Human rights

Workers package human remains recovered from the mass grave in Damascus, Syria, on Dec. 17, 2024.

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.

Protesters hold up placards and rainbow flags as they take part in the LGBTQ Pride March in Istanbul, June 25, 2023.

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.

An undated image of Enes Hocaogullari.

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.

Turkmen Alabai

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.

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Iran executions double to 625 as parliament mulls harsher espionage penalties

Iranians cross a street by a billboard with a portrait of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Enqelab Square, Tehran, July, 9, 2025.

What to make of Egypt's removal of Alaa Abdel-Fattah from terror list

Egyptian blogger and activist Alaa Abdel-Fattah exits the police headquarters in Cairo following his release on December 25, 2011.

Sharaa reportedly mulls action against Lebanon over Syrian prisoners

Roumieh

Rebuking 5-year sentence, France urges Algeria to pardon Sansal: What to know

RICCARDO MILANI/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images

A participant faces riot policemen wearing a rainbow flag during a Pride march in Istanbul, on June 26, 2022.

Life as an LGBTQ refugee in Turkey

LGBTQ refugees from Middle Eastern countries face multifold hardships in Turkey amid a rise in anti-refugee sentiment and a persisting social stigma against gay and transgender people.

Elizabeth Whelan, sister of Paul Whelan, speaks during a press conference to launch the “Bring Our Families Home" campaign held by family members of hostages being held around the world, Washington, May 4, 2022.

Breaking | Last Updated: July 20, 2022, 7:18 am

Biden issues executive order on hostages amid pressure from families

The executive order will authorize government agencies to impose financial and travel sanctions on those involved in the wrongful detention of Americans.

ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images

Lebanese authorities crack down on LGBTQ community

Lebanon's increasingly homophobic public discourse is condemning queer people to living in fear and isolation.

Egypt beach

Egypt accommodates blind beachgoers

New roped-off space with trained lifeguards in Alexandria Governorate is one example of the nation's increasing attention to accommodating people with disabilities.

Meeting

Analysis

Families of Americans held in Saudi Arabia pin hopes on Biden visit

US families separated by punitive travel bans hope President Joe Biden will use his visit to secure the release of their loved ones.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

This picture taken on July 6, 2022, shows a mural depicting slain Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.

Senators seek answers on US review of Shireen Abu Akleh's death

Senators Van Hollen, Leahy, Murphy and Durbin said the US review “hardly constitutes an independent investigation into the overall circumstances of her killing.”

This photo shows the inside of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg, eastern France, on Feb. 7, 2019.

Europe’s top court reprimands Turkey for jailing philanthropist

Today’s decision by Europe's top rights court on Osman Kavala, who has kept behind bars for four and a half years in pre-detention and sentenced to life, inches Turkey closer to suspension of its voting rights or even membership in the Council of Europe.

JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli court rejects cap on Ukrainian refugees

This week, Israel’s Supreme Court struck down the cap imposed by the Interior Ministry on the number of Ukrainian refugees allowed into the country.

Israel IHRA

Israel elected president of International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for 2025

2025 is an important time for Israel to assume the IHRA presidency as the world will mark 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Diyarbakir Kurds

Kurdish journalists in southeast Turkey still uncharged after week in jail

Colleagues of 20 detained journalists say they believe their arrests are tied to Turkey’s planned military operation against Syrian Kurdish militants.

Mohammad bin Salman

Biden to meet with Saudi crown prince in July visit

The president is expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah following a visit to Israel and the West Bank, a senior administration official said.

MARWAN NAAMANI/AFP via Getty Images

Rights groups say Iranian prisoners face finger amputations

The eight men are expected to have their fingers amputated using a guillotine machine soon, Amnesty International reports.