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Culture news
Prison break in Uzbek jails for inmates who do required reading
Uzbekistan has approved a law that allows prisoners to reduce their jail sentences by up to 30 days per year, by reading several books, included on a special list. But the educative exercise is not an option for all inmates.
Culture news
Back to school with 'Harry Potter': Hogwarts Express arrives in Madrid
The 'Harry Potter' experience, organised by HBO Max and Warner Bros. at the Madrid Railway Museum has been celebrating the return to Hogwarts. The event recreated Platform 9 and ¾ and culminated in a synchronised countdown with London's King's Cross station.
Qatar 365
Education in Qatar, from book fairs to scholarships | Qatar 365
In partnership with Media City
The annual Doha International Book Fair brings together bookworms, literary fans and cultural exchanges from all over the world. We explore how Qatar’s libraries and national reading campaigns incorporate technology and art into their strategies, and meet a few international publishers.
Culture news
Controversy explained: UK’s LGBTQ+ literary prize 2025 cancelled
This year's Polari Prize has been cancelled due to the longlist inclusion of a book by John Boyne. The situation escalated into a mass boycott and now, the organisation behind the LGBTQ+ literary award has pledged to undertake a full review of its policies. Here's everything you need to know.
Culture news
Remembering MI5’s first female boss and author Dame Stella Rimington
The former head of the British Intelligence service and author Stella Rimington was the first female (and publicly-named) MI5 chief, as well as the inspiration for Dame Judi Dench’s M in the James Bond films. She died aged 90.
