Speaking with the BBC, Ahmed, a shopkeeper who has since fled Mali, recounted his brutal experience with Wagner forces in Nampala in August 2024. Accused of harboring connections with jihadists, Ahmed was detained, tortured through waterboarding and beatings, and repeatedly interrogated about his boss’s whereabouts. After enduring the torture, Ahmed was placed in a toilet block with other locals and subsequently taken back for another round of interrogation where he was threatened with beheading. Ultimately, he was left in a kitchen with two other men who had also been detained.
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The Trump administration admitted to illegally deporting Britania Uriostegui Rios, a Mexican trans woman, to Mexico despite a court order barring her removal due to the likelihood of torture. After a felony assault conviction, Uriostegui Rios faced deportation proceedings, but the judge found she would be in danger in Mexico. The Justice Department acknowledged the “inadvertent” removal and offered her reentry, though her legal status remains in question as Homeland Security seeks to send her to another country. Uriostegui Rios’ attorneys are fighting to keep her out of ICE custody and highlight the administration’s disregard for court orders, particularly given her vulnerable status as a transgender woman facing potential persecution.
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Ukraine says it’s investigating over 178,000 war crimes, a truly staggering figure that paints a grim picture of the conflict’s intensity and the widespread suffering inflicted. When you break it down, that’s an almost unimaginable number of individual instances of potential atrocities that require thorough investigation. It really drives home the enormity of what’s happening and the complex task Ukraine faces in seeking accountability. It’s a testament to their dedication to justice, even amidst the ongoing war.
This number, while shocking in its scale, highlights the sheer breadth of alleged offenses, ranging from targeted killings and torture to attacks on civilian infrastructure and sexual violence.… Continue reading
Rabbiatu Kuyateh, a 58-year-old woman, was deported from the U.S. to Ghana, a country she had no ties to, despite a judge’s order prohibiting her return to Sierra Leone, her country of origin. Videos show Kuyateh being dragged by individuals believed to be associated with the Ghanaian government. Kuyateh’s attorney said she had a work permit but never became a citizen and that the U.S. failed to provide proper notice and opportunities for her to seek protection. The Department of Justice stated it had no control over how another country treats deportees, while the U.N. has called on Ghana to stop deporting individuals from the U.S. if U.S. courts deem it unsafe.
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The US State Department has issued new rules for its annual human rights report that redefine human rights, potentially targeting countries with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. These changes signal a shift in Washington’s approach to global human rights, influenced by the Trump administration’s domestic agenda and are intended to “change the behaviour of governments”. The new instructions also label policies like abortion subsidies, gender-transition surgery for children, and facilitating mass migration as human rights infringements. Critics argue these changes weaponize human rights for ideological purposes and exclude certain groups under US and international law.
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Trump, MBS had “shocking” phone call after Khashoggi murder, Vindman warns, and this statement immediately begs the question: What could possibly be shocking at this point? Considering the well-documented history of both Donald Trump and Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the potential for a truly surprising revelation feels limited. After witnessing years of behavior that prioritized personal gain and disregard for human rights, it’s hard to imagine anything said during a private phone call that would surpass the shock value of their public actions.
The very idea of a “shocking” call implies something significantly worse than we already know. It suggests a level of depravity that exceeds even the widely condemned murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist critical of both Trump and MBS.… Continue reading
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Nuremberg trials, the complete digitized records of these landmark legal proceedings are now available online. This comprehensive collection, housed by the Harvard Law School library, encompasses over 750,000 pages of trial transcripts, briefs, and evidence exhibits. The project, a 25-year endeavor, offers unprecedented access to every official document, allowing researchers to explore the Nazi leaders’ actions and the development of international human rights law. The digital format not only preserves the fragile documents but also provides enhanced search capabilities and a detailed view of the courtroom proceedings, including the evolution of the Holocaust.
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Representative Ilhan Omar condemned President Trump’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling it a “disgusting display” and criticizing the administration’s potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Omar believes that Trump is prioritizing weapons-contractor profits and his own family’s business interests, especially given the Saudis’ human rights record and use of US arms. She urged fellow lawmakers to block the deal, emphasizing the need for congressional authorization before sending US soldiers to defend Saudi Arabia. Additionally, groups like DAWN have voiced concerns, suggesting Trump is prioritizing personal and corporate gains over human rights.
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A federal judge has ordered Suffolk County, New York to pay over $112 million to more than 600 immigrants unlawfully detained at the request of ICE in 2017. The ruling found the county violated the constitutional rights of individuals held beyond their release dates, even after posting bail or resolving criminal cases. This judgment follows a lawsuit initiated by a Long Island resident who was detained for ICE’s convenience despite having met bail requirements. The ruling arrives amid intensified immigration arrests in Suffolk County, which have raised concerns among local advocates and business owners about aggressive enforcement tactics and community fear.
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The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill on Tuesday compelling the Justice Department to release its files on Jeffrey Epstein. This decisive action followed months of effort to overcome opposition, including from former President Donald Trump and Republican leadership. Despite initial resistance, the bill garnered significant momentum, leading to its passage in the House and subsequent unanimous consent in the Senate. This legislative victory marks a crucial step in the pursuit of accountability for Epstein’s victims and scrutiny of law enforcement’s handling of the case.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
NY Immigrants Unlawfully Detained by ICE to Receive Over $100 Million in Compensation
A federal judge has ordered Suffolk County, New York to pay over $112 million to more than 600 immigrants unlawfully detained at the request of ICE in 2017. The ruling found the county violated the constitutional rights of individuals held beyond their release dates, even after posting bail or resolving criminal cases. This judgment follows a lawsuit initiated by a Long Island resident who was detained for ICE’s convenience despite having met bail requirements. The ruling arrives amid intensified immigration arrests in Suffolk County, which have raised concerns among local advocates and business owners about aggressive enforcement tactics and community fear.
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