Ahmed is a contributor to GV and GV Arabic lingua from Tunisia since 2011. His main interests are digital and privacy rights and internet literacy and governance. He is a forever and fervent supporter of freedom of expression and freedom of the press. As a blogger, Ahmed has several bylines on the internet.
He has been Chevening Scholar in 2017 and an Internet Society IGF Young Ambassador in 2019. Ahmed works continuously on good governance projects through data-evidenced decision-making, democracy projects and internet literacy projects.
Latest posts by Ahmed Medien
Experts Cast Doubt on Tunisia’s Biometric Identification Bill
Digital rights advocates and Tunisia's Data Protection Authority are voicing concern about the bill. At present, Tunisia does not require government authorities to obtain court approval before accessing citizen data.
Charlie Is Ahmed. And Ahmed Is Charlie: Hashtags Emerging From the Tragedy in France
While we consume news from France, commenting on freedom of satirical expression, Islam and France as a society, the concept of French universalism and republicanism is left in the shadows.
Tunisian Election Paves the Way for a Brave New Future of Plural Democracy
A high turnout, a relatively trouble-free vote and the candidates' acceptance of the results of Tunisia's October 26 election signal the country's maturing as a democracy.
3 Online Initiatives to Boost Voters’ Involvement in Tunisia's 2014 Elections
Tunisians go to the polls on Sunday to elect their parliament members. Online, they can scrutinise their choices and even check which politician is being truthful.
#FreeBoussa: Moroccan Netizens Protest Teen Trial over Public Kiss
Three teenagers have been arrested in Morocco. Their crime? The first two were arrested for kissing in public, and the third for photographing them.
Mashrou’ Leila Is Back on Stage to #OccupyArabPop
Lebanese indie band Mashrou' Leila is taking the Arab world by storm. Ahmed Medien looks at how the band is using social media to reach out to audiences.
Breaking Taboos: Tunisians Speak Up Against Homophobia
#TnGay took the Tunisian Twittersphere by storm. Ahmed Medien shares with us what netizens think of homosexuality in Tunisia.
Tunisia: Salafis Run Amok over ‘Blasphemous’ Art Works
A group of Salafists attacked an art exhibition, Le Printemps des Arts, in La Marsa, (north suburb of Tunis) destroying some of the art works deemed blasphemous to Islam. The incident soon turned into a riot, with hundreds of Salafists attacking several areas across Tunisia and clashing with security forces.
Tunisia: Final Draft of New Constitution Preamble Causes Controversy
Tunisians are fuming over the final draft of the preamble (prelude) of the new constitution, drafted by their first elected parliament after the fall of the Ben Ali regime. Many netizens did not agree with the assembly members' vision of post-revolution Tunisia. Ahmed Medien summarises reactions.
Tunisia: Netizens Voice Frustration Over Slow Legislature
Tunisian netizens are turning to their keyboards and touch screens to voice their frustration with the performance of their representatives at the country's Constituent Assembly. Six months after their election, Members of Parliament and government officials seem to be having serious challenges meeting the people's various, and often exaggerated, expectations.
Algeria: Low Turnout in Legislative Elections
On May 10, Algeria's first legislative elections since the start of the Arab uprisings were held. Many people expressed their disillusionment with the current political system by not voting.
Tunisia: Book Readers to the Streets!
Following weeks of demonstrations in Tunis, a new event has been announced, called “L'avenue ta9ra”, or “The avenue reads”. The plan is for Tunisians to bring their books to Habib Bourguiba Avenue, the most symbolic thoroughfare of the capital, and take part in a collective reading session.
Tunisia: Bloggers Help Draft the Constitution
On October 23rd, 2011, Tunisians elected an assembly to draft its new constitution, following the toppling of the Ben Ali regime. Now, five months later, the assembly has just started studying the draft proposals. Yet, disagreements about the first article of the constitution is slowing down the work of the assembly and Islam and the Arab identity are at the heart of debates nationwide. Netizens are chipping in to help bridge the gap.
Tunisia: The New Phase of Social Media
The use of social media has grown popular during the days of the Tunisian revolution in early January 2011. Today, netizens and politicians maintain a presence online to reach target audiences to fulfill their goals. Ahmed Medien takes us behind the scenes.
Palestine: Youth Activist Fadi Quran Released From Israeli Prison
Palestinian youth activist Fadi Quran has been released on bail from an Israeli prison. The news was welcomed by dozens of Twitter users who expressed great joy.
Syria: Injured French Journalist Edith Bouvier Still Trapped in Besieged Homs
Le Figaro's Edith Bouvier and British photographer Paul Conroy, managed to survive the attack that killed two journalists in Homs, Syria. Conroy has since made it out but Bouvier remains in the country injured. Ahmed Medien takes a look at how word got out about the attack as well as netizens' reactions.
Syria: Homage to American Journalist Marie Colvin Killed in Homs
Marie Colvin and Rémi Olchik were killed last week, when the makeshift media centre they were at in Baba Amr, in Homs, Syria, was attacked by the Syrian regime. Netizens from around the world pay homage to their courage.
Tunisia: McCain's Visit Stirs up Anti-US Feelings
Senator John McCain's visit to Tunisia on Thursday, February 23, left Tunisian Internet users angry over what they called Ennahda's 'double standards.' Hundreds of Facebook comments, dozens of tweets and many pictures filled social media platforms frequented by Tunisians after a controversial picture of Tunisian Prime Minister, Hamadi Jebali, hugging the Senator.
Tunisia: A Year After the Revolution, Limitations on Freedom of Expression Continue
A year after the ouster of the Tunisian ex-president, pressure on freedom of press continues in Tunisia. This week, three newsmen from Tunisian printed newspaper "Ettounisia" were arrested for publishing a controverted picture of Tunisian and Real Madrid soccer player Sami Kedira and model Lena Gercke's naked photograph.
Madagascar : Why Malagasies Cannot Use Paypal
The Malagasy blogger Sam bemoans on Reflexium the absence of an electronic payment system in Madagascar [fr]: ” It is ludicrous that Malagasy people can open accounts on Paypal but cannot withdraw money...
Tunisia: LGBT Outrage at Human Rights Minister's Comments
The Tunisian Minister of Human Rights has stated on a private Tunisian TV channel that freedom of expression has limits when it comes to Tunisian queers to express themselves. He also compared homosexuality to sexual perversion and mental illness. The country's LGBT community responds.
