Two Iranian journalists, Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, who were jailed for their coverage of Mahsa Amini’s death in custody, have been cleared of charges of collaborating with the United States and had their sentences reduced. Their reporting on Amini’s death played a significant role in sparking nationwide protests in Iran.
Ethel Kennedy, a renowned human rights activist and the widow of former Senator Robert F. Kennedy, has died at the age of 96. Her daughter, Kerry Kennedy, confirmed her passing, stating that Ethel died from complications related to a stroke she suffered last week. Ethel Kennedy, known for her lifelong dedication to social justice, leaves behind a legacy of activism and a large family.
On October 5th, amidst a cold rain, the “10.5 Tokyo March for Palestine” took place in Shibuya and Omotesando, Japan. Participants used fashion as a powerful tool to express their solidarity with Palestine and protest the ongoing violence against the Palestinian people. The march marked one year since the escalation of Israeli bombing and invasion of Palestine on October 7, 2023, highlighting the ongoing crisis and demanding an end to the violence.
The Pakistan government has banned the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a prominent Pashtun rights group, citing security concerns. The ban has drawn criticism from other groups who argue it violates human rights and could exacerbate unrest in the region. PTM has long been vocal in its criticism of the Pakistani military and its policies in the Pashtun areas.
Georgia’s parliament has passed a law restricting LGBTQ rights, banning gender transitions, pride marches, and LGBTQ symbols. Despite the president’s objections, the ruling party, Georgian Dream, pushed through the legislation, citing the protection of the Orthodox Christian church as justification. Critics view the law as an attempt to appeal to conservative voters before the October 26 election.
Sweden is considering a controversial ban on begging, drawing criticism from human rights groups who argue it criminalizes poverty. The government, backed by the far-right Sweden Democrats, claims the ban aims to combat organized crime associated with begging. However, critics warn that such a measure could exacerbate the vulnerability of those forced to beg.
Saudi Arabia has reached a grim milestone, executing 198 prisoners in 2024, marking the highest number in over three decades. The country now holds the third-highest execution rate globally, surpassed only by China and Iran. This surge in executions surpasses previous records, highlighting a concerning trend in the kingdom’s capital punishment practices.
George and Amal Clooney hosted their annual awards ceremony for their charitable foundation, celebrating human rights defenders and marking their 10th wedding anniversary with a star-studded event in New York City.
Myanmar’s military junta has unexpectedly called for an end to fighting and peace talks with armed groups opposing its rule. The offer comes after three years of intense conflict and as the military faces mounting pressure on the battlefield. The junta’s call for peace is seen as a desperate attempt to regain control amidst escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
A report by Politico reveals that Mozambican soldiers hired by TotalEnergies to protect their gas project in northern Mozambique engaged in widespread torture, killings, and rape of local villagers in 2021. Despite TotalEnergies’ denial of knowledge, internal reports indicate the company was aware of the military’s history of abuses.
