(2026-01-15). Syrian activist Sarah Mardini acquitted of migrant trafficking in Greece. al-monitor.com A Greek court on Thursday acquitted Syrian competitive swimmer and activist Sarah Mardini, whose rescue of her sister inspired a hit Netflix film, and 23 others of migrant trafficking in a decision applauded by top rights groups.The verdict came almost a month after the start of their trial at a court on Lesbos, ending a legal ordeal for the activists since 2018.They had been charged in the Greek island with "forming a criminal organisation" and "illegally facilitating the entry of third-country nationals into Greece".
(2026-01-15). Syria: Accountability Lacking for Sweida Abuses. hrw.org Syrian government forces and local Bedouin and Druze armed groups all carried out grave abuses during clashes in Syria's southern Sweida governorate in July 2025.Abuses included summary killings, outrages on personal dignity, and abductions. As many as 187,000 people have been displaced.The Syrian authorities need to demonstrate they are a government for all Syrians by pursuing accountability for atrocities in Sweida at the highest levels and for all involved parties.(Beirut) — Syrian government forces and local Bedouin and Druze armed groups are responsible for grave abuses during clashes in Syria's southe…
(2026-01-15). US envoy to UN: US stands by Iranian people, all options on table. al-monitor.com By Michelle NicholsUNITED NATIONS, Jan 15 (Reuters) – The United States stands by the "brave people of Iran," and President Donald Trump "has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday.Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in support of protesters in Iran, where thousands of people have been reported killed in a crackdown on the unrest against clerical rule.