human rights
Saudi Arabia Lifts Travel Ban on US Citizen Detained Over Critical Social Media Posts
Nov 20, 2025 08:08 am CST
Saudi Arabia has lifted a travel ban on Saad Ibrahim Almadi, a US citizen who was previously imprisoned for critical tweets about the kingdom. Almadi, detained in 2021 for posts mentioning corruption and Jamal Khashoggi's murder, was initially sentenced to 16 years but released last year while remaining under travel restrictions. His freedom comes as President Trump welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the United States.
Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet Receives Prestigious Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Global Leadership and Gender Equality Advocacy
Nov 20, 2025 02:14 am CST
Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet was honored with the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development, recognizing her pioneering leadership as Latin America's first woman Defense Minister, two-term President, and global advocate for women's rights through her work with UN Women and as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Sonia Gandhi presented the award, highlighting Bachelet's transformative policies that advanced healthcare access, social protection, and gender equality.
Bangladesh Crisis: Sheikh Hasina's Death Sentence and Its Implications for Democratic Future
Nov 19, 2025 05:32 pm CST
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent death sentence marks a critical juncture for the nation as it prepares for February elections under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus's interim government. While her opponents view the verdict as justice, international observers question the trial's fairness. With the Awami League marginalized and political tensions at unprecedented levels, Bangladesh faces significant challenges in ensuring peaceful democratic transition amid concerns of potential election violence and polarization.
Trump Welcomes Saudi Crown Prince: Major Defense Deals and $1 Trillion Investment Commitment Announced
Nov 19, 2025 11:54 am CST
President Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman at the White House, announcing significant defense agreements including F-35 fighter jet sales and a $1 trillion Saudi investment commitment to the US. The warm meeting, featuring military honors and attended by tech executives, addressed regional security concerns and Saudi Arabia's potential inclusion in the Abraham Accords, while sidestepping human rights questions about the 2018 Khashoggi killing.
Widow of Murdered Journalist Khashoggi Demands Apology and Compensation from Saudi Crown Prince
Nov 19, 2025 11:46 am CST
Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, widow of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi, calls for an apology and financial compensation from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman following his acknowledgment of the killing as a "huge mistake." Her plea comes during the Prince's visit to the United States, as she continues seeking justice for her husband's 2018 murder that severely impacted US-Saudi relations.
Trump Confirms Sale of Advanced F-35 Fighter Jets to Saudi Arabia Ahead of Crown Prince's Visit
Nov 18, 2025 08:11 am CST
President Donald Trump has announced the United States will sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, despite concerns about technology transfer risks to China. The announcement comes as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman makes his first visit to Washington in seven years, with expectations of major bilateral agreements including AI investments and nuclear cooperation. The deal faces scrutiny regarding Israel's military edge and Saudi Arabia's human rights record, while potentially influencing Middle East peace efforts including Saudi normalization with Israel.
Trump Urges Xi Jinping to Free Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai During High-Stakes Meeting
Nov 06, 2025 11:36 am CST
During a recent high-level meeting in South Korea, US President Donald Trump directly appealed to Chinese President Xi Jinping for the release of imprisoned Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai. The 77-year-old founder of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily has been held in solitary confinement for over 1,700 days while facing national security charges in a case that has become symbolic of China's crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong.
Deadly Police Raid in Rio de Janeiro Claims 121 Lives in Major Drug Trafficking Operation
Oct 31, 2025 02:43 am CST
A massive police operation targeting the Red Command drug trafficking organization in Rio de Janeiro's favelas has resulted in 121 deaths, including four police officers. The unprecedented raid led to 113 arrests and the seizure of 118 weapons, while sparking human rights concerns and community protests over what has become one of Brazil's most violent police actions in recent history.
India Challenges "Biased" Myanmar Human Rights Report at UN General Assembly Session
Oct 29, 2025 07:54 pm CST
At the 80th UN General Assembly session, India criticized a "baseless and biased" report on Myanmar's human rights situation, particularly objecting to claims linking the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist incident to Myanmar refugees. The Indian delegation reaffirmed its commitment to a Myanmar-led peace process and global disarmament efforts, highlighting ongoing humanitarian assistance through Operations Brahma and Sadbhav.
Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant Calls for Judicial Evolution to Address Modern Human Rights Challenges
Oct 24, 2025 01:12 am CST
Supreme Court Judge Surya Kant emphasizes the necessity for judicial innovation to confront emerging challenges like digital exclusion and climate vulnerability. Speaking at the BASL Human Rights Oration in Colombo, he highlighted India's extensive legal aid network through NALSA while stressing that access to justice remains a continuous journey requiring institutional commitment to protect marginalized communities' rights in evolving societal contexts.