In first, Lebanon to hand over former Syrian general to Sharaa government The decision comes as Syria's new authorities move to prosecute former regime figures over alleged crimes committed during the country's civil war. Lebanon
Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad, brother to death for war crimes Ousted President Bashar al-Assad and his younger brother Maher al-Assad were both sentenced to death in absentia for war crimes along with several other defendants. Syria
Iran hangs 2 over alleged Mossad ties as executions mount: What to know Rights groups have warned that Iran may step up executions with the resumption of the war in the region. Iran
'Obliterated entire families': Amnesty calls for investigating Israeli strikes in Lebanon as war crimes Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing war crimes in Lebanon by wiping out entire families and killing children. Lebanon
Iran executions spike by 76% with 142 people hanged in May: Report A new report reveals that Iran carried out 307 executions in 2023 as rights groups' pleas fall on deaf ears. Iran
Turkey’s jailed Kurdish leader quits active politics after Erdogan’s victory Selahattin Demirtas' announcement comes amid heated public debate over whether Kemal Kilicdaroglu would resign after he was defeated by President Erdogan in Sunday’s runoff. Turkey
US lawmakers urge aid for Tunisia's civil society as crackdown intensifies The Biden administration’s proposal to slash economic assistance while largely sustaining military aid to Tunisia has drawn concern in Congress. Tunisia
World Cup migrant workers still detained in Qatar: report The Guardian has confirmed that three migrant workers from Pakistan and India arrested in January after their World Cup-related contracts were terminated remain in detention to this day. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Iran, Belgium complete prisoner swap mediated by Oman Belgian national Olivier Vandecasteele was released from prison in Iran in an Oman-mediated exchange deal. Iran
Syria's Assad accuses France of 'hysteria' for calling to put him on trial Damascus is furious after French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said she thinks Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should stand trial for his role in the Syrian war. Syria
Hamas upholds executions against three Palestinian ‘collaborators’ in Gaza Rights organizations have repeatedly condemned Hamas for issuing and carrying out death sentences without the approval of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Palestine
New EU sanctions on Iran target Basij, judiciary after executions The foreign ministers of the European Union have adopted an eighth round of sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities responsible for serious breaches of human rights. Iran
Antisemitism skyrockets on Twitter as Israel's requests go ignored With the number of antisemitic posts on social media on the rise, Israel’s Foreign Ministry focuses on tracing such dangerous trends and battling them on the platforms they are published on. Israel
Turkey’s new parliament: 50 shades of nationalism, conservatism Turkey has ended up with the most nationalist and conservative parliament in its modern history, and where women, LGBT groups will face an uphill battle. Turkey
Iran hangs 3 protesters in Isfahan as executions soar Iran rebuffed calls by rights groups to prevent the execution of three protesters who were reportedly forced into confessions. Iran
Elon Musk defends ‘antisemitic' tweets on George Soros after Israeli criticism Israel's Foreign Ministry accused the Twitter owner of encouraging antisemitic posts on the social media platform. Israel
