Inner Asia

Human rights lawyer imprisoned in Tajikistan

A court in Tajikistan sentenced human rights lawyer Sukhrat Kudratov to nine years in prison, in what Amnesty International called "a serious setback for the freedom of expression."

Europe

Europe: destroying freedom to save it

At thier meeting in Paris to condemn the attack on Charlie Hebdo, European Union government ministers issued a statement calling for further restrictions on the Internet.

Greater Middle East

Egypt: secularism and dictatorship?

A sweeping "anti-terrorism" decree and expanded crackdown on opposition come as Egypt's President al-Sisi is making overtures to the Copts and invoking pluralism.

The Caribbean

Assata Shakur as political football

The US political right uses Assata Shakur to take a hit at Obama's Cuba opening while simultaneously getting subliminal licks in at the Black Lives Matter protests.

Africa

Kenya approves harsh anti-terrorism law

Kenya's parliament passed a sweeping new anti-terrorism law after some of its members engaged in a shoving match that led to blows being exchanged.

North America

UN committee against torture criticizes US

The UN Committee Against Torture urged the US to begin prompt investigations into all cases of police brutality and excessive use of force, especially citing the Ferguson case.