During the Arab Spring in the early 2010’s, the Internet and social media became essential tools in organized struggles against authoritarian regimes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Today, these tools have become instruments of oppression by authoritarian governments, who have expanded their repression domestically and exported it beyond their borders - targeting critics, academics, and journalists residing abroad. The result is increased restrictions on global press and academic freedoms, creating a chilling effect on global freedom of expression.
Join us in a discussion with human rights defender Mohamed Mandour, a researcher at the Committee to Protect Journalists. The conversation will explore these unprecedented challenges to freedom of expression in the region and how they have been magnified by the October 7 attacks on Israel and Israel’s war on Gaza, as well as the impacts of U.S. foreign policy. Mr. Mandour will deliver a brief lecture, followed by a Q-and-A style discussion including questions from attendees.