* Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune ordered the release of young people detained for participating in the Hirak protests on the anniversary of Algeria’s independence on July 5. The president said he is determined to implement his political program following legislative elections last month that saw low voter turnout. Hirak activists rejected the elections and continue to demand democratic reforms. 

* The Christian Science Monitor published an article on July 7 highlighting police violence in Tunisia and challenges for marginalized communities, especially working class youth and activists demanding change. Protests took place in June after police violently beat two young men from Sidi Hassine, one of whom died.  Activists say the incidents are part of a culture of abuse and police impunity. 

* Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported on July 8 that Moroccan youth remain reluctant to participate in politics. Political parties and government institutions are trying to encourage youth to participate in the upcoming parliamentary and municipal elections in September. However, a recent opinion poll found that 45% of Moroccan youth do not trust political parties.

* CNN conducted an interview with Salem Barahmeh of Jeel Al-Tajdeed Al-Democraty (Generation for Democratic Renewal) on July 8 to discuss young Palestinians’ demands for political change and the state of repression in Palestine. He talked about the killing of Nizar Banat and its emboldening of Palestinians to speak out against injustice. Barahmeh also explained JAD’s political vision for Palestinians based on freedom and justice.

* Palestinian youth and political factions organized the “Palestine Flag March” in Umm Al-Fahm on July 9 following Friday prayer. Hundreds of Palestinian citizens of Israel participated in the protest in response to Israel’s annual flag march and the occupation’s continued aggression in Jerusalem. Protesters chanted “Jerusalem is a red line,” among other slogans. 

* In an article on July 9, the Washington Post highlighted Palestinians’ use of the watermelon as a symbol for the Palestinian flag on social media to circumvent online censorship and content moderation. For years, Palestinians have used the watermelon in images and artwork as a metaphor for the Palestinian flag. Young Palestinians are now using it in their social media posts to spread the word about the Palestinian cause and challenge digitals suppression. 

* Hundreds of people demonstrated in cities across southern Iraq on July 9 in protest against power cuts, despite hot temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. The shortages are due to aging infrastructure, corruption, and attacks on transmission networks. Young Iraqis have protested since October 2019 against the government’s failure to provide basic services and violence against protesters. 

* Young Iraqi activist and journalist Ali al-Mikdam was kidnapped on July 9 in Baghdad and was later found on July 10 with signs of abuse on his body. Al-Mikdam is a prominent activist in the anti-government protest movement and has also spoken out against violence by militias. Other activists demanded accountability and called on Iraqi authorities to release the identities of those who kidnapped Al-Mikdam. 

* Benghazi youth held a demonstration on July 10 to express support for presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 24. The demonstrators warned against manipulation or postponement of the elections.