News

Our weekly round-up of human rights stories from around the world. Trump-led abuses amid ‘democratic recession’ put human rights in peril

MSPs have unanimously backed plans to tighten regulation of cosmetic procedures including botox injections and non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts, amid mounting concern over patient safety. The Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill was introduced in response to ev

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has expressed grave concern over escalating incidents of human rights violations committed by public authorities in the United States, including violent attacks on protestors and the absence of independent investigations. Rece

A sheriff has recommended in a fatal accident inquiry determination that the Scottish Ambulance Service takes measures to improve its telephony service. David McClenaghan, a manager wit Park’s Motor Group, died in his office at Park’s Kia Showroom, Coatbridge on 26 August 2018. 

A pensioner who embezzled almost £40,000 from a charity that supports vulnerable women and children has been imprisoned for 20 months. Jay Reid, 67, was a manager of Argyll and Bute Women’s Aid in Dunoon when she stole the money over a five-year period.

A jury has cleared six Palestine Action activists of aggravated burglary charges linked to an attack on an Israeli-owned UK arms factory which was cited as justification for the proscription of the direct action group. Six people – Samuel Corner, 23; Charlotte Head, 29; Leona Kamio, 30; Fatema

Two men have been jailed for contempt of court after taking a selfie in the dock at Inverness Sheriff Court and uploading it to social media. Sheriff Gary Aitken sentenced Christopher Branley, 35, and Scott Ross, 40, after finding their conduct showed a serious lack of respect for the court. The cas

Pinsent Masons is expanding its European footprint into Poland, announcing plans to open in Warsaw in mid-2026. The office will strengthen the firm’s pan-European offering and establish its presence in Central and Eastern Europe.

The Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow is seeking views on how best it should communicate with members. The 2026 Communications Survey is short and focused and asks how you prefer to hear from the RFPG and what information you find most useful.

Work on safety measures at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) and the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) will be monitored by a new group made up of infection control experts, whistleblowers and patients.

A lawyer tasked with defending the Trump administration in court asked a federal judge to hold her in contempt "so I can get 24 hours of sleep". Julie Le, who also told the judge that her "job sucks", has since been removed from her temporary position at the US Attorney's Office for the District of

Glasgow University mourns the loss of beloved colleague and friend, Professor Emilios Christodoulidis, who passed away at the age of 62 in the early hours of Tuesday, 3 February 2026. Emilios was a leading scholar in legal theory and the philosophy of law. He held the chair of jurisprudence at the S

Plans have been unveiled to strengthen the legal rights for eligible kinship carers and make it simpler and clearer to access support for them and children they care for. Promise minister Natalie Don-Innes introduced proposed Scottish government amendments to the Children (Care, Care Experience, and

Justice secretary Angela Constance "must" confirm she will urgently publish details of a consultation ahead of her plans to release more criminals early from prison, the Scottish Conservatives have said. Shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr submitted an urgent question in Holyrood yesterday calling on

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has opened formal investigations into X Internet Unlimited Company (XIUC) and X.AI LLC (X.AI) covering their processing of personal data in relation to the Grok artificial intelligence system and its potential to produce harmful sexualised image and