Sign in

Ahmed Zidan

@zidan.bsky.social
7.7K followers 1.6K following 714 posts

Platforms | Press Freedom | Journalism Good takes and bad jokes. Dark humor and 🦋hite 🦋ine. Deputy director, audience, @freedom.press and @pressfreedomtracker.us. @zidanism on that other site.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 22h
At this point Israeli government-backed mobs assaulting journalists in the West Bank is a routine occurrence. It belies any claim that the U.S. promotes democracy by financing the army that stands by and allows these attacks to occur.
34930 49
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 16/10/2026
At this point Israeli government-backed mobs assaulting journalists in the West Bank is a routine occurrence. It belies any claim that the U.S. promotes democracy by financing the army that stands by and allows these attacks to occur.
washingtonpost.com
Israeli settlers attack Palestinians and Washington Post photographer in West Bank
The settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives and beat Heidi Levine, a veteran photojournalist. Witnesses said Israeli soldiers did nothing to halt the violence.
54427 44
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 16/10/2026
Now that Trump’s ban on @cnn.com, @ms.now, and @politico.com has backfired, his DOJ is trying to weaponize antitrust law to pressure major networks to cover his every move. This is yet another way the administration is trying to chill speech. Watch @trevortimm.bsky.social explain:
0298 29
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 15/10/2026
We're happy to announce the winners of our Penlight Prize for paywall-free public records reporting! First: Austin Fast, @usatoday.com Second: @lajourno.bsky.social, @capitalandmain.bsky.social Third: @brittanyhailer.bsky.social, Ilica Mahajan, @michellebillman.bsky.social, @themarshallproject.org
13014 30
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 13/10/2026
Follow our FOIA Feed account (@foiafeed.social.freedom.press.ap.brid.gy), an automated aggregator that cuts across over a dozen news outlets and highlights reporting that makes use of the Freedom of Information Act and other public records laws.
0114 11
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Flipboard @flipboard.com · 12/10/2026
Press freedom is under attack. Follow @freedom.press on Flipboard for the latest from their U.S. Press Freedom Tracker blog, covering efforts to silence the media across the country. Read the latest → flipboard.com/@freedomofpr... #Journalism #PressFreedom
flipboard.com
U.S. Press Freedom Tracker Blogs | @FreedomofPress
Explore Freedom of the Press Foundation's magazine "U.S. Press Freedom Tracker Blogs", followed by 2 people on Flipboard. See more stories about Donald Trump, Don Lemon, Media.
096 9
Ahmed Zidan @zidan.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
The first show was “called ‘The Fight for the Epstein Files.’ Among its matches: Redacted vs. Redacted—two grapplers outfitted in black Lycra. Another was a ‘Last Island Standing’ battle royale between the files’ big names…we had, like, five Trumps…Two of them started making out. He loves himself.‘“
newyorker.com
How to Fight Your Landlord, the Heel
In Williamsburg, wrestlers dressed like Zohran Mamdani and a cockroach take turns in the ring. Their opponent? The big, bad Slumlord.
000 0
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 11/10/2026
We thought Trump hates the “fake news.” Why’s he starting frivolous investigations to get them to come back? Strange way of telling them how much he misses them.
nytimes.com
Justice Dept. Is Investigating TV Networks Over Trump Pool Coverage (Gift Article)
Major TV networks were notified on Friday that the department was looking into whether they violated antitrust laws when they suspended pool coverage of President Trump.
54425 44
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 09/10/2026
Yes, it does, IDF. You denied killing U.S. reporter Shireen Abu Akleh in 2022 until evidence forced an admission. Then you murdered hundreds of journalists in Gaza and denied it all over again. Want credibility? Let international press into the Strip.
1124587 245
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 09/10/2026
DHS paid Miami-Dade County nearly $15 million for just seven immigrant arrests. Yes, over $2 million per arrest. But when it comes to accountability, DHS can’t even afford basic transparency and instead is sabotaging FOIA offices. Watch @trevortimm.bsky.social explain:
49856 98
Ahmed Zidan @zidan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
In a hearing Wednesday in @freedom.press and @theintercept.com's case against Trump for selling early access to his Truth Social posts, DOJ absurdly compared the scheme to FDR’s fireside chats. The judge shot back: “Well, President Roosevelt didn’t charge money for his fireside chats, did he?”
courthousenews.com
DOJ defends Trump charging $100K for early access to Truth Social posts
A Justice Department attorney argued Wednesday that the plan was a “completely private commercial decision,” not one made by the president personally.
020 2
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 08/10/2026
@azmatzahra.bsky.social spent 10+ years investigating U.S. airstrikes, where civilians got labeled targets on flimsy intel. She sees that doctrine in Gaza, now aimed at reporters. In these obituaries, Gaza journalist Aseel Mousa spotlights the lives of five Palestinian reporters that label erased.
cjr.org
Remembrance
Israel has killed scores of Palestinian journalists with impunity and waged propaganda campaigns to discredit their work, but a full accounting tells a different story.
01511 15
Ahmed Zidan @zidan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Yet another absolutely horrendous attack on the press by settlers in Palestine, enabled by the army. Israeli settlers beat press photographer as soldiers watch in West Bank: Jaafar Ashtiyeh was covering violence against olive farmers when settlers set upon him with the butts of their rifles
theguardian.com
Israeli settlers beat press photographer as soldiers watch in West Bank
Jaafar Ashtiyeh was covering violence against olive farmers when settlers set upon him with the butts of their rifles
020 2
Ahmed Zidan @zidan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Extremely important advice from my colleague @mshelton.bsky.social and our digital security training team. - Shut down your phone in sensitive moments. - Keep your devices up to date. - Use a stronger password. - Try Lockdown Mode. Learn more below and subscribe to our weekly digisec newsletter:
freedom.press
Police forensic tools may bypass key phone security feature
Up-to-date iPhones can lock out some forensic devices by rebooting. One major forensics company claims to have a workaround
021 2
Ahmed Zidan @zidan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Lol’d at this Status tagline.
010 1
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 06/10/2026
With the Paramount merger complete, the Ellisons will get "unprecedented control over what the next generation watches and reads" and the chance to bolster their "lucrative interests in war and surveillance tech," FPF's @seth-stern.bsky.social writes in @theintercept.com:
theintercept.com
The Ellisons Could Make a Killing in Big Surveillance With the Paramount Merger
With the Paramount–Warner Bros. merger set to proceed, the Ellisons can stoke Americans’ fears — and sell the government its solution.
22823 28
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 05/10/2026
The Trump admin used secret subpoenas to snoop on journalists’ phone records. But a new bill could make sure this never happens again. It requires a judge’s approval for phone records and bars government subpoenas to tech companies to spy on Americans. Watch @trevortimm.bsky.social explain:
youtube.com
Surveillance abuse bill aims to curb government snooping on journalists
YouTube video by Freedom of the Press Foundation
03310 33
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 05/10/2026
🔴 LIVE NOW: Can the judiciary oversee Paramount's editorial board? Hear from journalists who saw how these boards work (or don't), with @marielgarza.bsky.social, @bgrueskin.bsky.social, @sulliview.bsky.social, and @dicktofel.bsky.social. 🔗 www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrTP...
A paper tiger for the press: Why ‘independent’ editorial boards can’t protect journalism

A screenshot from an online event hosted by Freedom of the Press Foundation on Oct. 5, 2026
1115 11
Ahmed Zidan @zidan.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The Egyptian authorities have detained an entire newsroom, accusing them of “spreading misinformation.” The irony is that outlet is a reputable fact-checking news site, which is actually countering misinformation. Dictators are so thin-skinned.
reuters.com
Egyptian police arrest all six journalists of investigative outlet
Egyptian police arrested six journalists from a fact-checking and investigative media outlet, accusing them of spreading misinformation ​on behalf of the banned Muslim Brotherhood, which the ‌publicat...
000 0
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 29/09/2026
Huge win for government transparency and accountability! CA Senate Bill 423 was signed into law today, requiring release of 911 calls from ICE detention centers. This critical info will cast light on how ICE is treating people it holds. Congrats to coalition of advocates who made this possible.
calmatters.org
Data from 911 calls at ICE detention centers must be disclosed under new California law
Gov. Newsom signed a law compelling disclosure of emergency calls from ICE detention centers. It followed CalMatters' reporting about alleged rapes at one site.
113370 133
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 30/09/2026
The recent release of Meta’s Muse AI agent needs far-reaching access to your data to conduct tasks on your behalf. We keep seeing stories of how that has backfired on users. Read our newsletter to learn more, and subscribe!
freedom.press
Meta’s Muse AI surprises users — but not in a good way
After granting permission to access a considerable amount of your personal data, agents may behave in unexpected ways. We are not a-Muse’d
74325 43
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Adam Rose @adamrose.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Critical read by @seth-stern.bsky.social in @theintercept.com. Ellisons know a scary amount about you via Oracle. (Ever wonder, "what's their actual product"? It's YOU / your data!) By taking over mass media, they can give America false fears, causing us to give up even more of our data & privacy.
theintercept.com
The Ellisons Could Make a Killing in Big Surveillance With the Paramount Merger
With the Paramount–Warner Bros. merger set to proceed, the Ellisons can stoke Americans’ fears — and sell the government its solution.
01916 19
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 28/09/2026
The First Amendment protects speech regardless of viewpoint, especially if it is adversarial to the government. Watch @adamrose.bsky.social explain why Trump banning @cnn.com, @ms.now, and @politico.com from the White House is incompatible with the Constitution.
44023 40
Ahmed Zidan @zidan.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The masks are off. The era when big corporations, especially Big Tech, felt obligated to check the social-responsibility boxes is over.
wired.com
Meta-Led Anti-Terrorism Group Faces Mass Resignation of Expert Advisers
Meta and other tech giants are pushing through structural changes at the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism that outside researchers allege will weaken oversight of an already embattled consor...
021 2
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Fight for the Future @fightforthefuture.org · 25/09/2026
VPNs make it safer to use the Internet. Governments are trying to ban them. With the continued global rise of social media bans and “age verification” bills, threats against VPNs have only escalated. Read the letter & take action @ DefendVPNS.com for our 2nd annual Defend VPNs Day of Action!
39789 97
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 25/09/2026
Dozens of former federal prosecutors filed a brief in support of our lawsuit to stop Trump's corrupt scheme to charge for expedited access to headlines he generates when he announces everything from military strikes to media bans on Truth Social.
fortune.com
‘It’s so corrosive to democracy': Over 50 federal prosecutors speak out against Trump's $100,000 a month 'insider trading' scheme | Fortune
"We're in an environment where we all want to be looking to the founders, right?"
55922 59
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 25/09/2026
Denying three media outlets access to the White House, despite a judge’s order, and then praising Chinese state media for being “friendly”? Xi couldn’t have asked for a better gift. China is one of the world’s worst jailers of journalists, with 100+ behind bars, per RSF.
cnn.com
CNN, MS NOW White House reporters denied access to Xi’s state dinner arrival | CNN Politics
CNN, MS NOW and Politico have been allowed back into the White House after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to temporarily reinstate press badges for the news outlets.
37543 75
Ahmed Zidan @zidan.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
"With NSPM-7, Trump and Miller have made clear they plan to exploit the broad counterterrorism authorities of the executive branch to unleash this machinery of repression upon their domestic political opponents" @chipgibbons.bsky.social writes. "Unless Congress acts now, they will get away with it"
rightsanddissent.org
020 2
Ahmed Zidan @zidan.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
From fine cuisine as "a soft power" and "oasis-to-table" concept, Saudi is trying to foodwash its reputation. Good read in the @newyorker.com.
newyorker.com
Saudi Arabia’s Pursuit of Michelin Stardom
Saudi Arabia, seeking to rebrand as a culinary juggernaut, has bankrolled new restaurants and conscripted big-name chefs. Will it succeed?
011 1
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 23/09/2026
As Trump uses "national security" as an excuse to ban news outlets, remember that challenging the government’s classification claims can be an act of patriotism. @danielellsberg.bsky.social, our co-founder, proved that when he leaked the Pentagon Papers in 1971.
freedom.press
The Pentagon Papers
How a leak revealed that lies were the foundation of U.S. policy on Vietnam
45829 58
Ahmed Zidan @zidan.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The White House briefs outlets on background then complains the press used an anonymous senior admin official for the same very story… Oh well! @scottnover.bsky.social has the story.
washingtonpost.com
The White House banned Politico, citing anonymous sources. It provided the quotes.
In a letter defending its ban of Politico, the White House critiqued a report based on a press call it conducted, where reporters were told not to name the speaker.
010 1
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Lauren Harper @laurenleharper.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Put another way, the guy who stored classified documents in a country club bathroom thinks reporting stories like that is a "significant violation of decorum."
politico.com
Trump cites national security, midterms coverage to defend press ban
0218 21
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 22/09/2026
President Donald Trump is banning @cnn.com, @msnownews.bsky.social, and @politico.com from the White House. But can a U.S. president do this? Watch FPF’s @adamrose.bsky.social break down what to expect next as the administration increases its attacks on the free press.
83215 32
Ahmed Zidan @zidan.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Not good.
baltimorebrew.com
001 1
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 21/09/2026
A Paramount-appointed editorial independence board for CNN and CBS is worthless. The fish rots from the head, and this fish is headed by a compromised oligarch with a history of throwing journalists under the bus to advance his business interests. Our statement: freedom.press/issues/fpf-s...
Screenshot of quote from Freedom of the Press Foundation Chief of Advocacy Seth Stern
16229 62
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 21/09/2026
CJR covers the ordeal of exiled journalist Luis Galeano, detained by ICE in Florida last week. Galeano—who was stripped of his Nicaraguan citizenship by the Ortega regime in 2023 over his reporting—has an asylum case pending in the U.S. 'We are in danger if they deport us,' his wife said.
freepress.net
Press-Freedom Coalition Calls for the Immediate Release of ICE-Detained Journalist Luis Galeano
Luis Galeano is the latest in a long line of journalists who came to the United States to report on issues of the day and instead face deportation.
13119 31
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 16/09/2026
Journalist @pablo.show’s reporting triggered a DOJ investigation into a massive NBA scandal. But despite using reporters’ leads, the Trump admin continues to crack down on journalist-source confidentiality. That’s why it’s time to pass the PRESS Act. Watch @trevortimm.bsky.social explain:
7264103 264
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 21/09/2026
Turns out when you keep firing at the press, you shouldn't be surprised when the whole thing backfires 'just a little bit.' Sideline the messengers and you don't silence them. You silence yourself.
46016 60
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Adam Rose @adamrose.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The state attorneys general consent decree with Paramount to secure a merger with Warner Bros includes requirement for a "News Editorial Independence Board" for CBS News and CNN. Here are the exact terms for the board, which will be appointed by... ::checks notes:: ... David Ellison.
D. News Editorial Independence Board Commitments
1. Formation. Within one hundred eighty (180) days following Closing, the
Combined Entity shall establish the News Editorial Independence Board
(the “Editorial Independence Board”) and appoint Editorial
Independence Board Members in manner that is consistent with this Section
III.D.
2. Composition. The Editorial Independence Board shall be made up of five
(5) established journalists (active or retired), each of whom shall have
practiced journalism for a minimum of ten (10) years (including with
credentials for at least three (3) years) (“Journalist”). (“Editorial
Independence Board Members”). No more than two (2) Editorial
Independence Board Members may be affiliated with the same political
party.
3. Appointment. Editorial Independence Board Members shall be appointed
by the Combined Entity’s Board of Directors (the “Combined Entity’s
Board”).a. No member of any government or governmental entity may be
appointed to the Editorial Independence Board.
b. No member of any government or governmental entity, including
federal, state, and local governments, may approve or have approval
rights over members appointed to the Editorial Independence Board.
c. No officer, director, shareholder or non-Journalist employee or
contractor of the Combined Entity may be appointed to the Editorial
Independence Board.
4. Board Member Term. Editorial Independence Board Members are
expected to serve for three (3) years from the date of their appointment. The
Combined Entity’s Board can remove an Editorial Independence Board
Member only for good cause, which for purposes of this paragraph shall
mean fair and honest reasons, regulated by good faith on the part of the
employer, that are not trivial, arbitrary, or capricious, unrelated to business
needs or goals, or pretextual. When an Editorial Independence Board is
vacated, the Combined Entity’s Board will fill that vacancy in a manner
consistent with this Section III.D.5. Role. The Editorial Independence Board will have the following
responsibilities during the Commitment Period:
a. Establishing a set of guiding editorial principles based on CBS News
and CNN’s Standards & Practices policies and principles in effect
as of the Effective Date of accuracy, independence, fairness, and
journalistic integrity (collectively, “News Editorial Principles”).
b. Resolving any disputes between CBS News employees, CNN
employees, and management of the Combined Entity regarding
alleged violations of the News Editorial Principles.
c. Resolving any disputes between CBS News employees, CNN
employees, and management of the Combined Entity regarding
alleged reporting bias or failure to meet agreed reporting fairness
standards.
d. Establishing and monitoring adherence to ethical journalism as
defined by journalism industry best practices and to editorial
independence, including from the Combined Entity’s ownership and
shareholders.6. Reporting. The Editorial Independence Board shall report to the Combined
Entity’s Board through the Combined Entity’s Chief Compliance Officer.

7. Scope. The Editorial Independence Board’s above-described
responsibilities are limited to news and editorial content produced
principally for distribution in the United States.
8. Indemnification. The Combined Entity shall indemnify and hold harmless
Plaintiff States for any claims and litigation related to this section of the
Consent Decree.
26333 63
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 16/09/2026
It seems naive to call on this administration in particular to stand up for a Palestinian-American journalist detained by Israel. But they should. It’s their job, and we can’t normalize inaction, no matter who is in office.
dropsitenews.com
Palestinian-American Journalist Naqaa Hamed Detained by Israeli Forces After Settlers Targeted Her
The freelance journalist and Drop Site contributor was arrested by Israeli authorities as she returned from covering Israeli settler attacks in Masafer Yatta.
16121 61
Ahmed Zidan @zidan.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Powerful statement from @freedom.press’ @seth-stern.bsky.social: “It’s difficult to imagine a more blatant violation of the First Amendment than Trump banning news outlets from the People’s House for criticizing the government. It’s also hard to imagine a dumber move.” freedom.press/issues/fpf-c...
It’s difficult to imagine a more blatant violation of the First Amendment than Trump banning news outlets from the People’s House for criticizing the government. It’s also hard to imagine a dumber move.The press must continue to fight back to protect their rights, not only to access the White House but to access the public records and whistleblowers this administration so desperately wants to keep from them. In the meantime, though, they can take a break from getting lied to and insulted at the White House. There are plenty of places to find news, and reporters will continue to do just that no matter how many tantrums Trump throws on Truth Social. Just like he can’t keep his name on the Kennedy Center, he can’t keep it out of the headlines.
012 2
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
U.S. Press Freedom Tracker @pressfreedomtracker.us · 31/08/2026
President Trump has attacked the press on social media nearly every day for over a decade. Explore the Tracker dataset that catalogs every time Trump uses Truth Social to abuse the news media and journalists. That and more in this month’s newsletter from managing editor @kamccudden.bsky.social:
pressfreedomtracker.us
What 3,725 (and counting) of Trump’s anti-press posts look like
What 3,725 (and counting) of Trump’s anti-press posts look like
53821 38
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 01/09/2026
Trump is using his official statements on Truth Social as profiteering opportunities, charging seven figures per year for premium access It’s a corrupt assault on the Constitution that harms members of the press and public who don’t line the president’s pockets. That’s why we’re suing to stop it.
freedom.press
FPF seeks order to stop Trump from monetizing official statements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:New York, Sept. 1, 2026 — The Intercept and Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) moved in federal court yesterday to preliminarily enjoin President Donald Trump from providing e...
610843 108
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 28/08/2026
DHS just released a privacy assessment for its new surveillance tool, 'Helix.' But it is one of the few privacy assessments made this year. In fact, DHS failed to make similar assessments public for a range of ICE surveillance tools. @laurenleharper.bsky.social explains:
14426 44
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Christiaan Triebert @trbrtc.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
High-resolution satellite imagery from Vantor shows the aftermath of the devastating floods along the Nepal-China border. This is the Gyirong Port/Rasuwagadhi border post (location: 28.280, 85.377).
25924 59
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 26/08/2026
Lobbying for press freedom legislation in a post-Trump world will require a "relentless, multipronged effort from the very beginning of the congressional session," FPF's @trevortimm.bsky.social writes for @knightcolumbia.org. That includes passing the PRESS Act. Read more:
knightcolumbia.org
How Do We Aggressively Lobby for Press Freedom Legislation in a Post-Trump World?
03112 31
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 26/08/2026
Are you a journalist who uses FOIA or other public records laws in your reporting? Then you could win $25,000 through our new journalism award, the Penlight Prize. But the deadline is approaching fast! Watch @trevortimm.bsky.social to learn more, and apply today!
15739 57
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Seth Stern @seth-stern.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Larry Ellison said he wants to surveil everyone, Jewish, Palestinian or neither, to keep us on our best behavior. It's not antisemitic to talk about how his gov subsidized surveillance, war and "scary technology" businesses may impact his family's media outlets www.ms.now/opinion/davi...
110236 102
Reposted by Ahmed Zidan
Freedom of the Press Foundation @freedom.press · 24/08/2026
🚨 LAST FULL WEEK TO APPLY! Are you a journalist who uses FOIA or other public records laws in your reporting? You could win $25,000 with our new journalism award, the Penlight Prize. Read more and apply by Sept. 1:
penlightprize.org
The Penlight Prize ∙ Freedom of the Press Foundation
The Penlight Prize honors exemplary paywall-free public records reporting, from Freedom of the Press Foundation
085 8