Analysis Iran’s execution drive intensifies as war provides cover for repression Iran has recently executed more protesters, raising fresh questions about how it is using wartime narratives and global inattention to reshape its approach toward dissent and instill societal fear. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Kuwait strips 415 more of citizenship as crackdown continues: What to know Kuwait is seeking to attract wealthy foreigners to reside in the country while escalating its crackdown on citizenships it says were obtained fraudulently. Kuwait
Exclusive Rights, faith groups urge Congress to block $2.8B bomb sale to Israel If the Trump administration moves forward with the transfer, dozens of groups are urging lawmakers to seek a joint resolution of disapproval. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
West Bank settlers attack Israeli activists as Netanyahu claims 'hoax' On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attention surrounding settler violence was a “tremendous hoax.” Israel
Hundreds of European Union lawmakers demand Egypt’s Sisi release political prisoners The letter follows a similar one addressed to Sisi by 56 members of the US Congress on Monday. Egypt
Intel: Congress urges Egypt’s president to release political prisoners More than 50 US members of the US Congress called for Egyptian journalists, lawyers and rights activists to be released in a letter addressed directly to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt
Senate Democrats urge Library of Congress to recognize Armenian genocide Democratic Senators said the library should follow Congress and rebuke the Trump administration by referring to the killings of Armenians in Turkey in the early 20th century as a "genocide." Turkey
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
