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
Knesset speaker participates, addresses gay pride parade in Jerusalem Knesset speaker Micky Levy participated today at the gay pride parade in Jerusalem, condemning death threats that were sent earlier this week to an organizer of the parade and several legislators. Israel
Iran calls exodus of Black staffers from Biden White House 'systematic racial discrimination' Iran has criticized the treatment of Black Americans before, but the Islamic Republic has its own issues with discrimination against Kurds, Arabs, Jews and others. Iran
Hunger strikes by prisoners continue in Egypt A number of political activists in Egyptian prisons have been on a hunger strike for several days to protest their denial of basic rights, at a time the president has called for a national dialogue with opponents. Egypt
Teenage Syrian refugees in Lebanon find cricket a welcome distraction Cricket is emerging as a tool for social transformation and improving Syrian refugees’ education. Lebanon
Turkey’s Alevis to open their houses of worship to LGBTQ funerals Turkey’s major Alevi organizations announce they will open their houses of worship to LGBTQ individuals in support of equal funeral rights. Turkey
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
