Azhar Al-Rubaie has worked as a journalist in Iraq since 2014. In 2018 he did a series of articles in many topics, including  Politics, health, society, wars, militias ,human rights and LGBTQ rights. His is featured in the Arab Weekly, VICE news, Al-Jazeera, DW, Raseef 22, Washington Institute for ...

Iraq cracks down on lottery-based suicide sect that has seen dozens of deaths

05 Oct 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

Iraq is cracking down on the Allahiyah movement, a religious sect practicing lottery-based suicide, which has seen dozens of deaths among disaffected youths. The group, led by cleric Abdul Ali Munim al-Hasani, has been active since 2020 and is believed to have around 2,500 adherents. Authorities have arrested numerous members, including those involved in recent suicides and murders. The movement's rise is attributed to Iraq's high youth unemployment and social instability. Government and human rights officials stress the need for decisive intervention to address the underlying social challenges.

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Government Crackdown Religious Extremism Youth Unemployment

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Kate Bartlett is a journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Zama Zamas test South African government's promise to crack down on illegal mining

19 Nov 2024  |  BPR  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

In South Africa, police are engaged in a prolonged standoff with illegal miners, known as zama zamas, at an abandoned gold mine near Johannesburg. The government has pledged to crack down on illegal mining, which is seen as a symptom of economic desperation. The police operation, aimed at arresting the miners, has faced criticism from human rights groups for cutting off food and water supplies. Many zama zamas are migrants from neighboring countries, fearing deportation. While the miners work under dire conditions, they are often linked to criminal syndicates profiting from illegal mining. Public sympathy is limited, with calls for authorities to target the criminal leaders rather than the impoverished miners.

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Government Crackdown Illegal Mining Economic Desperation

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Hi! I’m Kaja. In short: I studied journalism in the Netherlands and received my MA in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. I lived in Israel for three years and reported on a number of stories in different cities in Israel, the Palestinian territories and ...

Morocco arrests rappers and vloggers, but artists continue to speak out

01 Oct 2023  |  de Kanttekening  |  Dutch  |  Government Crackdown

The Moroccan government is intensifying its crackdown on artists, arresting rapper Gnawi and YouTuber Moul Kaskita for their outspoken criticism. Despite the government's efforts to suppress dissent, artists continue to use their platforms to address social issues and criticize the regime. The arrests have sparked renewed debate on freedom of speech in Morocco, highlighting the challenges faced by those who speak out against corruption, inequality, and other societal problems. The text also mentions the broader context of government oppression, including the targeting of journalists and other activists.

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Government Crackdown Freedom of Speech Social Issues

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Nicole Di Ilio is a journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon.
Her work focuses on conflicts, radicalism, migrations, and marginalized groups. Her writing has appeared in Sky, Al Jazeera, Al Monitor, New Lines Magazine, VICE, among other publications. In recent years, she has been on the ground covering ...

Tunisia Cracks Down on Social Media 10 Years after Arab Spring

01 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

Tunisian police are arresting social media activists for criticizing the government and calling for protests, according to rights groups. This crackdown comes 10 years after the Arab Spring, raising concerns about freedom of expression in Tunisia.

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Government Crackdown Social Media Protests

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Umar Farooq is a multimedia journalist based in Peshawar, Pakistan. He has extensive experience working in conflict zones. He has expertise in reporting on Pakistan-Afghan-US affairs and militancy۔

KP declares three-day mourning over PTI workers’ deaths

29 Nov 2024  |  www.dawn.com  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government declared a three-day mourning period for PTI workers killed during a protest in Islamabad, following a government crackdown. Speaker Babar Saleem Swati condemned the actions against PTI protesters, alleging constitutional rights violations and excessive force by security forces. The Balochistan Assembly passed a resolution seeking a federal ban on PTI, citing violent activities and anti-state agendas, which faced opposition and a walkout by some members. The political tension highlights the ongoing conflict between the government and PTI, with accusations of brutality and calls for accountability.

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Government Crackdown Political Protests PTI Ban

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I am a photographer and multi-platform visual journalist primarily covering South and Southeast Asia.
At the moment, I'm based In Ireland.
My work has been published in :
Aljazeera English, CNN.com, The Bangkok Post, Dumbo Feather, ESPN the Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, The Independent (UK), ...

It was a warzone. Iranian security forces beat, shot and detained students of elite Tehran university, witnesses say, as crackdown escalates

03 Oct 2023  |  Egypt Independent  |  English  |  Iranian Government Crackdown

Iranian security forces, including the Revolutionary Guard Corps, violently cracked down on students at Tehran's Sharif University, detaining and shooting at them during protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. The protests, which have spread across Iran, are driven by grievances over economic issues, civil rights, and ethnic marginalization. Despite the government's harsh response, including the use of banned gases and threats, the demonstrators, particularly the younger generation, remain defiant. The Sharif University Students Islamic Association has called for a halt to classes until all detained students are released, while solidarity actions continue in Tehran. The Iranian regime faces its most significant domestic challenge in years, with little indication of concessions.

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Iranian Government Crackdown Protests in Iran Human Rights

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I am a bilingual, Cuban-American video journalist and producer with extensive experience covering Latin America. Over the last 8 years I have worked producing, shooting and editing original content, as well many of the biggest breaking news stories in the region.

Thousands of innocent people jailed in El Salvador’s gang crackdown

03 Oct 2023  |  PBS.org  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele's aggressive crackdown on gangs has led to the imprisonment of over 75,000 people, including many innocent individuals, raising concerns about human rights abuses and the erosion of democracy. Despite a significant drop in the murder rate, critics argue that the state of exception has resulted in arbitrary arrests, abuse, and deaths in prisons. Families of the detained face significant hardships, with limited recourse for justice. The government plans to conduct mass trials, but the process has been criticized for lacking fairness and transparency.

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Government Crackdown Human Rights Gang Violence

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Susannah George is a journalist covering the refugee and migrant crisis from Iraq to Turkey to Greece.

Iran expands public crackdown on women and girls, sparking public anger

25 Apr 2024  |  Washington Post  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

Iran's government has intensified its crackdown on women and girls, reversing perceived social gains from the 2022 protest movement. This move has sparked public anger, with some believing it is a cover for tightening control amid regional war fears. The ongoing Israel-Gaza war, which began with a Hamas attack on Israel, has led to significant destruction and humanitarian crises in Gaza. Despite tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. politicians, the United States continues to support Israel. The conflict's deep historical roots add to the complexity of the situation.

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Government Crackdown Women's Rights Protests

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I am an Iranian-American Journalist and Iran Analyst.
 When I was 14 I was lucky enough to get a work experience placement at newspaper in Iran. That was begining, From 1997 through today and I have worked with such as great Media inside and outside of Iran. 
I worked as a beat reporter for many ...

How Mahsa Amini's Death Became A Rallying Call For Thousands Of Iranians

16 Sept 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

The death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman, in police custody has sparked widespread protests across Iran, leading to a brutal crackdown by the government. The protests, initially focused on the enforcement of the hijab law, have evolved into a broader antiestablishment movement calling for an end to clerical rule and greater social and political freedoms. The article highlights the personal stories of those affected by the crackdown, including the family of Amini and other victims. It also discusses the broader implications of the protests and the government's response, including the role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and the Iranian Morality Police. The article provides a detailed account of the events leading up to and following Amini's death, as well as the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in Iran.

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Government Crackdown Protests in Iran Human Rights

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I'm a multimedia reporter and writer. I have covered social change, conflict and rights in more than ten countries across the Middle East and Europe while based out of London, Rome and the West Bank.

I'm experienced across all aspects of digital journalism - from filing breaking news to ...

Anti-Assad protests in Syria's Sweida governate: Will the death of a demonstrator trigger a violent crackdown?

18 Mar 2024  |  qantara.de  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

Locals in southern Syria's Sweida governate have been engaging in peaceful protests for months despite facing a brutal crackdown by the government. The situation escalated in late February when a demonstrator was killed for the first time, raising concerns about a potential violent crackdown.

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Government Crackdown Protests Violence

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Usman Hanif is a journalist associated with daily Jinnah based in Karachi, Pakistan.
He has 4 years experience in journalism.
Previously he worked for Daily Jehan Pakistan.
He also worked with Pakistan Press International' English service for one and half year reporting on different beats ...

Government takes decisive action against illegal loan apps

18 Jul 2023  |  The Express Tribune  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

The Pakistani government, led by Federal Minister for Information Technology Syed Aminul Haq, has initiated a crackdown on illegal loan applications to protect consumers from fraudulent practices. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) are collaborating to take swift action against unregistered loan companies. The PTA has already blocked 43 such applications. The government plans to launch an awareness campaign to educate consumers on safeguarding themselves against these scams. Industry experts highlight the need for a Personal Data Protection law to ensure digital privacy. The crackdown follows numerous consumer complaints of harassment and aims to curb the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

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Government Crackdown Illegal Loan Apps Consumer Protection

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Fred Harter is the Ethiopia correspondent for The Times of London. He also writes for The Independent and the Africa Report, and appears regularly on Times Radio and the BBC World Service.

He is available available for print stories, radio phoners, research and corporate work.

Ethiopia: Fighting escalates in Amhara with no end in sight

10 Oct 2024  |  The Africa Report.com  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

In Ethiopia's Amhara region, fighting has intensified as the government launches an offensive against the Fano militia, which had previously attacked several towns. The government is also cracking down on civil servants, journalists, and politicians who are sympathetic to the insurgents. The situation remains volatile with no resolution in sight.

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Government Crackdown Conflict

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Burcu Karakas is a journalist based in İstanbul, Turkey.

Arrests of two prominent Turkish reporters stokes free-speech concerns

02 Nov 2023  |  hi99.com  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

Free speech advocates and opposition politicians express concerns over Turkey's crackdown on press freedom following the arrests of journalists Tolga Sardan and Dincer Gokce under the disinformation law. Sardan was jailed, while Gokce was released under judicial control. The law, criticized for censoring dissent, targets those spreading false information online. Reporters Without Borders and other journalist associations protest the arrests, highlighting the chilling effect on media. The disinformation law is seen as a tool for repressing journalism when anti-terrorism laws are not applicable.

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Government Crackdown Press Freedom Legal Issues

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ROBERT KIBET is an award winning freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. His has appeared at DW, The Guardian UK, IPS, Equal Times, Thomson Reuters Foundation, News Deeply, Barzawire, Zenger News, IDN, Ubuntu Times, Climate Tracker and The New Humanitarian.

Kenyan Journalists in the Crossfire of Protests

27 Aug 2024  |  ipsnoticias.net  |  Spanish  |  Government Crackdown

In Kenya, journalists are increasingly caught in the crossfire of protests against the government, facing violence, arbitrary arrests, and equipment destruction. Despite press credentials, journalists are targeted by police, with incidents like the shooting of Catherine Kariuki highlighting the deliberate nature of these attacks. The Kenya Union of Journalists and international organizations condemn these actions, calling for accountability. The government's interference with media, including threats to shut down the Kenya Television Network, exacerbates the erosion of press freedom. The situation reflects broader regional challenges, with journalists in neighboring countries facing similar threats. The international community watches closely as Kenya's democratic values are tested.

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Government Crackdown Freedom of Press Protests in Kenya

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Multimedia journalist based in Erbil covering Iraq and Syria.

Iranian journalist Sara Massoumi sentenced to prison over tweet: lawyer

01 Dec 2023  |  Al-Monitor: Independent, trusted coverage of the Middle East  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

Iranian journalist Sara Massoumi has been sentenced to six months in prison and banned from media work for two years over a social media post criticizing the government regarding the death of a teenage girl, Armita Geravand. Massoumi's lawyer, Ali Mojtahedzadeh, condemned the conviction as a violation of her journalistic rights. The case highlights ongoing issues with press freedom in Iran, exacerbated since the protests following Mahsa Amini's death. International organizations like Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists have condemned the Iranian government's actions against journalists.

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Government Crackdown Press Freedom Social Media

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Tawanda Majoni is a multi-media journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe, with more than 15 years as an international and local reporter/editor focusing on politics, business and news analysis. Writing in English, he is also a columnist with various publications and the national coordinator at and ...

Violent crackdown against citizens must come to an end

01 Aug 2024  |  The Standard  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

The article highlights a series of human rights violations in Zimbabwe, primarily attributed to the government's efforts to suppress dissent ahead of the Sadc summit. Human rights defenders and activists have faced illegal arrests, torture, and police brutality. The Zimbabwe Peace Project and other organizations have expressed concern over the government's actions, urging the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission to address these abuses. The ruling party, Zanu PF, is accused of coercing citizens into political activities, further infringing on their rights. The article calls for investigations and justice for victims of state security forces' actions.

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Government Crackdown Human Rights Violations Political Repression

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Ali Noorani is currently a broadcast Specialist at NHKWorld Japan. 
Before, he was Agence France-Presse’s former correspondent in Tehran, where he covered a wide range of topics on the country. He has appeared on networks like France24 English, DW English, NPR, BBC, Al Jazeera English, etc. ...

Head of Iran Guards announces 'end of the sedition'

04 Oct 2023  |  www.citizen.co.za  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

Mohammad Ali Jafari, commander of the Revolutionary Guards, declared the end of recent unrest in Iran, attributing the disturbances to a small number of trouble-makers trained by counter-revolutionaries. The Guards intervened minimally in specific provinces, and the unrest, which began over economic issues, resulted in 21 deaths. Jafari criticized the lack of action against online supporters of the protests, noting that restrictions helped reduce the troubles.

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Government Crackdown Iran Unrest Protests

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John Okot is a journalist based in Gulu, Uganda.
Fixer | Researcher| Multi-media journalist

Uganda: 'Enemies of the State' - Uganda Targets Climate Activists in Quiet Crackdown

17 Mar 2023  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

The Ugandan government is accused of using psychological torture and arrests to suppress climate activists opposing the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). Activists like Bob Barigye face significant risks, including detention and intimidation, as they campaign against the environmental and social impacts of the pipeline. The government is criticized for targeting leaders of the climate movement and using repressive tactics to avoid international scrutiny. Despite these challenges, activists continue to push for dialogue and raise awareness about the dangers of fossil fuels.

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Government Crackdown Climate Activism Human Rights

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I am a freelance journalist based in Tbilisi, Georgia. I have just finished a master's in international journalism at City, University of London. Before that I was a corporate intelligence analyst at a London law firm, specialising in Eastern Europe. I speak fluent Russian and am highly adept at ...

Georgia's crackdown on civil society puts EU membership at risk

28 May 2023  |  Count Magazine  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

A new law in Georgia targeting NGOs and independent journalists has led to mass protests, with concerns that the government is undermining the country's EU membership aspirations and aligning with Russia. Journalists and civil society groups face harassment, financial targeting, and intimidation. The ruling Georgian Dream party, founded by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, is accused of adopting repressive tactics similar to those of Vladimir Putin's regime. The foreign agents law, which requires organizations receiving foreign funding to register as foreign agents, is seen as a significant threat to civil society. Upcoming parliamentary elections in October are viewed as a critical juncture for Georgia's political future.

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Government Crackdown Civil Society EU Membership Protests

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Luka Pertaia is a freelance multimedia journalist and photo-reporter based in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Georgian Government Seeks To Ban Fireworks, An Iconic Symbol Of The Protests

10 Dec 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

The Georgian government, led by the Georgian Dream party, plans to introduce laws banning fireworks and face coverings at protests, following demonstrations against the decision to delay EU accession talks. The protests, marked by the use of fireworks against riot police, have been met with accusations of excessive force and media attacks. Critics, including opposition leaders and civil society groups, argue that these measures, along with proposed changes to public sector employment and police recruitment, threaten democratic freedoms and labor rights. The situation has drawn international condemnation, highlighting tensions between the government and pro-European factions.

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Government Crackdown Protests in Georgia EU Accession

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Alice Rowsome is a BAFTA-nominated filmmaker and journalist. 

Her work has been commissioned by National Geographic, The Guardian, Broadly, VICE Impact, The Independent, Refugees Deeply and other publications. Focusing on forced migration, climate change and women's rights, she has reported from ...

Turkey's Government Crackdown on Journalists and Social Media Has Crippled Freedom of Speech

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

Turkey's government, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has severely restricted freedom of speech and media following a failed military coup in 2016. The crackdown has led to mass detentions, dismissals, and the closure of media outlets and NGOs. Social media, once a tool for Erdoğan, is now heavily censored. Organizations like Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists are advocating for press freedom, while the EU remains divided on how to address Turkey's human rights violations due to strategic interests. The situation has fostered solidarity among Turkish civil society, but fear and uncertainty persist.

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Government Crackdown Freedom of Speech Media Censorship

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Freelance journalist
Editor, IranWire English
Editorial assistant, Banipal Magazine
Formerly Archant Investigations Unit + Oxford Mail

The crackdown in Belarus may have stopped public dissent, but as these hackers suggest, it could be just driving it underground.

08 Sept 2023  |  euronews  |  English  |  Belarusian protests and government crackdown

The article by Hannah Somerville discusses the underground resistance in Belarus against President Alexander Lukashenko's regime, particularly focusing on the activities of a group of hackers known as the Belarusian Cyber-Partisans (CP). The CP claims to have obtained over five terabytes of data from the Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs, including passport details and internal communications. The group has begun leaking information about government operatives and plans to continue doing so to undermine the regime's efforts to suppress dissent. The article also touches on the broader digital activism in Belarus, including the role of platforms like Nexta and PandaDoc in supporting protests and aiding those targeted by the government. Additionally, the CP's hack revealed underreported COVID-19 deaths in Belarus. The Belarusian government has acknowledged the severity of the cyberattacks and has taken steps to label the CP's Telegram accounts as 'extremist'. Despite the potential violation of privacy and legal risks, the CP justifies its actions as a necessary response to the oppressive political climate in Belarus.

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Belarusian protests and government crackdown Political dissent in Belarus Cybersecurity and hacking Data leaks and privacy

Cassandra Vinograd is a freelance journalist and producer specializing in conflict, human rights and migration. She previously worked for NBC News, The Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal. Her reporting has taken her throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East. 

She is HEFAT certified....

Anti-Tax Riots Rock Kenya, as President Vows Crackdown on ‘Treasonous’ Protesters

25 Jun 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Government Crackdown

Thousands of demonstrators in Nairobi protested against newly approved tax increases, leading to violent clashes with police that resulted in fatalities and injuries. Protesters briefly set fire to the entrance of Parliament. President William Ruto condemned the protests as 'treasonous' and announced a military crackdown. Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission reported on the casualties and police actions.

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Government Crackdown Protests Taxation

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