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
Lebanese band Mashrou’ Leila quits after years of harassment over sexual orientation Mashrou’ Leila, whose main singer identifies as queer, announced it was disbanding, after facing accusations, harassment and threats over their songs. Lebanon
Queer singer tries to create space for discussion in Turkey As the government ramps up its anti-LGBTQ stance, Mabel Matiz, one of Turkey’s most popular queer artists, says he will continue to write songs that inspire public conversation on taboos. Turkey
Health of Turkey’s plastic waste workers under threat as European imports grow A report by Human Rights Watch finds Turkish authorities are not enforcing a law to protect vulnerable workers and local residents from toxic fumes. Turkey
Iranian government confirms three deaths in hijab protest Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, in New York for the UN General Assembly meetings, called Mahsa Amini's family in an attempt to stem the reaction to her death in police custody. Iran
Thousands gather in Istanbul for anti-LGBTQ rally Organizers say they are rallying for family values, while rights groups protest the rally as a hate crime. Turkey
US releases some military aid to Egypt amid human rights concerns The administration is providing Egypt with $170 million in military assistance that Congress had made contingent on the country improving its rights record. Egypt
Analysis Democrats push Biden to restrict Egypt’s military aid over rights abuses Egypt’s annual military assistance is shaping up to be another test of the administration’s ability to balance human rights considerations with American strategic interests. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Egypt's journalism crackdown continues despite 'national dialogue' The Egyptian authorities' crackdown on Mada Masr has been criticized by civil society groups. Egypt
Iran revokes death penalties handed to three protesters The executions were reduced to jail terms in a controversial case that had drawn a furious public backlash. Iran
Fires engulf displacement camps in northern Syria during heat wave Northern Syria is experiencing a heat wave, which is taking a heavy toll on camps for displaced persons who face chronic diseases, wildfires and water scarcity. Syria
Iranian government intensifies crackdown Iran has arrested three of its most prominent filmmakers. Iran
Democratic lawmakers press Egypt to release jailed activist Fourteen US lawmakers are calling for the release of Alaa Abdel-Fattah, a jailed activist on hunger strike in Egypt. Egypt
