Learn more about Global Voices switch away from “Middle East & North Africa”.
Stories about West Asia & North Africa from February, 2021
Are Istanbul's Boğaziçi University protests an expression of exceptionalism?
“What would make Erdoğan's life increasingly difficult would be for academia as a whole in Turkey to unify around a single platform and pursue vociferously a rigorous set of demands …”
Algeria releases dozens of pro-democracy prisoners ahead of Hirak anniversary
Rachid Nekkaz and Khalid Drareni are among Hirak-linked prisoners pardoned by the president, who also ordered a cabinet reshuffle and dissolved parliament as protests resumed over unmet demands of 2019 upheaval.
Algerian activist Rachid Nekkaz's failing health raises calls for his release
Two years after Algeria's Hirak Movement, calls are being made to free from prison a man who is associated with it, and who has been in jail without trial since 2019.
Saudi women's activist Loujain al-Hathloul released and tweeting
The 31-year-old women's rights campaigner was abducted in 2018 in the UAE and found guilty of a set of charges, with the prosecutor demanding a maximum jail term of up to 20 years.
Palestinian poet Mourid Barghouthi's death mourned by many
Mourid wrote: "It’s fine to die, once, our hands crossed on our chests, empty and pale, with no scratches, no chains, no banners, and no petitions."
Saudi court reduces sentence of prominent doctor held since 2017
Unfamiliar pressure from the U.S. is seen to drive a breakthrough in the case of Dr Fitaihi, who was arrested, tortured, and banned from travel since 2017.
Protests rock Istanbul's most prestigious university over appointment of new rector
In 2016, President Erdoğan secured the right to appoint universities' rectors who previously were elected by the academic body.
Nearly a hundred Kurdish activists detained by Iran's security forces in 2021
An interview with Switzerland-based KMMG’s director reveals how recent arbitrary detentions of Kurds and other minorities coincides with the regime’s bid to fortify its rule amidst piling internal challenges.
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