UN human rights office reports prominent bloggers, activists and journalists arbitrarily arrested and subjected to interrogation
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.
Students’ Trial a Focal Point in Turkish Crackdown Criticism
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labeled the students terrorists for protesting the military operation in Syria
Judges Take Over Iraqi Election Body After Fraud Allegations
Lawmakers approved amendments to the election law that include annulling votes from abroad and camps for displaced
Jordanian Protests Resume as PM Switch is Finalized
Protest organizers said they would keep up the pressure, including a one-day strike set for Wednesday
Jordanian People Power Movement Forces PM to Resign
Jordan’s prime minister has resigned, following four days of protests over a new income tax law
Prosecutor Says 17 Detained in Case Against Saudi Women Activists
Crackdown targeted prominent women’s rights campaigners just weeks before the country lifts its ban on women driving
Striking Iranian Truckers Win New Domestic, Global Support
Iran has curtailed activities of labor unions, with some union leaders being sentenced to long prison terms
Some of My Poetry on the Immigrant Experience
Original poetry by Democracy Chronicles contributor Hassan Elhage, an undergraduate student at New York University with a strong interest in human rights, political ideology, and American and international politics.
Saudi Arabia May Finally Outlaw Sexual Harassment
The kingdom’s Shura Council has approved the draft law, which will introduce a prison term of up to five years
Mother of Activist Jailed by Iran Says He’s on Hunger Strike
Mother says her son has been on a hunger strike for a month to raise awareness about poor conditions at his prison