'No meaningful protection': Israel’s new Gaza aid rules raise data, security risks The guidelines expand Israeli authority to deny NGO registration in the Palestinian territories and visas for foreign aid workers as Gaza continues to reel from two years of war. Palestine
UN points to 'genocidal path' in RSF assault on Sudan’s El-Fasher A UN fact-finding mission says the scale and coordination of atrocities in Darfur mark a shift in its assessment of the paramilitary group’s campaign. Sudan
Iran fires TV director over 'Death to Khamenei' blunder: What to know Iranian authorities have stepped up their crackdown on journalists who covered the recent anti-regime protests. Iran
Iran arrests Oscar-nominated writer, civil rights figures in expanding crackdown Iranian authorities arrested three prominent activists over the weekend, including Oscar-nominated screenwriter and journalist Mehdi Mahmoudian as arrests surge across Iran. Iran
Feature ISIS brides face uncertain future as Damascus clashes with Syria’s Kurds By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Libya detains alleged human trafficker sanctioned by UN The United Nations imposed sanctions on Abd al-Rahman al-Milad, a former Libyan coast guard commander, in 2018. Libya
Religion and policy collide in Saudi-hosted interfaith forum The G-20 interfaith forum will be virtually hosted by Riyadh this year, while the kingdom faces mounting criticism for human rights violations and religious persecution. Saudi Arabia
New Turkish indictment prolongs ‘torture’ for philanthropist Kavala’s family Months after he was acquitted on charges he sought the government’s overthrow with popular protests, Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala faces life in prison for his alleged involvement in a failed coup. Turkey
Iranian rights defender Narges Mohammadi released from prison Mohammadi served more than eight years in prison on a dubious national security conviction. Iran
Prominent Iranian charity leader fights worsening health in detention Held in solitary without a formal charge for nearly 100 days, Sharmin Meymandi-Nejad, the founder of a reputable Iranian charity, is facing deteriorating health as interrogators protract his indefinite detention. Iran
EU countries summon Iranian ambassadors over human rights concerns Iran's ambassadors to three European countries have been summoned this week over Tehran's human rights practices. Iran
The Netherlands takes first step in holding Syria’s torturers to account The Dutch Foreign Ministry says it will hold Syria responsible for "gross human rights violations" in a process that could make its way to the UN's International Court of Justice. Syria
Intel: Pompeo questioned over State's declaring Egypt’s ex-PM immune from torture suit Rep. Gerry Connolly said he was "shocked to learn" the State Department had issued a certificate of immunity for Egypt's former prime minister. Egypt
Rights advocates decry mass detention of Turkish lawyers Dozens of Turkish lawyers accused of terror links remain in police detention after dawn raids on their homes in Ankara on Sept. 11, drawing criticism from international human rights groups. Turkey
US lawmakers grapple with Egypt policy as Sisi’s clampdown continues As President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ratchets up the rights abuses, some in Congress say the Trump administration is giving the Egyptian strongman a pass. Egypt
Arms from Iran, Western countries prolonging Yemen’s war: UN A panel of UN investigators found all of Yemen's rival factions have violated international law and in some cases, may have committed war crimes. Yemen
Intel: House Democrats want answers from Saudi ambassador over jailed female activists A group of seven congressional Democrats laid into Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States on Wednesday for failing to respond to their repeated requests to discuss the kingdom’s continued detention of female rights activists. Saudi Arabia
