Egypt: Wife of detained and tortured human rights lawyer arrested | Middle East Monitor

Egypt has detained the wife of imprisoned human rights lawyer Mohamed El-Baqer after she reported that he had been beaten up, gagged, stripped of his clothes and left to sleep on a cold cell floor.

Russian lawyer for jailed opposition activist Kara-Murza flees | BBC News

A lawyer for Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was jailed for 25 years this week, says he had to flee Russia before the verdict.

China arrests human rights activists en route to EU embassy in Beijing | POLITICO

Human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng and his wife Xu Yan were detained by the Chinese authorities as they were heading to a meeting with the EU’s Ambassador to China Jorge Toledo Albiñana and an unnamed senior EU official.

Iran frees prominent human rights lawyer from jail | Al Arabiya English

Iranian authorities have released from jail prominent human rights lawyer Mostafa Nili, his attorney said, more than five months after he was arrested during nationwide protests.

Beirut Bar Association under fire as top lawyer faces sanction | Arab News

The Beirut Bar Association is facing a chorus of criticism over what are seen as attempts to muzzle lawyers.

Pakistan: Outrage keeps human rights lawyer Hina Jilani fighting for justice | CBC Radio

Hina Jilani is one of the world’s leading human rights lawyers. She has played several prominent roles for the UN, including eight years as the Special Representative on Human Rights Defenders. Despite attempts on her life, nothing will stop her from fighting injustice to help make a better world.

Uganda’s President Museveni refuses to sign anti-LGBTQ bill | Al Jazeera English

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has refused to sign into law a controversial new bill against homosexuality that prescribes the death penalty in some cases, requesting that it should be amended.

Turkey elections: Refugees are a top political issue | DW

Ahead of Turkey’s May 14 parliamentary and presidential elections, almost all parties are fuelling anti-refugee sentiment.

Brazil: Lula security chief resigns after leaked footage of far-right palace riot | The Guardian

A key member of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s new administration has been forced to resign after the emergence of security footage showing him inside the presidential palace during the 8 January far-right assault on Brazil’s democratic institutions.

Over 100 rights groups lobby UN to not adopt IHRA antisemitism definition | The Times of Israel

Over 100 human and civil rights organizations have signed a letter urging the United Nations not to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism, warning it could impact freedom of speech and curtail criticism of Israel.