Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI)

Egyptian voters have overwhelmingly approved the new military-backed constitution giving General Abdel Fattah El-Sisi the legitimacy he seeks to strengthen the army’s grip on the country. Although it is considered preferable to the last constitution, local rights groups have voiced their reservations regarding its efficacy.

Jordanian authorities have banned several journalists from attending and covering parliamentary sessions without providing reasons for their decision.

Online activists and human rights advocates Mohamed Salem Al-Zumer and Abdul Rahman Omar Bajubair have been sentenced to three years and five years in jail respectively for tweeting.

Egyptian rights organisations have joined forces to demand an immediate investigation into the illegal broadcasting of activists’ phone conversations on the Egyptian TV channel Al-Kahira wal Nas by the TV host of a programme called Black Box.

On 22 December 2013, the Abdeen Court in Egypt issued a verdict against three activists who were integral to the 25 January revolution to three years in jail and a 50,000 Egyptian pounds [US$7180] fine.

On 29 December, security forces apprehended members of the Al Jazeera English crew while they were conducting interviews at the Marriott Hotel in Cairo.

Saudi activist Omar al-Saeed was sentenced to 300 lashes, four years in prison and a subsequent four-year travel ban, based on arbitrary charges related to defying the King. The hearing was held in secret, and al-Saeed did not have legal representation.

IFEX members are calling on the president of Romania to veto proposed changes to the penal code passed by Parliament that would recriminalise insult and libel.