The number of executions recorded worldwide in 2016 fell by 37% on the previous year, human rights group Amnesty International says. At least 1,032 people were executed last year, down from 1,634 in 2015, Amnesty said. The fall was largely driven by fewer deaths recorded in Iran and Pakistan. China is believed to have executed … Read more
UN experts urged American lawmakers Thursday to stop pushing “undemocratic” anti-protest legislation, which they warned breached US and international law ensuring rights to freedom of expression and assembly. Since the presidential election in November, lawmakers in at least 19 US states have introduced bills to restrict the rights of protesters, the United Nations rights experts … Read more
The Swedish government has defended its decision to have its officials wear headscarves during a trip to Iran, saying that failing to do so would have broken the law. Trade Minister Ann Linde led a business team last week and faced criticism for wearing a headscarf, or hijab. Sweden says it has the world’s first … Read more