Human rights

Egypt’s ambassador say US should use leverage with Ethiopia amid Nile dam dispute

Speaking at an Al-Monitor event in Washington, Motaz Zahran also addressed human rights issues and a plan to supply energy to Lebanon.

Egypt

Turkish government discovers 'astroturfing'

Seemingly acting on social media calls, the Turkish government cracks down on the secular lifestyle, experts warn. 

Turkey

Hope may be fading for release of Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah 

Alaa Abdel Fattah enters his sixth week of hunger strike.    

Egypt

Iran says it will execute Iranian-Swedish scientist

Iran’s judiciary still plans to execute Ahmad Reza Jalali, an Iranian-Swedish citizen convicted of espionage.

Iran

Egyptian political opposition prepares for national dialogue with government

There are several questions among Egypt’s political circles following the president’s call for a national dialogue with opposition forces.

Egypt

Egypt, EU sign development grants worth 138 million euros

The European Union has provided Egypt with numerous grants in recent years, while also criticizing the country on some human rights issues.

Egypt

Turkey’s Kavala conviction earns sharp rebuke from US

The State Department expressed concern over Turkey's "continued judicial harassment" after a court in Istanbul sentenced philanthropist Osman Kavala to life in prison.

Turkey

Turkish court jails philanthropist Osman Kavala for life in widely condemned trial 

After more than four years behind bars, Osman Kavala was sentenced in a case that rights groups and the opposition call a travesty of justice.

Turkey

Rare Syrian NGO formed to defend LGBT community

Syrian LGBT activists are carrying out various campaigns to demand their rights and stop the violations against them.

Syria

Analysis

The Takeaway: Ukraine war worsens Middle East oil gap 

Sudan’s Burhan accuses UN envoy;  Egypt increases support for Sudan; Libya cracks down on human rights activists; Turkey’s farmers face economic pinch; Islamic State uses dust as cover in Iraq … all in less than 1,200 words! 

By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn

Human rights, dissenters face uphill struggle in Libya

In a rare case brought against human rights activists, Libya’s Internal Security Agency accused seven activists of apostasy and contempt of Islam, resulting in condemnation by the United Nations and Amnesty International.

North Africa

Interview

Israel’s occupation has crossed the ‘red line of legality,’ says new UN rapporteur

In an interview with Al-Monitor, the newly appointed UN special rapporteur for the Palestinians, Francesca Albanese, speaks about her plans to address human rights violations in the Palestinian territories, while fending off a smear campaign launched against her by Israel.

Francesca Albanese

UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories