Human rights violations

Sexual abuse in Iranian prisons sharply rises as population repression increases during ceasefire

One young woman told The Media Line that she was sexually assaulted during interrogation, and that heavily-built officers used batons to carry out the abuse. 

|ByOMID HABIBINIA/THE MEDIA LINE
THREE WOMEN - Sharifeh Mohammadi, Pakhshan Azizi, and Varisheh Moradi - are at risk of death following the confirmation of their death sentences.
A security guard stands on a street, during early hours of ceasefire, in Tehran, Iran, June 24, 2025.

Iranian security agents allegedly raped, tortured nurses detained for treating protesters - report

The women were among medical staff at Tehran’s Rajaei Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center who treated injured demonstrators during nationwide protests in late December and early January.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
A Human Rights Watch flag is pictured on the Mont-Blanc bridge in Geneva, Switzerland, November 7, 2024.

Human Rights researchers resign over ‘pulled’ report accusing Israel of 'crimes against humanity'

HRW said they concluded “aspects of the research and the factual basis for our legal conclusions needed to be strengthened to meet Human Rights Watch’s high standards.”

|ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD
Illustrative People step on an Iranian flag at a march in support of nationwide protests in Iran, Los Angeles, California, U.S., January 18, 2026.

Child among protesters sexually assaulted in Iran, rights group says

HRW and Amnesty warn that Tehran uses rape, sexual violence, and torture to suppress dissent, continuing a pattern of violence following previous protests.

|ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD

Turkey blocks access to Wikipedia

The move is likely to further worry rights groups and Turkey's Western allies, who say Ankara has sharply curtailed freedom of speech and other basic rights.

APRIL 30, 2017ByREUTERS
A Turkish special forces police officer guards the entrance of the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, August 5, 2016

After 'Palestinian propaganda' row, Israel okays visa for HRW official

Omar Shakir, a US citizen, received the work visa on arrival at Ben-Gurion Airport and he will take up his position as Human Rights Watch's regional director.

APRIL 26, 2017ByREUTERS
Work permit granted by Israel to Human Rights Watch official Omar Shakir, April 26, 2017

Shots fired as Iran arrests over 30 gay men in violent raid

30 men were charged with sodomy, drinking alcohol, and using psychedelic drugs.

APRIL 20, 2017ByBENJAMIN WEINTHAL
Exiled Iranians protest against executions and stonings in Iran during a demonstration on December 10, 2013 in Berlin

Israel: Human Rights Watch is ‘propaganda' group, can’t have workers permit

The group said it was surprised by Israel’s response since it “regularly meets and corresponds with Israeli government officials."

FEBRUARY 24, 2017ByTOVAH LAZAROFF
A Palestinian woman paints a mural, depicting a masked Palestinian holding a knife, in support of Palestinians committing stabbing attacks against Israelis, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip

Thousands rally for unity in Tel Aviv following Azaria verdict

“Each and every one of us has the responsibility to act toward a mutual guarantee to save the rare fabric that our people have."

JANUARY 7, 2017ByLIDAR GRAVÉ-LAZI
YOUTH SING in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square last night, at an event calling to heal the divisions in Israeli society

RIGHT FROM WRONG: Alt-left delete

It is time to acknowledge that it was the alt-left the American voter was responding to when he or she cast a ballot for Trump, not the alt-right.

NOVEMBER 20, 2016ByRUTHIE BLUM
Swastika and "Seig Heil 2016" graffiti found in South Philly

Saudi prince flogged in court-ordered punishment

Lashing comes after another Saudi prince was executed for murder.

NOVEMBER 2, 2016ByREUTERS
Flag of Saudi Arabia

US calls for end to anti-Israel bias as it regains UN Human Rights Council seat

Saudi Arabia maintains membership, but Russia loses seat.

OCTOBER 30, 2016ByTOVAH LAZAROFF, REUTERS
Envoy holds folder at the 31st Session of the Human Rights Council at the U.N. European headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland

‘Slight improvement’ in treatment of Palestinians – Rabbis for Human Rights

The group’s mission is to inform the public about human rights violations and to pressure government institutions to redress them.

OCTOBER 19, 2016ByTAMARA ZIEVE
Rabbis pray at the gravesite of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson

Palestinian NGOs accuse Israel of death threats at The Hague

Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Emmanuel Nashon said "We do not react to such preposterous allegations."

AUGUST 22, 2016ByJPOST.COM STAFF
The International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands