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Middle East Democracy Center

@mideastdc.org

155 followers 28 following 175 posts

We work to free the unjustly detained and advocate for US policies that protect human rights and democracy in the Middle East and North Africa.

Posts Replies Media

Reposted by Middle East Democracy Center

Forum on the Arms Trade @forumarmstrade.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

With MBS of #SaudiArabia coming to Washington DC, Seth Binder @mideastdc.org and William Hartung @quincyinst.bsky.social argue "Uncritically continuing to uplift MBS will only embolden the crown prince’s recklessness and repression..." responsiblestatecraft.org/us-trump-sau...

responsiblestatecraft.org

Trump courts Saudi at the risk of US, Middle East security

The Crown Prince will be getting the royal treatment at the White House on Tuesday and we all have to ask, why?

Reposted by Middle East Democracy Center

DAWN @dawnmenaorg.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

“The change in Saudi Arabia seems to be from killing journalists behind closed doors to executing them in plain sight.” — Abdullah Alaoudh (@aalodah.bsky.social), Senior Director for Countering Authoritarianism at @mideastdc.org

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 24/09/2025

🚨 BREAKING: Saudi Arabia has resentenced 75 year old US citizen Saad Almadi, handing down a travel ban that will keep him trapped in the country until March 2026. His crime? Posting tweets critical of the Saudi government while in the US. Read more ⬇️ mideastdc.org/publication/...

Saudi Authorities Should Quash New Sentence Against U.S. Citizen Saad Almadi and Immediately Allow Him to Return to the United States - MEDC

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 23/09/2025

We welcome the decision by #Egypt's president el-Sisi not sign the draft Criminal Procedure Code into law, which would have set the country’s criminal justice system back decades. Read our joint statement on what's needed next: mideastdc.org/publication/...

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Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 23/09/2025

Alaa is FREE! 🕊️ We are relieved that he is out of prison and reunited with his family. It’s time for #Egypt to free all those unjustly detained. #FreeThemAll #AlaaIsFREE mideastdc.org/publication/...

Reposted by Middle East Democracy Center

Seth Binder @sethbinder.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

.@jayapal.house.gov introduced an amendment during the ongoing State Dept Reauthorization markup in the House Foreign Affairs Committee that would condition $1 billion of the $3.3 billion in US military aid to Israel on human rights benchmarks. A 🧵

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 11/09/2025

8⃣ years ago, reformist scholar Salman al-Odah was arrested in #SaudiArabia for supporting greater religious coexistence & criticizing the government. Today, he remains in prison in solitary confinement & faces the death penalty. Enough is Enough. #FreeSalmanAlOdah

Reposted by Middle East Democracy Center

Seth Binder @sethbinder.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Israel bombed multiple countries across the Middle East in recent days. US military aid makes this possible. In our new factsheet we breakdown the $21.7B provided to Israel since Oct 7 & privileges it receives that allows it to carry on its war machine. mideastdc.org/publication/...

Extraordinary Sums and Privileges: U.S. Security Assistance to Israel Since October 7, 2023 - MEDC

Reposted by Middle East Democracy Center

Seth Binder @sethbinder.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

In a new piece by me and @stimsoncenter.bsky.social's Elias Yousif, we discuss the risks of the admin's legally dubious decision not to release detailed accounting for how the government intends to spend future foreign assistance. A 🧵 mideastdc.org/publication/...

President Trump is Undermining Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability - MEDC

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 08/09/2025

“Grab them, tie them up & hand them to the police...drag them inside & make their lives hell,” #Egypt's foreign minister told embassy staff in a recently leaked recording. 🚨 Egypt is assaulting protestors at diplomatic missions. Read our joint statement: mideastdc.org/publication/...

Egypt’s Diplomatic Missions Weaponized as Transnational Repression Tool - MEDC

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Reposted by Middle East Democracy Center

Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 18/08/2025

If you’re traveling to or living in the U.S. with a green card, visa, or other non-citizen status, view this @mideastdc.org: mideastdc.org/publication/... If you need free or low-cost legal immigration services, visit this directory from immigrationLawHelp:

immigrationlawhelp.org

ImmigrationLawHelp.org | Helping low-income immigrants find legal help

Reposted by Middle East Democracy Center

Forum on the Arms Trade @forumarmstrade.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

Elias Yousif @stimsoncenter.bsky.social and Seth Binder @mideastdc.org warn of reductions in congressional reporting mideastdc.org/publication/... featured in the latest "The Week in Arms Trade Publications" mailchi.mp/forumarmstra... Get on the list www.forumarmstrade.org/get-on-the-l...

President Trump is Undermining Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability - MEDC

Reposted by Middle East Democracy Center

Forum on the Arms Trade @forumarmstrade.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

@mideastdc.org and 80+ organizations urge members of Congress "to use all available tools, including the suspension of U.S. security assistance in compliance with section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act" to Israel in relation to Gaza. Read full letter mideastdc.org/publication/...

MEDC and More than 80 Organizations Call on Congress to Uphold US Law and Suspend Security Assistance to Israel - MEDC

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 14/08/2025

Congress must uphold US law & suspend security assistance to Israel. We joined 80+ organizations calling on the US to end support for atrocities in Gaza and secure a surge in humanitarian aid. Read our letter to Congress: mideastdc.org/publication/...

MEDC and More than 80 Organizations Call on Congress to Uphold US Law and Suspend Security Assistance to Israel - MEDC

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 24/07/2025

Imam Ayman Soliman sought refuge in the US after he was arrested & tortured in #Egypt for journalism. Now he's in ICE detention, at risk of deportation. Read our commentary on how the detention of Ayman & others have shaken exiled dissidents in the US ⬇️ mideastdc.org/publication/...

Persecuted in Egypt, Detained in America: The Story of Imam Ayman Soliman - MEDC

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 09/07/2025

BREAKING: Adel Banaemah is FREE!🕊️ Adel, a writer and university professor, spent nearly 8️⃣ years in prison in #SaudiArabia over his writings and TV interviews. It's time for Saudi authorities to free ALL political prisoners. #FreeThemNOW

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Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 08/07/2025

Today, 63 year old Bahraini human rights defender Dr. Abduljalil Al-Singace marks 4️⃣ years on solid food hunger strike. He has spent 14 years unjustly detained in #Bahrain solely for exercising his peaceful freedom of expression. Bahraini authorities should #FreeAlSingace NOW!

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Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 30/06/2025

Authoritarianism & repression won't bring prosperity or security to #Tunisia or the MENA region. "Democracy is the solution," says @zaghdoudi.bsky.social. #DemocracyMatters

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Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 29/06/2025

DMI Advisory Group member Nareman Shehadeh Zoabi is a Palestinian human rights lawyer at Adala handling cases related to arbitrary detention, prisoners’ rights & more. What keeps her motivated to keep advocating for human rights & democracy? 📽️ Watch more: https//www.youtube...

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 28/06/2025

The democratic aspirations of the people of the MENA region matter now more than ever. We asked MEDC's #DemocracyMatters Initiative: What does democracy mean to you? @zaghdoudist.bsky.social @alaasayeg.bsky.social @yasminoviech.bsky.social

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Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 23/06/2025

President Trump's strikes on #Iran are reckless, dangerous, & ill-conceived. Congress should urgently pass the recently introduced bipartisan War Powers Resolution. Read our statement: mideastdc.org/publication/...

MEDC Statement on U.S. Strikes in Iran - MEDC

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Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 18/06/2025

#SaudiArabia executed Turki al-Jasser last week, the 1st high-profile killing of a journalist since #JamalKhashoggi. Al-Jasser had 2 Twitter accounts, including an anonymous account that "was in the crosshairs of the Saudi government,” @aalodah.bsky.social said: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...

theguardian.com

A Saudi journalist tweeted against the government – and was executed for ‘high treason’

The death of Turki al-Jasser was the first high-profile killing of a journalist since the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 18/06/2025

🚨 Saudi Arabia executed a prominent journalist who exposed corruption. The world should act before other dissidents are next. Read our commentary on the shocking execution of Turki Al-Jasser by @aalodah.bsky.social, @sethbinder.bsky.social, Sheridan Cole & Haydn Welch: mideastdc.org/publication/...

Saudi Arabia Executed a Prominent Journalist who Exposed Corruption. The World Should Act Before Other Dissidents are Next. - MEDC

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 17/06/2025

Authoritarian regimes in the MENA increasingly use cybercrime & online content laws to restrict freedom of expression. MEDC's @yasminoviech.bsky.social recently sat down with @zaghdoudist.bsky.social to discuss how we can take back the virtual space. 📹 Watch here: mideastdc.org/events/liber...

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 17/06/2025

🚨 Hundreds of prisoners, including scores of Egyptian, Ethiopian & Somali nationals, are at risk of imminent execution in #SaudiArabia for non-lethal drug-related offenses, amid a surge in such executions. Read our joint statement with 30+ organizations: mideastdc.org/publication/...

Joint Statement: NGOs Voice Fears for Hundreds of Foreign Nationals at Risk of Imminent Execution in Saudi Arabia - MEDC

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Reposted by Middle East Democracy Center

Center for Victims of Torture @cvt.org · 16/06/2025

Humanitarian work supports the most vulnerable and strengthens communities. Read the joint statement on the need for human rights & humanitarian protection that “not only reflect fundamental American values but also advance global peace, security, and prosperity, consistent with international law.”

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 15/06/2025

We are outraged by the execution of Turki al-Jasser, a courageous Saudi journalist & writer who exposed royal corruption online. Our hearts are with his loved ones. Nearly 7 years since MBS ordered the murder of #JamalKhashoggi with impunity, MBS has only been emboldened. apnews.com/article/saud...

Saudi Arabia executes a journalist after 7 years behind bars. Activists say it was over his tweets

Saudi Arabia has executed a prominent Saudi journalist who was arrested seven years ago and convicted on terrorism and treason charges.

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 13/06/2025

We asked friends & colleagues who fled repressive authoritarian regimes about what they're now seeing in the US. One researcher finds themselves returning to the same self-censorship tactics they used in their home country. #DemocracyMatters Read more: mideastdc.org/publication/...

We Fled This Before: Human Rights Defenders from the Middle East on Rising Authoritarianism in the United States - MEDC

We spoke to human rights defenders, lawyers, academics, journalists, and other members of civil society who were forced to flee their homes in countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen, and the...

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Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 13/06/2025

🚨 Congress must reject Secretary Marco Rubio's reckless proposed reorganization of the State Department. This slash-and-burn approach to critical programs will have devastating consequences for the most marginalized people. Read our joint statement: mideastdc.org/publication/...

Congress Must Reject Trump Administration's Reckless Plans to Reorganize State Department - MEDC

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 11/06/2025

📢 Join us on Monday, June 16 at 10AM ET for a timely conversation on #SaudiArabia’s growing regional influence, US-Saudi relations, & the sidelining of human rights. Register here: mideastdc.org/events/from-...

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 10/06/2025

Weapons sales are fueling the conflict in #Sudan & harming civilians. Congress should support the Joint Resolution of Disapproval (JRD) on weapons sales to the UAE. Read our joint letter with @amnesty.org & 40+ other NGOs: mideastdc.org/publication/...

Joint Letter: More than 40 NGOs Ask Congress to Support the JRD on Weapons Sales to the UAE - MEDC

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 10/06/2025

🧵 They fled authoritarian regimes only to witness similar patterns in the US. We spoke with friends, colleagues, & partners who now see disturbing parallels to what they escaped. Here are their anonymized stories: mideastdc.org/publication/...

We Fled This Before: Human Rights Defenders from the Middle East on Rising Authoritarianism in the United States - MEDC

We spoke to human rights defenders, lawyers, academics, journalists, and other members of civil society who were forced to flee their homes in countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen, and the...

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Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 04/06/2025

Ibrahim Metwally sought truth & justice in #Egypt for his forcibly disappeared son. Then Egyptian authorities arrested, tortured, & imprisoned him. After more than 7⃣ years unjustly detained, we demand Egyptian authorities release him NOW. #FreeMetwally mideastdc.org/publication/...

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Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 30/05/2025

🚨 BREAKING: Mohammed al-Rabiah is FREE! 🕊️ Al-Rabiah spent over 7 years in prison in #SaudiArabia solely for advocating for women’s rights. We are relieved that he can finally reunite with his loved ones. #Saudi authorities should free all others unjustly detained. #FreeThemNOW

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 28/05/2025

Today, Abdulrahman al-Sadhan should be surrounded by his loved ones, celebrating his 42nd birthday. Instead, he's alone in a #Saudi prison, held incommunicado, because he posted satirical tweets. Happy birthday, Sadhan. We haven't forgotten you. #FreeSadhanNOW

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Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 28/05/2025

Today is Saudi fitness influencer Manahel al-Otaibi's 31st birthday. She's spending it locked up in #SaudiArabia, sentenced to 11 years in jail solely for supporting women's rights. Manahel shouldn't spend another birthday behind bars. It's time for #SaudiArabia to #FreeManahel.

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Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 21/05/2025

🚨 Laila Soueif's life is on the line. British PM Keir Starmer should make clear to #Egypt's President el-Sisi that what happens to Alaa Abd el-Fattah & Laila Soueif will have long-lasting & meaningful ramifications for #Egypt-UK relations. Read our joint letter: mideastdc.org/publication/...

As Laila Soueif Begins Full Hunger Strike, 32 Human Rights Organizations Send Letter to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer - MEDC

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 21/05/2025

We condemn the verdict issued in absentia against Egyptian political dissident Hisham Kassem on sham defamation charges. The verdict is a dangerous escalation of #Egypt authorities’ ongoing campaign to silence dissent beyond borders. Our joint statement: mideastdc.org/publication/...

Joint Statement: In Absentia Verdict Against Politician Hisham Kassem Reinforces Growing Pattern of Egypt's Transnational Repression Targeting Exiled Dissidents - MEDC

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Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 21/05/2025

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rep. Connolly. His unwavering pursuit of justice for constituent #JamalKhashoggi exemplified his abiding commitment to accountability. The world has lost a true champion of human rights who never stopped fighting for what was right. bsky.app/profile/conn...

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Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 20/05/2025

"The billions in military aid compared to the pennies in democracy assistance really puts into perspective the priority of US governments, not just this administration who have eliminated even the pennies," MEDC’s @sethbinder.bsky.social tells Middle East Eye. www.middleeasteye.net/news/usaid-i...

middleeasteye.net

USAID implosion leaves Middle East activists at mercy of political crackdowns

Human rights defenders across Middle East and North Africa were reliant on US for small grants to help them relocate and resettle abroad

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 20/05/2025

After four years in prison in #SaudiArabia, Dr. Lina al-Sharif is FREE!🕊️ It's time for #Saudi authorities to free all others unjustly detained. #FreeThemNOW

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 20/05/2025

🚨Egyptian opposition politician Ahmed Tantawi’s detention is set to expire on May 27. We fear authorities will extend his unjust detention. #Egypt should drop all charges against him & release all political prisoners. Read our joint statement: mideastdc.org/publication/...

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Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 19/05/2025

Lina al-Sharif is finally FREE! 🕊️ After 4 years of cruel & unjust imprisonment solely for supporting human rights online, Dr. Lina al-Sharif has been released from prison in #SaudiArabia. Saudi authorities should free all political prisoners NOW. #FreeThemAll

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 14/05/2025

As President Trump heaps praise on MBS, Nourah al-Qahtani, a mother of 5, is serving a 45 year prison sentence for an anonymous Twitter account. She has faced torture & solitary confinement. She should be with her family, not in jail. #FreeThemNow mideastdc.org/publication/...

Joint Statement: NGOs call for immediate release of Nourah al-Qahtani - MEDC

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Reposted by Middle East Democracy Center

Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC @boellus.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

The Trump admin sidelined human rights in favor of arms deals and diplomacy with Saudi Arabia, all while ignoring repression, detentions, and even US citizens caught in travel bans. A new @mideastdc.org brief explains the situation as Trump travels to Saudi Arabia.

Thin Margins: Addressing Human Rights in Saudi Arabia under the Trump Administration - MEDC

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 13/05/2025

While President Trump makes deals with dictators in #SaudiArabia, medical doctor Lina al-Sharif is unjustly locked up in a Saudi prison solely for peacefully calling for human rights online. #FreeThemNow #FreeLinaAlsharif

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Reposted by Middle East Democracy Center

Chris Murphy @chrismurphyct.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

I will block any arms sale to a nation that is doing direct personal business with Trump. We should have a full Senate debate and vote. UAE's investment in Trump crypto and Qatar's gifting of a plane is nuclear grade graft. An unacceptable corruption of our foreign policy.

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 12/05/2025

As President Trump cozies up to dictators again in #SaudiArabia, Manahel al-Otaibi, a 30 year old Saudi fitness trainer, is serving an 11 year prison sentence for advocating women’s rights online. She’s faced torture, enforced disappearance & medical neglect. #FreeThemNow #FreeManahel

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Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 12/05/2025

🔎 NEW Policy Brief: "Thin Margins: Addressing Human Rights in Saudi Arabia under the Trump Administration" examines the possibilities of human rights improvements in the kingdom despite the immense challenges. Read our recommendations: mideastdc.org/publication/...

Thin Margins: Addressing Human Rights in Saudi Arabia under the Trump Administration - MEDC

Middle East Democracy Center @mideastdc.org · 08/05/2025

📹 WE’RE LIVE! Join our conversation on combatting disinformation and propaganda by authoritarian regimes in the MENA region. Watch here ⬇️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=93ig...

Digital Dictators: Confronting Authoritarian Narratives in the MENA Region

YouTube video by Middle East Democracy Center

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