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
Iran says Romania has not shared details of death of fugitive judge Iran says that Romanian officials have not shared any information about the death in their country of fugitive judge Gholamreza Mansouri. Iran
Turkish NBA player's father acquitted of terrorism charges in Turkey Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter is an outspoken critic of the Turkish government, which has led to trouble for his family back home. Turkey
Intel: Bolton says Trump sought to drop charges against Turkish bank at Erdogan’s behest President Donald Trump allegedly sought to convince the Justice Department to drop charges against Turkey’s Halkbank at the request of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, The Wall Street Journal reported in an overview of former national security adviser John Bolton’s tell-all book. Turkey
Bashar al-Assad’s uncle sentenced to four years in French prison for money laundering A French court convicted Rifaat al-Assad, 82, of misappropriating Syrian public funds to expand his holdings in Europe. Syria
Iran rocked by three honor killings in one month A push for urgent legal reforms and greater public awareness is gaining momentum in Iran after the country reported three gruesome honor killings in less than a month. Iran
Netanyahu's associates escalate campaign against legal system Supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu increase their campaign against the legal system, Attorney General Avichai Mandeblit and the courts. Israel
Qatar National Bank hit with lawsuit over Americans killed by Hamas in Israel A wrongful death lawsuit was filed in New York by dozens of relatives of 10 Americans killed or wounded by Hamas attacks in Israel and the West Bank. Qatar
European court rules against French conviction of BDS activists The European Court of Human Rights ruled that boycotts are protected forms of protest, saying France erred in convicting activists of incitement to discrimination for asking people stop buying Israeli products. Palestine
Anti-Saudi blocs in Iraqi parliament want to sue Iraqi political forces said they intend to enact a law to sue Saudi Arabia and have Riyadh compensate for the damage caused by suicide attacks carried out by Saudis in Iraq, which would embarrass the Mustafa al-Kadhimi government that is making a new start in Iraqi-Saudi economic relations. Iraq
Iran arrests man over ‘honor killing’ of 14-year-old daughter According to local media, 14-year-old Romina Ashrafi was beheaded in her sleep. Iran
Sexual abuse suspect fit to stand trial in Australia, says Israeli court After six years of discussions and contradictory psychiatric opinions, the Jerusalem District Court ruled that Malka Leifer, a suspect in Australian sexual assault cases, is mentally fit to stand trial. Israel
Benny Gantz trapped over Netanyahu’s trial Defense Minister Benny Gantz and his Blue and White party did not realize in time that the trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would also hurt them. Israel
