Lina al-Hathloul, a Saudi human rights activist, spoke at a UN forum in the kingdom via video link, criticizing the suppression of dissent under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Her appearance was described as “historic” by Human Rights Watch, with a moment of silence held for detained government critics. Despite social reforms, Saudi Arabia continues to imprison individuals for online speech, with Hathloul highlighting the kingdom’s surveillance apparatus and the potential dangers of a UN treaty targeting cybercrime.
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Syria’s first flight since Assad’s fall takes off
The first commercial flight post-Assad's ouster from Damascus to Aleppo symbolizes hope for a war-torn Syria, with new rulers promising justice and integration. HTS, rooted in Syria's Al-Qaeda branch, aims to dissolve its armed wing and ensure unity under the new leadership. International engagement, calls for political process, and concerns over ongoing conflicts highlight the challenges faced by Syria's transitioning administration. Full Article
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