reaffirms commitment to free expression, dismissing claims of pre-publication book censorshi
Iranian singer Amir Tataloo's death sentence sparks global outcry over blasphemy and freedom of expression
