9 stories for 2026-03-12 · Political repression, arbitrary detention & extrajudicial violence
A former Syrian official identified as Salim Michel al-Salam has appeared in a British court facing charges of crimes against humanity for alleged actions in Syria in 2011 and 2012.
Security forces in the Latakia province have arrested 15 individuals accused of participating in a massacre in the village of Qushayyah on the Syrian coast in 2013, which resulted in more than 30 deaths. The Interior Minister stated that justice will not be compromised.
Hundreds of detainees held by the Syrian government and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were released in Al-Hasakah governorate in a first exchange between the two parties in northeastern Syria.
Bahrain has arrested four citizens accused of communicating with Iran's Revolutionary Guard and distributing videos related to regional military operations. Human Rights Watch has called on Bahrain to urgently release detainees as the region faces increased risks during ongoing military strikes.
Several Bahraini nationals have been arrested on allegations of connections to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Israeli occupation authorities have revoked the permanent residency ID of released Jerusalem prisoner Rashid al-Rashq. The revocation denies him rights and prevents him from living in Jerusalem's Old City, continuing a forced displacement policy affecting thousands of Jerusalemites since 1967.
Israel has established a new settlement on Mount Ebal near the Palestinian city of Nablus. The location is strategically significant due to its geographical position overlooking Nablus and surrounding Palestinian villages.
Iran's police chief warned citizens on Wednesday against participating in protests calling for regime change, following statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu encouraging Iranians to rise up.
Human Rights Watch called on Libyan authorities to urgently surrender Osama Elmasry Njeem to the International Criminal Court, where he is wanted for serious crimes. The organization also urged authorities to ensure full cooperation with the ICC.