'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
Egypt’s activists fear new law on mounting cameras in public spaces Egypt’s parliament approved a bill forcing shop and restaurant owners to install surveillance cameras under the pretext of preventing terrorist activities. Egypt
Tunisians cautiously optimistic as truth commission delivers final report After five years of investigating cases of corruption and human rights abuses under former dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission is concluding its mandate, though many say there is still much more to do. Tunisia
Iran union leader's story of torture prompts investigation Iranian authorities have promised to probe torture claims by a union leader who was detained following worker protests at a crisis-hit factory. Iran
Hunger strike by Kurdish inmates spreads across Turkish prisons A hunger strike by Kurdish prisoners, initiated by a female parliamentarian to protest restrictions on visits to jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, may have dramatic consequences if Ankara sticks to its indifference, lawyers and activists warn. Turkey
Imprisoned Iranian activist slams jailers, US 'concerns' An Iranian political prisoner has rejected US concerns for human rights — including his own imprisonment — noting the double standards in their application. Iran
House Democrats slash aid to Egypt Congress is poised the drastically slash Egyptian military aid for the first time as Democrats assume control of the House. Egypt
Merger of parliamentary committees further sidelines Iraqi women Feminists in Iraq are speaking out against the merger of the parliamentary committees on human rights with that on women, family and childhood, saying the latter was already overextended and insufficient to effect female advancement. Iraq
Egypt hopes US PR firm can brighten its dismal image To attract investments, Egypt is counting on a US public relations firm to improve its international reputation. Egypt
Is Egypt's judiciary going soft on NGOs? The acquittal verdict of 43 nongovernmental organization workers and the launch of community dialogues on amending a law curbing NGOs pave the way for a new chapter between the regime and NGOs in Egypt. Egypt
Will kafala system come to an end in Gulf countries soon? Egyptian expats expressed hope after Egypt and Kuwait signed a memorandum of understanding to regulate the status and sponsorship of workers, which paves the way for the elimination of the controversial kafala system. Kuwait
Will Turkey's horrible human rights record extend to 2019? Turkey is closing out 2018 without taking a breather from its oppressive tactics for stifling dissent. Turkey
Despite protocol against death penalty, Gaza sentences six more to death A military court in the Gaza Strip sentenced six civilians to death over charges of collaborating with Israel, despite Palestine recently signing a UN protocol advocating the abolition of the death penalty. Palestine
