9 stories for 2026-03-20 · Political repression, arbitrary detention & extrajudicial violence
A Syrian visual artist has published an illustrated book titled "In the School of Dictatorship" that documents experiences of Syrians, particularly children, during years of authoritarian rule and conflict. The work combines investigative journalism, visual narrative, and personal testimony to preserve accounts that may otherwise be lost.
Ahmad al-Shara, also known as Abu Muhammad al-Golani, has taken power by force in Syria. His trajectory raises questions and scrutiny, with observers noting his transformation from a jihadist fighter to a pragmatic state actor. Analysis of his rise examines power struggles and relationships that shaped the Syrian civil war.
Syrian authorities released 600 detainees held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government. The release followed a meeting between Syrian officials and SDF leadership aimed at arranging the release of additional detainees and coordinating the integration of SDF forces into Syrian state institutions.
Israeli authorities blocked Eid al-Fitr prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem on Friday, marking the first such prohibition since the 1967 occupation. Israeli police deployed heavily throughout Jerusalem's Old City and erected iron barriers at entrances to prevent worshippers from accessing the mosque.
The head of the Israeli military has expressed concern about allegations of crimes by settler militias in the West Bank, stating that these groups are targeting Palestinians with killing and torture.
Civil society organizations in Tunisia are experiencing marginalization and tightening constraints on their operations, according to reporting from Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
Defense lawyers and human rights organizations have called for the rejection of charges against anti-racism activist Saadia Mosbah during her court proceedings. The groups have opposed the case brought against her.
Lebanese citizens face difficulties meeting their needs during holiday celebrations due to economic hardship. The situation is exacerbated by continued increases in the black market dollar exchange rate and stagnant wages, making holiday expenses increasingly unaffordable.
Iranian state media reported that the Ministry of Intelligence arrested 97 people accused of belonging to the Israeli military. This is part of a broader security operation that has resulted in hundreds of arrests since the beginning of the war, with authorities alleging suspicions of ties to Israel and the United States. In a separate incident, 41 people were arrested on charges of sending video clips to foreign opposition media outlets.