A new report says North Korea runs a state-backed labor programme that sends thousands of workers abroad and earns about US$500 million each year. Many workers are sent to Russia and China to work in construction, factories, and other jobs. According to the rights group Global Rights Compliance, workers face very harsh conditions. They often [...]
In Saudi Arabia, the use of the death penalty has increased sharply in recent years, causing strong concern among human rights groups. In 2025, authorities carried out more than 300 executions, including people accused of nonviolent crimes such as drug offences and peaceful protests. Some of those executed were foreign workers, and at least two [...]
The issue of foreign Christians being expelled from Türkiye has drawn attention from international organizations and human rights groups. Since 2020, more than 200 foreign Christian workers have been removed from the country, affecting around 350 people in total. Many of those expelled were church leaders who had lived in Türkiye for many years and [...]
More than two years after the military coup in Niger, former president Mohamed Bazoum and his wife are still being held without a clear legal reason. On March 11, the European Parliament passed a resolution asking for their immediate release and also raised concern about others detained after the coup. Niger’s government strongly reacted by [...]
In Brunei, freedom of the press is heavily restricted by law and the exercise of emergency powers. The constitution does not guarantee freedom of speech, and criticizing the royal family or the national philosophy, known as the Malay Islamic Monarchy, is illegal. The Sharia Penal Code punishes apostasy, insulting Islam, or claiming to be God, [...]
Press freedom in Türkiye deteriorated in 2025, with journalists facing harassment, censorship, physical attacks, and economic pressure. A report by eight international press freedom groups said the country is “extremely hostile to independent journalism.” Critical reporting is often treated as a crime or security threat, creating fear among media workers. The crackdown increased after protests [...]
In Tajikistan in 2025, freedom of expression was very limited. The government continued to punish journalists and critics who spoke out against leaders or reported independently. Some journalists were jailed for many years after secret trials, and others were accused of crimes with no clear public evidence. A planned conference for women journalists was cancelled [...]
Gebremedhin Gebregergis, an Eritrean Orthodox priest, has been imprisoned for more than twenty years in Eritrea without any charge or trial. He was arrested on 19 November 2004 together with two other Christians. Since then, they have been held at the Central Criminal Investigation Centre in Wengel Mermera, a prison known for harsh conditions. Reports [...]
Speculation is growing about who will eventually succeed Kim Jong Un as the leader of North Korea. Many analysts believe he may be preparing his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, to become the next ruler of the Kim dynasty. She first appeared in public in 2022 during a missile test and has since attended many events with [...]
Human rights groups are calling on the government of Laos to investigate the suspicious death of government critic Sisay Luangmonda. The 32-year-old activist, who often criticized corruption and poor governance online, was reported missing by his family on February 14, 2026. Witnesses said soldiers arrested him near the capital, Vientiane, and took him to Phonthan [...]