Egyptian cartoonist Islam Gawish was arrested on Sunday, allegedly for operating a website without government authorization, but was released yesterday without charge. Although his cartoons tend towards social rather than political satire, it appears an arresting officer found some of…
Category: News Blog
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1955 Broadcast Brought Dangers of Comics to Your Living Room
“This comic book describes a sexual aberration so shocking that I couldn’t even mention the scientific term on television. I think there ought to be a law against them. Tonight, I’m going to show you why.” On October 9, 1955…
Profiles in Black Cartooning: Jackie Ormes
In celebration of Black History Month, CBLDF has partnered with Black Nerd Problems to spotlight Black comics creators and cartoonists who made significant contributions to free expression. Visit CBLDF.org throughout the month of February to learn more! Zelda Jackson Ormes, better known…
Italian Government Draws Ridicule for Covering Nude Statues During Iran Visit
After the Italian government covered up ancient nude statues ahead of a state visit from Iranian President Hassan Rouhani last week, cartoonists are having much fun at officials’ expense, but also leading a debate regarding freedom of expression on the…
On a Loop: Zunar’s Sedition Trial Delayed Once Again
The trial of Malaysian cartoonist Zunar was set to begin yesterday, but has once again been delayed while a separate challenge to the country’s Sedition Act is pending. A new start date has been set for March 9. If convicted…
“Cartooning Is the Art of Danger”
Exiled Iranian cartoonist Kianoush Ramezani took to the TED stage to not only talk about his work as an activist for free speech, but the explicit dangers cartoonists face when they do choose to speak out. Working in exile in…
Connecticut High School Cancels American Idiot Musical After Parent Complaints
After complaints from “a very small number of extremely vocal people,” a high school drama club in Enfield, Connecticut has cancelled its planned production of the musical American Idiot, even though the club’s faculty advisor was already working to cut…
CBLDF Presents: WILL EISNER’S Personal Library Collection Auction!
Will Eisner wasn’t just the godfather of comics, a creative force who changed the face of modern comics — he was also a staunch advocate for the freedom of expression. In celebration of Eisner’s indomitable talent and advocacy, CBLDF is…
Turkish Government Bans Brazilian Cartoonist
Brazilian political cartoonist Carlos Latuff may have become popular amongst the general population of Turkey, but the Turkish government will stop at nothing to still his pen. In a recent interview with Al-Monitor, the cartoonist discusses the implications of his…
For Myanmar Cartoonists, Satire is Both a Right and an Obligation
Since Myanmar’s military junta lost its stranglehold on the government in 2012, political cartoonists old and new have relished their newfound freedom to criticize the powers that be. Following the country’s first democratic elections of the new era late last…