February 2018
Increase in Prison Population Due to Judges' Preference for Imprisonment and Temporary Detention
A parliamentary member reported a 4.5% increase in Iran's prison population and temporary detentions, attributing it to judges' preference for imprisonment despite directives aimed at…
Nasrin Sotoudeh Warns About Violence Against Protesters of Mandatory Hijab
Women and girls continue to protest against mandatory hijab in Iran, facing violent police responses. Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prominent human rights lawyer, highlights the arrests…
Pro-government Forces Enter Afrin
Pro-government forces have entered Afrin to counter Turkish aggression following an agreement with Kurdish forces. This development highlights the complex dynamics between Turkey, the Syrian…
Ethiopia Declares Six-Month State of Emergency; U.S. Strongly Opposes
Ethiopia has declared a six-month state of emergency following the unexpected resignation of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, amid rising violence and unrest. The U.S. has…
Syrian Kurds Report Turkey's Use of 'Toxic Gas' in Attack on Afrin Village
Turkish forces reportedly used toxic gas in an attack on a Kurdish village in Afrin, injuring six people. This incident highlights the ongoing conflict between…
French Foreign Minister Meets with Iraqi and Kurdistan Region Officials
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian visited Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, advocating for national reconciliation and the inclusion of minority groups in upcoming elections.…
Iraqi Official: Baghdadi is Being Treated in a Field Hospital in Syria
An Iraqi official claims that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is alive and receiving treatment for injuries in a field hospital in Syria. This news…
United Nations Calls for Immediate Halt to Airstrikes in Syria
The UN has called for a one-month halt to airstrikes in Syria amid reports of significant civilian casualties from recent bombardments. The Syrian government, supported…