Over 400 detained in Istanbul’s May Day protest as Turkey restricts transit The demonstrations, which marked the first major opposition rally since mass protests roiled the country last month over the Istanbul mayor’s arrest, were met with tight restrictions. Turkey
Pope Francis, voice for Middle East peace and first to visit Gulf, dies at 88 Pope Francis died on Monday after serving as pontiff for 11 years, advocating for human rights and inclusion in the Middle East and beyond. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Oscar-winning Palestinian director freed from Israeli detention after night in custody Hamdan Ballal, a co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," was assaulted by Israeli settlers and later detained by Israeli forces in the West Bank as the Israeli army continues its raids in the Palestinian territory. Palestine
Hearing delayed after Lebanese doctor with US visa deported: What to know A Lebanese citizen is the latest in a string of detentions, visa revocations and deportations conducted by the Trump administration. United States
Analysis Can Hamas defy Trump's ultimatum as Gaza ceasefire teeters? By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Freedom House: Syria, Western Sahara worst in world for political rights The think tank also downgraded Jordan to "not free" in its 2021 democracy rankings. Jordan
Israeli leaders unite in slamming ICC prosecutor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin harshly condemned the decision by International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to investigate Israel for alleged war crimes. Israel
Erdogan unveils human rights reforms, raising skepticism among advocates Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday announced an 11-point human rights action plan, pledging to fortify freedoms and legal protections after years of democratic backsliding under his government. Turkey
Pentagon: ‘No changes’ so far to US-Saudi military relations after Khashoggi report US military officials have taken point on maintaining ties with Middle Eastern leaders as the Biden administration talks tough on human rights. Originals
Houthi security official in Yemen sanctioned by UN for crimes against women Sultan Saleh Aida Aida Zabin, who heads criminal investigations in Houthi rebel territory, has allegedly played a role in arbitrary detentions, torture and sexual crimes against women involved in politics. Yemen
Violent protests spread across Iran border province Chaos, tension and a widespread internet blackout were reported from Iran’s southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan three days after security forces killed a number of local fuel traders. Iran
Blinken calls on UN Human Rights Council to end 'unacceptable bias against Israel' Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the Biden administration would seek full membership on the Geneva-based council. Israel
German court convicts ex-Syrian regime officer in historic case Eyad al-Gharib, a former low-ranking officer in Syria's intelligence services, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for aiding and abetting crimes against humanity. Syria
Intel: Blinken tells Egypt that human rights are 'central' to US relationship Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed concern over Egypt’s planned procurement of Su-35 fighter aircraft from Russia. Egypt
UAE says Princess Latifa 'cared for at home' amid hostage claims After Sheikha Latifa claimed she was being held hostage, the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights asked the Emirati government to provide evidence that she is alive. United Arab Emirates
'Hostage-like arrests' in Egypt target families of US-based activists, rights groups say A coalition of human rights groups accused the Egyptian government of intimidating and harassing the family members of prominent activists living abroad. Egypt
Killings on the rise in Syria's al-Hol camp There were far more deaths than usual in the camp for Islamic State families in January amid calls from the United Nations and Kurdish forces for countries to take back their citizens. Syria
