Former Assad official sentenced to 60 years in US for torture Samir Ousman Alsheikh was convicted by a jury in March of three counts of torture, one count of conspiracy to commit torture, visa fraud and attempted naturalization fraud. Syria
Turkey's Erdogan to run for 'final' third term in 2028, adviser says If Turkey's parliament votes to move the next election up during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s second term, he could constitutionally run for third. Turkey
After gun found in lake, French police probe link to 2012 Iraqi family murder A recently discovered Luger pistol may have been used in the mysterious 2012 killing of the al-Hilli family near the Alpine town of Chevaline in eastern France. Iraq
Top European court says Kavala case exposes erosion of judicial independence in Turkey Europe's top human rights court has renewed its call for Turkey to immediately release jailed philanthropist Osman Kavala, saying his imprisonment reflects a broader “systemic problem” over independence and impartiality of the judiciary. Turkey
Tunisian president targets judiciary, dismisses dozens of judges Tunisian President Kais Saied has dismissed 57 judges, accusing them of obstructing investigations into terrorism cases and committing financial and moral corruption. Tunisia
Can community policing in Gaza replace tribal judiciary? The Gaza-based interior minister has formed the community police unit to solve disputes among individuals and families in a bid to ease the process in regular courts. Palestine
Has Ukraine war given Erdogan free hand at home? Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan might be aiming to tighten his grip on the domestic front, taking advantage of Ankara’s rising profile amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Turkey
Tunisian president grants himself power to appoint election authority The presidential decree to revise the law of the Independent High Authority for Elections in Tunisia and change its composition is facing widespread criticism from opposition parties and organizations that accuse Tunisian President Kais Saied of granting himself wide powers that may affect the course of democracy. Tunisia
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
Analysis US Navy veteran detained by Iran sues over alleged torture Michael White, who was imprisoned by Iran for nearly two years, spoke to Al-Monitor about his newly filed federal lawsuit against Tehran. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Iraqi federal court accused of politicization Iraq's federal court is under scrutiny for seemingly politically influenced decisions on sensitive cases. Iraq
Iraqi judges in crosshairs of drug dealers with powerful connections Iraq has seen systematic assassinations of judges since 2003, most of whom were handling investigations into drugs and corruption cases involving influential figures and parties. Iraq
Historic decision to appoint Christian judge as head of Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court In a move described as “historic,” the Egyptian president issued a decision appointing a Christian judge as head of the Supreme Constitutional Court for the first time in history. Egypt
Council of Europe starts disciplinary process for Turkey over Kavala Rights groups are calling for Osman Kavala's immediate release, while Ankara calls the Council of Europe’s decision to start the lengthy process “malicious” and “politically motivated.” Turkey
Tunisian police fire water cannon, tear gas on anti-Saied protesters The protesters gathered in downtown Tunis on what marked the 11th anniversary of the uprising that toppled Tunisia's former dictator. Tunisia
German court convicts ex-Syrian officer of crimes against humanity Anwar Raslan is the highest-ranking former Syrian government official to be tried for crimes committed in Syria's civil war. Syria
