Author: MEE staff

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s detention has been deemed arbitrary and a violation of international law by a group of United Nations experts, who are calling for his immediate release. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention stated that Khan’s fundamental rights were infringed upon, leading to his unjust imprisonment. Khan, who had already been serving a jail term, was sentenced to an additional 10 years for allegedly leaking state secrets. He has consistently maintained his innocence, attributing the charges to political motives orchestrated by the country’s powerful military and his rivals. Despite being acquitted of the state secrets…

Authorities in Pakistan are preparing to enforce the second phase of their plan to deport hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees back to Afghanistan, disrupting the lives of families who have called Pakistan home for many years. Reports indicate that around 800,000 Afghans will be forced to leave Pakistan, following the initial expulsion of 541,000 individuals last November. Rights groups have expressed concerns over the safety of the refugees being sent back to Afghanistan, particularly due to the influence of the Taliban in the region. Amnesty International has criticized Pakistan’s plan, citing violations of refugee and international human rights laws,…

Renowned Israeli historian Benny Morris has stirred controversy by urging Israel to consider launching a military attack on Iran, advocating for the use of both conventional weaponry and potentially nuclear weapons. In a recent column for Haaretz, Morris criticized Israel’s response to Iranian missile attacks on April 13 as “weak” and called for a more aggressive approach to dealing with Iranian threats. Highlighting the escalating tensions between the two nations, Morris warned of Iran’s advancing nuclear capabilities and the potential danger it poses to Israel’s security. He argued that Israel’s superior military strength should be utilized to prevent Iran from…

Violence erupted in Kayseri, Turkey, as residents attacked Syrian refugees’ properties following allegations of sexual abuse by a Syrian man. Chaos unfolded as locals destroyed vehicles, businesses, and homes owned by Syrians, leading to clashes with security forces. Calls for President Erdogan’s resignation were heard amidst the turmoil. Anadolu Agency reported injuries to 14 police officers and a firefighter during the unrest, sparked by the abuse of a seven-year-old girl by a 26-year-old Syrian man. The police chief reassured the crowd of safety measures and announced the child’s nationality to quell tensions. The incident triggered investigations, with some individuals sent…

After months in Israeli detention, the director of Gaza City’s al-Shifa hospital, Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, was finally released on Monday morning. He was detained in November while evacuating patients from the hospital during an Israeli military raid and was released alongside 50 other detainees. In his first comments after his release, Abu Salmiya highlighted the harsh conditions Palestinian prisoners face in Israeli jails, comparing it to the suffering during the 1948 Nakba. Despite the challenges faced by Palestinians, Abu Salmiya expressed hope in rebuilding Gaza and the hospital. Refusing to leave the hospital during the initial raid, he stayed…

Iran is set for a run-off vote on 5 July as no candidate secured a majority in the presidential election, with Reformist Massoud Pezeshkian and hard-line Saeed Jalili leading the race. With Pezeshkian advocating for constructive relations with the West and Jalili holding ultra-conservative views, the election reflects a tight competition between different ideologies. Despite a low 40% turnout, Pezeshkian’s emphasis on economic reform and social liberalization resonates with voters seeking change. Meanwhile, Jalili’s staunch rejection of international agreements and strict policies on freedoms underline a divided electorate grappling with domestic and foreign challenges. The upcoming run-off presents a crucial…

France is grappling with a surge in racist incidents following the gains made by the far-right National Rally in recent elections, sparking concerns among human rights groups. The party’s focus on anti-immigration policies has led to accusations of xenophobia and discrimination, particularly against Muslims and people of African descent. The rise of racist incidents, including discriminatory remarks and xenophobic songs, has raised alarms about the prevalence of hatred and intolerance in French society. Extreme right groups have been increasingly violent and targeted marginalized communities, leading to a climate of fear and insecurity. Public figures have spoken out against the rising…

US Congress members, including over 60 Democrats, voted in favor of an amendment to prevent the State Department from using the Gaza health ministry’s death toll in Gaza. This legislation could stifle discussions about Israel’s impact on Palestinians. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib condemned the amendment as “genocide denial”. Despite reports of nearly 38,000 Palestinian casualties, the amendment seeks to discount these figures, which Biden administration had already questioned. NGOs and the UN have relied on the Gaza health ministry for accurate data, despite limited resources and destroyed infrastructure by Israeli forces. The legislation, if passed, would hinder the State Department from…

The Israeli government’s recent approval of five flashpoint settlements in the occupied West Bank has sparked controversy and escalated tensions with the Palestine Authority (PA). The security cabinet’s decision includes seizing civilian authority in “Area B” of the West Bank. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a key proponent of the moves, cited PA legal actions against Israel and European countries’ recognition of Palestine’s statehood as justification. Opponents like Peace Now and Yair Golan from the Labor party condemned the decision, calling it reckless and detrimental to security and relations. The measures are seen as de facto annexation by critics, further complicating…

A senior US Republican lawmaker is urging President Joe Biden’s administration to close the Gaza aid pier and focus on delivering humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave by land. Congressman Mike Rogers criticized the $230 million pier, calling it a waste of taxpayer money and a danger to US personnel. Since May 17, the Pentagon has delivered 2,500 metric tonnes of aid through the pier, surpassing airdropped aid but still falling short of pre-war levels. The pier required 1,000 US military personnel to operate. Rogers highlighted non-combat injuries suffered by soldiers working on the pier and called for its relocation.…