The recent mass execution of dozens of Saudi citizens has drawn wide criticism from rights groups and governments around the world.
Middle East articles on Democracy Chronicles
View news about the struggle for democracy in the troubled Middle East where vast cultural change and persistent political violence cry out for democracy. Also see our World Democracy section and our articles on the ongoing Arab Spring.
Iran Escalates Targeting of Non-Shiites, Other Religious Minorities
A U.S. government body that monitors global religious freedom says conditions in Iran worsened last year, with government targeting of non-Shi’ite Muslims.
Rights Activists Denounce Iran’s Crackdown on May Day Protesters
Iranian police have arrested dozens of labor rights activists who rallied peacefully in Tehran to mark International Workers’ Day.
16 Countries Are Most ‘Egregious’ Violators of Religious Freedom
An independent U.S. watchdog named 16 nations “countries of particular concern” for engaging in “systematic, egregious violations” of religious freedom.
Sudan Protesters Rally Against Arab Interference
Demonstrators direct anger towards Arab interference as they gathered outside Egyptian Embassy Khartoum Thursday, calling for an end to such interference.
Turkish Political Cartoonist Musa Kart Returned To Prison
CRNI is saddened to report that past winner of our Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award Musa Kart is once again a prisoner in Turkey this evening.
Egyptian Woman Brutalized in Arab Spring Continues Rights Campaign
When protests began in Egypt’s Tahrir Square, Hend Nafea was a college student in Banha, north of Cairo. As Youth demanded an end to Hosni’s rule.
Saudi Accepted at Michigan School Was Among 37 Beheaded
Saudi Arabia’s beheading of 37 Saudi citizens Tuesday included young man who had been accepted for admission to Western Michigan University seven years ago.
Saudi Women’s Activist ‘Electrocuted And Waterboarded In Prison’
A women’s rights activist has been waterboarded, electrocuted and threatened with rape while in prison in Saudi Arabia, her brother has claimed.
Iran Sinks in Press Freedom Index After Jailing More Journalists
Reporters Without Borders says Iran has Sinks in Press Freedom Index After an increase in arrests of Iranian journalists and citizen-journalists.