Georgian journalists allege brutal beatings as protests rage against ending EU talks

A photographer jumps off the curb as police officers use a water cannon to disperse supporters of Georgia's opposition parties during a rally to protest against the government's decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union in Tbilisi, Georgia December 7, 2024. (REUTERS)
A photographer jumps off the curb as police officers use a water cannon to disperse supporters of Georgia's opposition parties during a rally to protest against the government's decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union in Tbilisi, Georgia December 7, 2024. (REUTERS)
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Updated 09 December 2024
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Georgian journalists allege brutal beatings as protests rage against ending EU talks

Georgian journalists allege brutal beatings as protests rage against ending EU talks
  • On Sunday, several hundred media workers marched down Tbilisi’s central Rustaveli Avenue before putting up posters of colleagues they say had been assaulted while doing their jobs

TBILISI, Georgia: Tens of thousands of people joined an 11th straight day of protests in Georgia on Sunday after the governing party moved to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union, while a separate demonstration decried violence against Georgian journalists covering the rallies.
Police have been using increasing force in their attempts to curb the demonstrations, which have centered on the parliament building in the capital, Tbilisi. Riot police have used water cannons and tear gas every day to disperse the rallies, beating scores of protesters who threw fireworks at police officers and built barricades on the Georgian capital’s central boulevard.
At Saturday night’s demonstration, reporter Maka Chikhladze and her colleague from the independent Pirveli TV channel were targeted by a violent mob, Chikhladze told The Associated Press.
Chikladze said her colleague managed to capture footage of men dressed in black who were beating demonstrators before they turned on the pair, violently pushing Chikhladze to the ground. She later told AP that her colleague sustained a head injury and had his camera stolen.
Chikhladze charged that Georgia’s government was using bands of thugs to deter people from attending anti-government rallies, an allegation denied by representatives of the Georgian Dream party.
On Sunday, several hundred media workers marched down Tbilisi’s central Rustaveli Avenue before putting up posters of colleagues they say had been assaulted while doing their jobs.
“Our colleagues are beaten, injured, some remain in hospital in serious condition,” TV Pirveli anchor Ekaterine Mishveladze told AP.
In a separate incident Saturday, AP journalists saw several masked men violently tackle a protester attempting to enter the offices of an opposition party, Ahali. The man, Koba Khabazi, lay slumped on the ground while his attackers repeatedly kicked him. He later showed AP his head injuries.
Georgian Dream retained control of parliament in the disputed Oct. 26 election, a vote widely seen as a referendum on Georgia’s EU aspirations. The opposition and the pro-Western president, Salome Zourabichvili, have accused the governing party of rigging the vote with neighboring Russia’s help and have boycotted parliament sessions.
Opposition protests gained new momentum after the Georgian Dream’s decision last Thursday to put the EU accession talks on hold.
Riot police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the rallies and beat scores of protesters, who threw fireworks at police officers and built barricades on Rustaveli Avenue.
The crackdown has drawn strong condemnation from the United States and EU officials. Speaking Thursday at a ministerial conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken denounced what he described as the brutal “repression of those calling for their country to stay on the path to closer ties with Europe.”
Mamuka Mdinanradze, leader of the Georgian Dream party, condemned mob violence against protesters during a news briefing Sunday, and denied any connection with the government.
The office of Georgia’s rights ombudsman on Sunday issued a statement criticizing Georgian police for “failing to take adequate measures” to ensure safety during the demonstrations.
President Zourabichvili, who plays a largely ceremonial role, refused to recognize the official election results and contested them before the Constitutional Court, which rejected her appeal earlier this week.
The EU granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023 on condition that the country meets the bloc’s recommendations, but put its accession on hold and cut financial support in June after the passage of a “foreign influence” law that was widely seen as a blow to democratic freedoms.
The law requires organizations that receive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register as “pursuing the interest of a foreign power,” similar to a Russian law used to discredit organizations critical of the government.

 


Warner Bros. Discovery investment in OSN Streaming signals broader industry shift, says CEO

Warner Bros. Discovery investment in OSN Streaming signals broader industry shift, says CEO
Updated 1 min 33 sec ago
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Warner Bros. Discovery investment in OSN Streaming signals broader industry shift, says CEO

Warner Bros. Discovery investment in OSN Streaming signals broader industry shift, says CEO
  • Middle East ‘no longer a peripheral market’ — Joe Kawkabani

DUBAI: Warner Bros. Discovery this week announced a minority investment in OSN Streaming in a move that “reinforces its commitment to the region’s rapidly growing streaming landscape.”

The deal is reportedly valued at $57 million for a third of OSN Streaming. It will take place in phases and is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Joe Kawkabani, OSN’s group CEO, said the deal “signals a broader shift in the industry” as global players recognize “that substantial growth in the Middle East and North Africa region requires more than just exporting content.”

He told Arab News: “It’s about investing in local platforms, collaborating with regional talent, and tailoring content specifically to the market. That’s precisely what we’re doing here, and I believe it sets a new standard for successful partnerships in the region.”

Warner Bros. Discovery opened its first office in the region in Dubai in 2012. The investment reflects its “prioritization of working with the best creative talent, advancing technologies and forging key partnerships to fuel continued growth.”

It also serves as an opportunity for the company to “deepen their regional presence through a trusted platform that truly understands the market's nuances,” Kawkabani said.

The two companies have had a long-standing history, with OSN being the exclusive home for HBO content in the region. Just last year, OSN acquired the rights to all first-run Max Originals and the full Warner Bros. Pictures feature film library as part of a multi-year deal.

Jamie Cooke, executive vice president and managing director for Central Europe, Turkey and Middle East, at Warner Bros. Discovery said this was a “natural step” for the company, as “OSN has been a great partner and custodian of our content.”

He added: “We recognize that alongside enjoying the latest global hits, regional audiences also want stories from and about the region that reflect their own cultures and experiences.”

Kawkabani highlighted the importance of the MENA market on the global map.

He said: “It is no longer a peripheral market — it’s becoming central to the future of streaming. Our role is to drive this transformation from within the region, not just import it from the outside.”

Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key player in the region’s media and entertainment industry. In 2018, the Kingdom announced it would invest $64 billion in its entertainment sector over the coming decade. Since then, it has implemented several initiatives and investments to bolster these sectors.

Most recently, in January, Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority unveiled 29 investment opportunities aimed at expanding the entertainment landscape while fostering private sector participation and aligning with Vision 2030 objectives.

Saudi Arabia is “one of the most exciting and dynamic entertainment markets in the world right now” and the deal “aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision for its entertainment sector — one that prioritizes creativity, local talent, and global collaboration,” said Kawkabani.

“We view Saudi Arabia not just as a key market but as a creative hub that can lead the region forward,” he added.

Going forward, the deal will see the two companies invest in “high-quality, locally produced content, ensuring a richer and more diverse offering for viewers,” according to Cooke.

For OSN, Kawkabani said it wasn’t just about content licensing or capital, but rather about “two companies aligning on a vision to sustainably grow the regional streaming market in a way that resonates locally.”

He added: “We’re not here to follow trends; we’re here to shape them.”


Majority of listeners tune in to Spotify during Ramadan’s pre-dawn hours

Majority of listeners tune in to Spotify during Ramadan’s pre-dawn hours
Updated 16 min 40 sec ago
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Majority of listeners tune in to Spotify during Ramadan’s pre-dawn hours

Majority of listeners tune in to Spotify during Ramadan’s pre-dawn hours
  • Spiritual, peaceful and relaxing audio is the most popular choice during Ramadan, with listenership of such playlists increasing by more than 3,000 percent in the first two weeks.

DUBAI: Streaming and content consumption habits change as audiences adjust to different routines during Ramadan, according to new data from Spotify.

This year saw a return of the streaming platform’s Ramadan Hub, with a specially curated selection of playlists, music and podcasts.

Based on an analysis of customers’ streaming habits during the first two weeks of Ramadan, Spotify found the majority of Saudi listeners tune in at around 3 a.m. Spiritual, peaceful and relaxing audio is the most popular choice, with listenership of such playlists increasing by more than 3,000 percent.

“With the Ramadan Hub, Spotify continues to be a companion for every moment of the holy month,” Mark Abou Jaoude, the platform’s head of music for the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan told Arab News.

The playlist with the highest increase in listeners (3,750 percent) was “Duaa,” which features prayers and supplications. Similarly, “Ramadaniyat,” which features traditional Islamic songs, saw a streaming rise of almost 1,890 percent.

Users’ love of TV dramas is reflected in their streaming habits with the “Titrat Ramadan” playlist recording a 2,900 percent increase in streams. This features songs that appear in popular shows at this time, known as “titrat” and traditionally sung by Arab pop stars.

Another playlist gaining popularity is “Cooking Time,” which saw the number of streams increase by 743 percent. This serves as a cooking companion and features songs such as Nancy Ajram’s “Aam Betaala’ Feek,” Marwan Khoury’s “Kel El Qasayed” and Amr Diab’s “El Kalam Leek.”

“Over the past two years, local podcast listening hours have increased by nearly 90 percent (on Spotify),” Abou Jaoude said.

Spotify has also seen significant increases in the popularity of local podcasts such as “Finjan with Abdul Rahman Abu Maleh” and “Sawalif Business.” Users are also listening to lighter entertainment content, such as “Kanabat al-Sabt,” “Saturday Couch” and the “Abjoorah Podcast,” as well as religious shows like the “Omam Podcast,” which puts a modern spin on the stories of prophets.

“These shifting listening habits reflect the growing trend of audio in setting the atmosphere for these shared experiences during the month,” said Abou Jade.

“It’s great to see how our Saudi listeners use Spotify to enrich their Ramadan journey and deepen their connections during this meaningful time.”


Iraq imposes new fees on social media influencers in latest crackdown on digital content

Iraq imposes new fees on social media influencers in latest crackdown on digital content
Updated 27 March 2025
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Iraq imposes new fees on social media influencers in latest crackdown on digital content

Iraq imposes new fees on social media influencers in latest crackdown on digital content
  • Content creators now required to register annually and pay fees of up to $760 based on follower counts
  • Authorities say regulations will create a more responsible digital media culture; critics argue framework is too vague

LONDON: The Communications and Media Commission in Iraq has introduced new rules requiring digital content creators, including social media influencers, to register annually and pay fees based on their follower counts.

“The regulation aims to establish a framework that sets clear standards and procedures for digital content and advertising on social media platforms,” Haider Najm Al-Alaq, a spokesperson for the commission, told the Iraqi News Agency.

The primary goal is to “ensure transparency, credibility and public protection from unprofessional promotional content,” he added.

The new rules apply to bloggers, influencers and public figures with significant online followings. The aim is to align digital content with Iraqi laws, curb “misleading or unethical advertisements,” and offer legal protections for registered influencers, the commission said. They will also help to safeguard vulnerable groups, it added, including women, children and people with special needs.

The annual registration fees range from 250,000 to 1 million Iraqi dinars ($190 to $760), with influencers who have more than 5 million followers paying the highest amount. The commission said the regulations will be enforced through a monitoring system.

Al-Alaq said influencers will be required to adhere to specific standards for content, including “respect for national sovereignty,” avoidance of material that “damages Iraq’s position or foreign relations,” and support for security institutions in their counterterrorism efforts. They must also refrain from posting material that could incite violence or sectarianism, and provide a right of response for individuals affected by their content.

However, Iraqi journalism rights groups, content creators and media experts criticized the new regulations. They described the framework as vague, and raised concerns about its legal basis and potential for misuse. They also warned that the law will do little to regulate content quality and instead serve simply as a tool for generating revenue.

“This decision is sudden, illogical and baffling,” Iraqi journalist and blogger Omar Al-Janabi wrote in a message posted on social media platform X.

“It does not distinguish between commercial advertising and political commentary, nor between platforms. A journalist posting news on X is treated the same as a YouTube influencer selling skin cream.”

The new regulations follow a broader crackdown on what Iraqi authorities describe as “indecent content,” an effort that has intensified in the past year.

On Aug. 22, authorities arrested Raghad Mohammed Ghali Jabr Al-Janabi, a 22-year-old TikToker known online as “Natalie,” in Baghdad for allegedly promoting indecent material. Several other influencers, including Aned Khaled (nickname “Hassahs”), Ruqayya Rahim and Aya Al-Shammari were detained the same month under Article 403 of the Iraqi Penal Code, which criminalizes the production or distribution of content deemed to violate public decency. Those convicted under the law face fines and up to two years in prison.

The crackdown comes amid growing concern about the safety of social media personalities in Iraq. In April 2024, popular influencer Om Fahad was shot dead outside her home in Baghdad. The killing, the third in a string of violent attacks targeting online celebrities, sparked a nationwide debate about content regulation and online safety.


Palestinian filmmaker says Israeli settlers assaulted him for winning Oscar

Palestinian filmmaker says Israeli settlers assaulted him for winning Oscar
Updated 27 March 2025
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Palestinian filmmaker says Israeli settlers assaulted him for winning Oscar

Palestinian filmmaker says Israeli settlers assaulted him for winning Oscar
  • Hamdan Ballal said he had been attacked by settlers while soldiers pointed their weapons at him
  • No Other Land’s co-director called the “brutality” life-threatening

SUSYA, Palestinian Territories: Oscar-winning Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal said Wednesday that he was attacked by Israeli settlers for winning the prestigious award, calling the “brutality” life-threatening.
Israeli police released Ballal on Tuesday after detaining him the day before for allegedly “hurling rocks” following what activists described as an attack by settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Ballal co-directed “No Other Land,” which won Best Documentary at this year’s Academy Awards.
The film chronicles the forced displacement of Palestinians by Israeli troops and settlers in Masafer Yatta — an area Israel declared a restricted military zone in the 1980s.
Ballal said he had been attacked by settlers while soldiers pointed their weapons at him.
“I felt that these were the last moments of my life, that I would lose it due to the severity of the beating,” he told AFP in a video interview.
“My head was trapped between the settler’s foot, the door and the wall, as if it were a football.”
The “brutality” of the attack, he said, “made me feel it was because I won the Oscar.”
During his detention at an Israeli military center, Ballal noticed soldiers mentioning his name alongside the word “Oscar” during shift changes.
“While I couldn’t understand everything they said, I clearly recognized my name and the word ‘Oscar’, as those words don’t change in Hebrew,” he said.
According to the Israeli military, three Palestinians were apprehended on Monday for “hurling rocks” during a confrontation between Israelis and Palestinians in the southern West Bank village of Susya.
The village is located near Masafer Yatta, a grouping of hamlets south of Hebron city where “No Other Land” is set.


Yuval Abraham, who co-directed the documentary, criticized the US Academy for its silence over the issue.
“Sadly, the US Academy, which awarded us an Oscar three weeks ago, declined to publicly support Hamdan Ballal while he was beaten and tortured by Israeli soldiers and settlers,” Abraham said on X.
“While Hamdan was clearly targeted for making No Other Land... he was also targeted for being Palestinian — like countless others every day who are disregarded.”
“This, it seems, gave the Academy an excuse to remain silent when a filmmaker they honored, living under Israeli occupation, needed them the most,” Abraham added.
Israel’s military said in a statement that “claims that the detainees were beaten during the night at an IDF detention facility were found to be entirely baseless.”
“IDF (military) forces facilitated medical treatment for the detainees... and throughout the night, the detainees remained in a military detention facility while handcuffed in accordance with operational protocol,” it said, adding they were released on bail after questioning.
Activists from the anti-occupation group Center for Jewish Nonviolence said they witnessed the violence in Susya.
Foreign activists regularly stay in Masafer Yatta’s communities to accompany Palestinians as they tend to their crops or shepherd their sheep, and document instances of settler violence.
Rights groups have said that since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza — a separate Palestinian territory — there has been a spike in attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
Occupied by Israel since 1967, the West Bank is home to around three million Palestinians, as well as nearly half a million Israelis who live in settlements that are illegal under international law.


Turkish court frees AFP journalist held for covering protests: lawyer

Turkish court frees AFP journalist held for covering protests: lawyer
Updated 27 March 2025
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Turkish court frees AFP journalist held for covering protests: lawyer

Turkish court frees AFP journalist held for covering protests: lawyer
  • AFP chief executive and chairman Fabrice Fries had slammed imprisonment as “unacceptable.”

Istanbul: A Turkish court on Thursday freed AFP photographer Yasin Akgul who was detained for covering mass protests roiling the country, his lawyer said.
Akgul, 35, was one of seven Turkish journalists arrested this week after days of covering mass protests that erupted on March 19 when Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu — President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main political rival — was arrested.
Akgul and his colleagues were arrested at their homes before dawn and charged with “taking part in illegal rallies and marches and failing to disperse despite warnings,” court documents showed.
Turkiye ranks 158 out of 180 countries listed in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index compiled by RSF.
AFP chief executive and chairman Fabrice Fries had slammed imprisonment as “unacceptable.”
Akgul, he stressed, was “not part of the protest” but only covering it as a journalist, and should be swiftly released.