New media in the Muslim world
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Data centre plans in Saudi ArabiaGoogle puts Saudi activists in danger
Internet giant Google is creating a "cloud region" in Saudi Arabia. It says it will protect users there. But digital rights activists say the firm will be putting the lives of government critics at risk. Cathrin Schaer reports
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Human rights in EgyptEgyptian activist Sanaa Seif "disappointed with German politicians"
Sanaa Seif, sister of Alaa Abd El-Fattah, one of Egypt's best-known dissidents, visited Berlin recently. She spoke to Cathrin Schaer about her brother's hunger strike and Europe's double standards on Ukraine and the Middle East
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Matchmaking among IndiansWhy do Indian expats in Europe still seek an arranged marriage?
Arranged marriages have been the norm in India for centuries. Now online dating sites, the "marriage market" and changing social norms have seen matchmaking services evolve – especially for Indian expats in Europe. By Shabnam Surita
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Middle EastHow cybercrime laws are used to silence dissent
Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are among those countries increasingly misusing cybercrime legislation to silence dissent and curb freedom of speech. Could a new global cybercrime framework under UN supervision save regime critics? Jennifer Holleis reports
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Repression in Sisi's EgyptEgyptian media workers – systematically intimidated
Since President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi seized power in Egypt in 2013, he has ruled the country with an iron fist. Civil society, opposition and free press struggle to survive. Tens of thousands of political prisoners, including at least 24 media professionals, are behind bars. Sofian Philip Naceur reports
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Menstruation in PakistanWhat every girl should know
Pakistan needs to start removing the stigma society attaches to menstruation, argues Mahwish Gul. She has been instrumental in developing #HelpSaira, a new digital app aimed at teenage girls that offers constructive and value-free information and advice
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Cairo to KyivSocial media's rocky ride through conflict zones
Setting up Ukraine's official Twitter account in 2016, Yarema Dukh knew that social media was the best way for his country to get its message out. And yet the tortuous history of its relations with protest movements and governments – from 2011's Arab Spring to Myanmar – suggests Ukraine will have to fight to hold on to its gains
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Middle EastLebanon: Influencers join together to fight hate speech
A group of 20 social media influencers in Lebanon is seeking to de-escalate political tensions and overcome sectarian problems. Their outreach is impressive among the young and tech-savvy population. By Jennifer Holleis and Razan Salman
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Sex education in the Arab worldLet's talk about sex, habibi!
Sex education – taboo in the Middle East. Or is it? Thanks to social media, millions these days are daring to ask everything about "it". Jennifer Holleis has the details
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Netflix launches Palestinian film collection"We want our stories to travel"
On 14 October 2021, streaming giant Netflix expanded its service to include films either produced by Palestinians or with a Palestinian theme. "Palestinian Stories" comprises 32 award-winning movies available to viewers all round the world
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Freedom of the press in TurkeyRecep Tayyip Erdogan tightens the media thumbscrews
Critics are in for a rough ride: in future, opposition media in Turkey that receives funding from abroad will have to disclose all sources of income. Journalists' associations fear a further attack on press freedoms. By Hilal Koylu
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TurkeyAnti-Syrian sentiment boils over in Ankara riots
There are approximately 4 million refugees in Turkey, and they are increasingly the objects of hostility - as recent riots in Ankara have shown. Experts warn that the situation is likely to escalate in future