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UK Met Police chief calls for law change after arrest of comedy writer
Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley has responded to the controversial arrest of Graham Linehan earlier this week, saying that police "should not be policing toxic culture war debates." Linehan's arrrest over anti-trans posts has sparked heated debate in the UK over freedom of speech.
Culture news
Arrest of comedy writer over transgender posts sparks outcry in UK
The Irish comedy writer and creator of celebrated shows like The IT Crowd and Father Ted was arrested this week at Heathrow Airport over a series of anti-trans posts. The arrest has sparked fury and free speech outcry in the UK, with Elon Musk describing Britain as a "police state".
EU Decoded
Can the EU implement its new press freedom law?
Press freedom is a fundamental pillar of democracy, but it has been declining in several EU member states. Since August, governments have to fully implement the Media Freedom Act, but some are resisting the first-ever EU regulation related to the press.
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Culture news
Watch Kneecap condemn Viktor Orbán in surprise Sziget 2025 broadcast
The Irish rappers were banned from attending Sziget festival, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán prohibiting them from entering Hungary for three years. Still, that didn't stop Kneecap from getting their message across to disappointed fans...
Culture news
Wikipedia loses challenge against UK Online Safety Act rules
A High Court ruling in the UK has quashed Wikipedia’s attempt to overturn part of the country’s divisive Online Safety Act. Judges dismissed the Wikimedia Foundation’s challenge to rules that could place the online encyclopaedia under the law’s strictest category of regulation.
Culture news
Algerian court upholds writer Boualem Sansal’s 5-year prison sentence
The novelist’s case has united European lawmakers, who have demanded Sansal's release. His case has raised alarm over freedom of expression in Algeria, and his supporters now hope military-backed President Abdelmadjid Tebboune will grant a pardon on Saturday, when Algeria marks Independence Day.
Culture news
Iranian Palme d'Or winner Jafar Panahi calls for fall of Tehran regime
In a powerful message posted on Instagram, the Iranian filmmaker appealed for an end to the conflict between his country and Israel. While urging for an international trial against the Jewish state, Panahi also called for the fall of the Tehran regime.
Culture news
Iran summons French diplomat over praise of Palme d'Or-winning film
Iran's Palme d'Or-winning director Jafar Panahi was cheered as he arrived home after his Cannes win. However, the national press and political reaction has been more muted. Iran has also summoned a French diplomat over praise of 'It Was Just An Accident'.
Culture news
Why is Trump calling for ‘major investigation’ into Bruce Springsteen?
Another day, another bizarre and headline-hogging outburst from the US president... This time, he's calling for a "major investigation" into musicians who supported Kamala Harris - and has started a childish back and forth between him and Bruce Springsteen. Here's everything you need to know.
Culture news
Algeria issues two arrest warrants for Gouncourt winner Kamel Daoud
The author is accused of having used the story of a survivor of a massacre during the Algerian civil war without her consent – an accusation he denies. Daoud’s publisher denounced the “violent defamatory campaigns orchestrated by certain media close to a regime whose whose nature is well known.”
Europe News
Rubio on AfD verdict: 'Germany is tyranny in disguise'
The decision to label the AfD as "right-wing extremist" is straining US-German relations. The Trump administration has previously criticised the behaviour of European governments towards right-wing populist, anti-immigration parties.