Central America

Guatemala: activist slain in palm-oil region

An indigenous ecological leader in Guatemala was killed outside a court that one day earlier ordered the closure of a plantation against which he had led protests.

The Amazon

Brazil: Guarani leader slain by gunmen

A Guarani-Kaiowa indigenous leader was shot dead in Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul state, one week after his community occupied part of their ancestral lands usurped by ranchers.

Palestine

Israeli forces clash with Palestinian Christians

Palestinians at the Christian town of Beit Jala clashed with Israeli forces following Sunday mass when residents, including priests, marched to protest work on the  "separation wall."  

Greater Middle East

Egypt passes draconian anti-terror law

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi approved a counter-terrorism law assailed by rights groups as making permanent powers usually reserved for a state of emergency.