The murder of five musicians has ignited a fierce debate over “narcocorridos,” songs that glorify drug cartels, as Mexico grapples with censorship and freedom of expression. As the government moves to curb these controversial tunes, performers argue their artistic rights are under threat.

Saudi Arabia has executed a prominent journalist who was arrested in 2018 on terrorism and treason charges. Activists claim the charges were fabricated and that he was targeted over his tweets.

Thai state prosecutors have decided not to press charges against an American academic arrested for royal defamation, an offense punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The decision spares the scholar from facing severe legal consequences under Thailand’s strict laws.

Iranian pop star Tataloo has been sentenced to death on appeal by Tehran’s First Criminal Court for “insulting Prophet Muhammad.” The escalation from an initial five-year imprisonment reflects a severe crackdown on artistic expression and dissent in Iran.