Nine bodies unearthed in Latakia mass grave, one of dozens found in post-Assad Syria As part of the efforts by new Syrian authorities to bring justice to victims of the Assad regime, dozens of mass graves containing thousands of bodies — believed to be victims of former regime forces — have been discovered across Syria. Syria
Turkey blocks Instagram account of leading LGBTQ+ group Kaos GL The ban targeting the group, a leading LGBTQ+ organization, follows earlier bans affecting its website and X account. Turkey
Turkey arrests youth delegate over Council of Europe address: What to know The youth activist’s arrest adds to Ankara’s growing isolation as Turkey faces suspension from Europe’s top human rights body. Turkey
Fears mount over fate of missing Turkmen dissidents in Turkey The pair vanished after being released from a Turkish deportation center, prompting concerns they were abducted or secretly returned to Turkmenistan. Turkey
At least 11 Americans dead in Hamas attack on Israel, Biden says Other Americans are still missing and could be among the scores of hostages taken into Gaza, the White House said. Israel
Iran's security arrests mother of Armita Garawand as teen still lies in coma Just days after her daughter fell into a coma after reportedly being attacked by morality police officers, Shahin Ahmadi was arrested by security forces and taken to an unknown location. Iran
Breaking | Last Updated: September 29, 2023, 7:05 pm Meeks urges pause on US military aid to Egypt in wake of Menendez indictment Rep. Gregory Meeks on Friday sought a hold on more than $200 million in Egypt's military financing over human rights concerns. Egypt
Turkey’s appeals court upholds life sentence for Osman Kavala, four others The trial and ensuing sentences have turned into a symbol of Turkey’s democratic backsliding and erosion of judiciary independence. Turkey
US military aid to Egypt under scrutiny amid Menendez bribery charges The federal corruption indictment against the New Jersey Democrat comes just over a week after the Biden administration said it would release restricted military aid to Egypt. Egypt
Iranian-American dies in Tehran’s Evin Prison due to 'lack of medical care' Faramarz Javidzad, 60, was taken to hospital after he suffered stomach bleeding, but he was later returned to the prison in the Iranian capital where he later died, according to reports. Iran
US to send more military aid to Egypt despite rights concerns The Biden administration said it was in the US national security interest to release some of the funds that Congress had conditioned on Egypt making human rights progress. Egypt
Bahrain inks US deal on heels of prison hunger strike Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa met with senior US officials in Washington following the largest prison protest in Bahrain's history. Bahrain
Lebanon: Backlash as MPs introduce bill to decriminalize LGBTQ+ relationships Some Lebanese leaders have intensified their campaign against the LGBTQ+ community after news emerged of a bill to repeal an anti-LGBTQ+ provision of the Penal Code. Lebanon
EU Commissioner: Turkey must take on democratic reforms to revive EU bid A senior EU official has said that revival of Turkey’s stalled membership negotiations with the EU can only be discussed once Ankara takes on democratic reforms. Turkey