In the run up to Sunday's presidential election, the Tunisian minister of justice and foreign affairs told FRANCE 24 that democracy in the country is working. One of our Observers in Tunisia, who lives under police surveillance, reacts to what he says is a joke. Read more...

This is the front page of today's French satirical magazine Sine Hebdo, a recently launched weekly.

In an original take on Britain's traditional Christmas speech from the Queen, Britain's Channel 4 decided to ask Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to convey a message instead. Presented as an "alternative view" by the channel and received as an example of freedom of speech by many, the UK government, on the other hand, has condemned the speech. Read more...

When Wei Wenhu saw police forces beating up protesting villagers in Tianmen (central China), he took out his mobile and filmed the scene. But when he was spotted and tried to run away, he found himself being chased by around 20 police officers. Read more and see videos...

By Team Observers

The 17th congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) opened on 12 October. During the congress the representatives of the people must, in theory, appoint the next leaders of the country. However, in reality, they do nothing but ratify the decisions of the President and the Standing Committee. All the same, the Chinese media are required to follow the event closely, giving special attention to all information provided by the office of propaganda. This is clear when looking at images from the event.