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
Bayern Munich, Qatar Airways end sponsorship deal after fan pressure Fans of the German soccer champions have long-criticized the deal over concerns of Qatar's alleged human rights violations. Qatar
In a snub, US does not invite Israel’s Ben-Gvir, Smotrich to July 4 reception The Biden administration has made its preferences clear by excluding far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from its Independence Day reception in Jerusalem. Israel
Analysis Saudi-France business ties flourish as Macron woos MBS Trade between the two countries came to $12 billion in 2022, a growth of 47% compared with 2021. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Interview Oman FM says US, Iran 'close' on prisoner deal Oman's foreign minister told Al-Monitor that the two sides are ironing out the details on a deal to release the prisoners. Sayyid Badr Albusaidi Foreign Minister of Oman
Egyptian man executed one year after brutal killing of Nayera Ashraf The killing sent shockwaves across the country, prompting calls to carry out the death sentence. Egypt
'LGBTQ toilet' sparks fury in Turkey amid Pride week crackdown Pride parades have been formally banned in major cities since 2014, and police violence to disperse and prevent Pride marches is sanctioned by the Interior Ministry. Turkey
Blinken heads to Saudi Arabia with Israel ties on agenda Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s much-anticipated visit to the kingdom comes after years of strain over the price of oil and human rights. Saudi Arabia
IAEA chief rebuffs Israeli criticism, says Iran meets 'fraction' of commitments IAEA chief Rafael Grossi noted that Iran made positive steps in enabling the inspection of its nuclear sites but is still a long way from fulfilling the March 4 agreement commitments. Iran
Israelis rally in Jerusalem’s LGBT parade amid rise in hate rhetoric More than ever before, this year’s Jerusalem gay pride parade offered a stage for opponents of the current far-right/ultra-Orthodox coalition and the judicial overhaul advanced by the government. Israel
Iran executions spike by 76% with 142 people hanged in May: Report A new report reveals that Iran carried out 307 executions in 2023 as rights groups' pleas fall on deaf ears. Iran
Turkey’s jailed Kurdish leader quits active politics after Erdogan’s victory Selahattin Demirtas' announcement comes amid heated public debate over whether Kemal Kilicdaroglu would resign after he was defeated by President Erdogan in Sunday’s runoff. Turkey
US lawmakers urge aid for Tunisia's civil society as crackdown intensifies The Biden administration’s proposal to slash economic assistance while largely sustaining military aid to Tunisia has drawn concern in Congress. Tunisia
