censorship

Video: Colombian rock star Juanes's outburst against Cuban concert censorship

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The Colombian rock star Juanes gave a much anticipated concert for peace in Havana, the Cuban capital, along with 14 other Hispanic artists on September 20. But the concert was nearly cancelled when the singer realised his every move was being spied on by Cuban authorities. A cell-phone video captured Juanes exploding before the Cuban concert producers hours before the show. Read more and watch the video...

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Putin's not a fan of punk rock

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With lyrics like "Just don't listen to him; a pig will always find mud to roll in", it's no surprise that punk band PTVP can't be found on Russian TV. But one of our pro-Kremlin Observers tells us it's got nothing to do with politics. Read more...

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Concealing satellite dishes in China

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Satellite dishes are banned in China in order to prevent Chinese people from watching foreign TV channels. Not that it stops them. Read more...

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Jewish comedian cancels Lebanon shows following Hezbollah bullying

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Moroccan-French comedian Gad Elmaleh has been forced to cancel his performances at the Lebanese Beiteddine festival following a fierce propaganda campaign against him driven by Hezbollah. Read more...

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Direct from Tehran, despite the crackdown

The Iranian authorities are trying very hard to control information about the post-election protests. Hani, one of our reformist Observers in Tehran, however, has managed to send us this webcam video, explaining how they are going about it. See her video...

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Spot the difference, Saudi style

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Images of bare female flesh are banned in Saudi Arabia. There's no efficient system in place for removing the offensive material, however, which means that somebody has the painstaking job of colouring all those arms, legs, midriffs and cleavages that appear on the covers of Western magazines and imported products. The latest cover-up victim: American singer Katy Perry. Read more...

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Facebook ban lifted: “the only place where we can talk about politics”

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No wonder the authorities wanted Facebook banned. But Iranian Facebook users are heaving a sigh of relief today after access to the site was reopened this morning. So what was all the fuss about? One of our Observers in Tehran explains the election debates raging on the online social network and why President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad probably isn't a big fan. Read more...

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"Savita Bhabhi", the sexy sister-in-law driving India crazy

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There's a new Indian website that's not quite like the others. Welcome to "Savita Bhabhi", the first porn comic strip "made in India". A fine mix of sex and tradition that's managed to both tantalise and traumatise the country that gave birth to the Kama Sutra. Read more...

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No erotic Disneyland for the Chinese

China's first ever sex theme park was demolished on Monday, before it had even been opened. Deemed "evil" by officials, the giant genital sculptures that were hoped to bring sexual enlightenment to the Chinese public, are now lying in ruins. Censored blogger Muzi Mei explains why they didn't need it anyway. Read more...

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Yoani tests Cuban censorship with a hidden camera

Our Observer in Cuba, blogger Yoani Sánchez, has decided to test Cuban Web censorship with a hidden camera. Read more and watch the video…
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