From Iran to California, this professor protests for human rights but at what cost?
Professor Aghasaleh at Cal Poly stood with pro-Palestinian demonstrators facing potential law enforcement violence during a national protest on college campuses.
Faculty members like Aghasaleh have a long history of activism, having endured police violence at protests in Iran and facing similar scenarios in the US. [ more ]
Berkeley's Free Palestine Encampment Draws on Legacy of Palestinian Protests
Protests for Palestinian solidarity at various US campuses have led to arrests and police crackdowns, with disruptive consequences for universities' activities. [ more ]
Court in Iran Sentences Prominent Rapper to Death, His Lawyer Says
A dissident rapper, Toomaj Salehi, has been sentenced to death in Iran for releasing music supporting antigovernment demonstrations, prompting global condemnation. [ more ]
EU denounces Iraqi law threatening LGBTQ+ community with prison
The Iraqi parliament passed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation imposing harsh penalties on same-sex relationships.
The European Union and the US State Department have expressed concerns over the law's violations of international rights and potential impact on foreign investment. [ more ]
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Human rights groups and diplomats condemn Iraq's anti-LGBT law
Iraqi parliament passes law criminalizing homosexuality and transgender rights, facing global criticism and threats to societal freedoms and economic growth. [ more ]
Groups Bring Tortuguita's Killing to International Human Rights Commission
Nonprofit organizations petition IACHR on police killing of activist Tortuguita, citing discrepancies in police accounts and lack of DOJ investigation. [ more ]
The US imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa and 10 other individuals for corruption and human rights abuses.
The Biden administration will implement targeted sanctions on specific individuals like Mnangagwa, moving away from the 2003 Zimbabwe sanctions program. [ more ]
New Electronic Monitoring Tech Piloted Both Inside and Outside of Prisons, Jails
Electronic monitoring tools like VeriWatch are being developed to replace traditional ankle monitors and are designed to incorporate seamlessly into users' daily lives.
The expansion of electronic monitoring tools, presented as 'alternatives to detention,' is critiqued by privacy and human rights advocates for further entrenching surveillance systems. [ more ]
Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof sentenced to eight years in prison and flogging
Mohammad Rasoulof sentenced to eight years in prison, flogging, fine, and property confiscation for his involvement in making films against the country's security. [ more ]
UN expert attacks exploitative' world economy in fight to save planet
The global economy's dependence on exploitation hinders environmental progress, leading to potential lawsuits for states failing to act on climate issues. [ more ]
I am ready to return whenever they say': Nasrin Sotoudeh on prison, the hijab, and violence in Iran
Iranian human rights advocate Nasrin Sotoudeh faced imprisonment, legal harassment, and family restrictions, highlighting the regime's determination to crush dissent. [ more ]
Iranian-French artist Marjane Satrapi wins Spanish Asturias award for communication
Marjane Satrapi awarded 2024 Princess of Asturias Foundation prize for being a key figure in defending human rights and freedom, known for works like Persepolis. [ more ]
The Rwanda bill explained: What is the controversial policy and what happens next?
The UK's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was deemed unlawful by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court due to concerns about the safety of refugees. [ more ]
the vatican pavilion takes shape within a women's prison at the venice art biennale
The Holy See Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2024 focuses on human rights and marginalized individuals within a female prison, featuring works by notable artists. [ more ]
Iraqi TikTok star shot dead outside her Baghdad home
The killing of Iraqi TikTok celebrity Om Fahad highlights the dangers faced by social media influencers, especially in regions where their work may conflict with societal norms or government regulations. [ more ]
Ajax woman 'blindsided' as government questions her Canadian citizenship 30 years later | CBC News
Arielle Townsend, a Canadian citizen since infancy, faced citizenship revocation due to alleged discrepancies. The prolonged uncertainty has left her in limbo, unable to travel. [ more ]
European leaders laud tougher migration policies but more people die on treacherous sea crossings
Politicians focus on human trafficking rather than the human tragedy of migrants crossing treacherous waters. Tougher policies are not deterring but encouraging dangerous journeys. [ more ]
Post-1948 order at risk of decimation' amid war in Gaza, Ukraine: Amnesty
The collapse of the 1948 international order is imminent due to brutal wars, authoritarian policies, and disregard for human rights by powerful nations. [ more ]
Labour tells China it will act on interference in UK democracy
Labour warns China against interference in UK democracy and announces fresh sanctions against Beijing-linked hackers.
Labour's shadow Asia minister, Catherine West, raised concerns about Chinese interference in British democracy, committing to a clear-eyed approach and conducting an audit of UK-China relations. [ more ]
Europe's Gaza betrayal has broken the trust of millions of people in the global south | Shada Islam
The European Union's failure to hold Israel accountable for violations in Gaza has raised concerns about its credibility on international rules, democracy, and human rights.
Criticism over the EU's double standards in addressing conflicts and the impact on its relationships with countries in the global south, despite continued economic ties. [ more ]
EU parliament to vote on stricter migration rules DW 04/10/2024
The European Parliament to vote on EU Asylum and Migration Pact aiming for faster rejection of invalid applications and fair distribution of asylum requests processing among member states.
The new system includes faster vetting for migrants, special treatment for children, and fast-tracking asylum-seekers from countries with generally rejected applications for quicker deportation. [ more ]
PI seeks to inform report on AI and racial discrimination of the UN Special Rapporteur on racism
AI applications can promote human rights if implemented responsibly.
There is evidence of AI applications having a detrimental impact on human rights and exacerbating existing inequalities and discriminatory practices. [ more ]