Al Joumhouria x Keira Rathbone: When typewriters are mightier than the sword

Composite image - Bilal Hassan, Keira Rathbone

War and survival stories from the Middle East are being systematically erased on social media. Automated algorithms, intended to safeguard users, now flag critical images as “sensitive” or “violating guidelines,” preventing Middle Eastern journalists from sharing the realities of war and conflict. As a result, the Western world is cut off from crucial information, and vital stories remain hidden before they ever reach a global audience.
“While social media algorithms are intended to protect users, they are also inadvertently silencing essential narratives from conflict zones,” said an Al Joumhouria representative. “We created Uncensored Press to stand up for journalists on the ground and to remind the world that the truth must not only be told but also be heard.”
To counter this suppression, Lebanese daily newspaper Al Joumhouria has launched “Uncensored Press”, calling on the public to sign a petition at uncensored-press.com, urging social media platforms to stop using algorithms as tools for silencing truth.
In an innovative effort to bypass digital censorship, Al Joumhouria collaborated with artist Keira Rathbone to recreate scenes of conflict solely through letters and symbols typed on a typewriter. These intricate, typewritten visuals retain the emotional and journalistic impact of the original images, while escaping automated censorship filters—proving that powerful images can endure when transformed into text. By using the very foundation of journalism—words—they ensure that crucial stories continue to be shared freely.
This campaign has not only allowed the public to see otherwise suppressed images but has also sparked deeper conversations on the ethical consequences of algorithmic censorship. Al Joumhouria’s initiative underscores the resilience of the press and highlights the urgent need for social media platforms to reevaluate their moderation strategies. By bringing these issues into the spotlight, they make a compelling demand that critical stories not be erased under the guise of digital safety.
Ultimately, this project shows that censorship can be circumvented, opening new avenues for journalists and activists to document human rights violations without interference. As the Uncensored Press campaign gathers momentum, its call to action becomes stronger: signing the petition at uncensored-press.com amplifies the movement and increases pressure on social media platforms to guarantee that important stories are seen. By sharing and supporting these typewritten visuals, we can all help ensure that the truth reaches the world.
The press was never meant to be silenced. As long as creative minds continue to challenge the status quo, it never will be.

On the assassination of Lokman Slim

Artwork by Tarek Chemaly

Can you be in Lebanon and avoid politics?

Short answer: No.

Lokman Slim, the publisher behind the fantastic Umam has been found murdered. He was a prominent critic to the Hezbollah, which sadly means that his murder will be pinned on the Hezb. I am not an intelligence officer or anything, but honestly, I think this is the last thing the Hezb needs at this stage, which means in my opinion that the Hezb did not do it.

But people will want simple answers. Actually, in Lebanon, mostly they will get no answers at all - just go back to all the unresolved crimes that happened. So the simple answers leads to the wrong way if you ask me. But Slim really was a fierce driver for change that is for sure, and on all fronts - along with his wife Monica Borgman. 

His loss at such a time when Lebanon is trying to see where it stands when it comes to freedom of speech is indeed tricky. But to be honest as well, outside a certain tight circle of intellectuals and people involved in civil society, the name Lokman Slim was not widespread... And yet, today, everyone seemed to know who he is. Or to quote a friend who phoned me: Are you writing anything about Slim's death? I had to google him to find out who he was....