Tunisia’s water, power crisis fuels growing protests against Saied: What to know A utility crisis is giving momentum to opposition forces challenging Saied’s grip on power. Tunisia
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 Lebanon
Turkish appeals court upholds conviction of top Kurdish politician Two weeks after a European rights court calls for Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas' release from prison, a Turkish appeals court confirms his conviction. Turkey
New Egyptian panel will defend government, not human rights Numerous so-called human rights organizations in Egypt are working to shine up the regime's image, blasting any independent or global rights groups that dare to speak up about human rights violations in Egypt. Egypt
Congress amps up pressure to free Americans jailed in Egypt House lawmakers are demanding that the Donald Trump administration to take a firmer stance on Cairo’s human rights record. Egypt
EU, Turkey face off over jailed Kurdish politician Europe’s top human rights court ordered Turkey to free Selahattin Demirtas, a popular Kurdish politician held for two years for his speeches. In an interview before the ruling, he said the European Union is defending its own values by speaking out for him. Turkey
Gezi protests return to Turkish headlines after latest arrests Erdogan lashes out at opposition for questioning his take on who was behind the 2013 Gezi protests; various political parties discuss deals for March 2019 local elections. Turkey
Have relations between Turkey and Europe reached a turning point? The decision by the European Court of Human Rights on a jailed Kurdish leader might be marking a turning point in ties between Turkey and the European Union. Turkey
Syria's political prisoners share stories of abuse on Beirut stage A play by former political prisoners in Syria is showing audiences the devastating reality of abuse in Middle Eastern jails while offering a kind of therapy for those effected. Lebanon
Portraits of Lebanon’s domestic workers confront social prejudices Lebanese artist Chaza Charafeddine explores the dreams and discrimination of domestic workers by making them dress up as their heroes. Lebanon
Still no charges for Turkey's top philanthropist after year behind bars Turkish philanthropist and businessman Osman Kavala has spent a year behind bars, but the judiciary has yet to explain why he's still in jail. Turkey
Egypt denies knowledge of Sisi critic's disappearance Another outspoken Egyptian has vanished after being convicted for peacefully stating his opinions. Egypt
Hamas, Palestinian Authority deny charges in HRW report A recent report by Human Rights Watch accuses authorities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip of arbitrary arrests and torture — charges that both sides reject. Palestine
Egypt seizes 'fake news' book by economist critical of Sisi Egypt has released economic researcher Abdel Khalek Farouk but is investigating his new book, which says the country's economic crisis can be blamed at least in part on corruption and mismanagement of funds. Egypt
