Saudi Arabia's Comedy Festival Draws Fire Over Human Rights Cover-Up
Human Rights Watch has accused the Saudi government of using the Riyadh Comedy Festival 2025, scheduled from September 26 to October 9, as a distraction from its harsh crackdown on free speech and widespread human rights abuses. The festival coincides with the seventh anniversary of journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s state-sponsored killing and comes just months after Saudi authorities executed a journalist for his peaceful expression.
Post-Soviet Bloc Defying Western Hegemony, Says Iranian Official
The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is playing a pivotal role in challenging Western unilateralism and contributing to the creation of a multipolar global order, according to Iranian Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Mohammad Atabak.
Kremlin Reacts to Trump’s Urging of EU to Cut Russian Energy Imports
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said that U.S. President Donald Trump is advocating for European nations to stop purchasing Russian oil and gas as a way to promote American energy interests. According to Peskov, Trump's approach highlights that he is, above all, “a businessman.”
Trump Meets Arab, Muslim Leaders at UN Over Gaza War
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States could potentially end the war in Gaza immediately, during a meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders at the United Nations on Tuesday.
Arakan Army Alleges Cross-Border Attack by Rohingya Insurgents in Maungdaw
The Arakan Army (AA) has raised concerns over recent cross-border militant activity, alleging that Rohingya insurgent groups carried out a coordinated assault on one of its bases in Maungdaw Township, near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.
UNHRC Seminar Highlights Alarming Human Rights Decline in Pakistan and Bangladesh
A recent seminar held during the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva has brought renewed attention to the worsening human rights conditions in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Organised by the Forum on Inter-Cultural & Inter-Religious Dialogue (FICIR) in partnership with the Asian-Eurasian Human Rights Forum (AEHRF), the event featured prominent activists, journalists, and political commentators who warned of shrinking civil liberties and the dangerous rise of religious extremism in both countries.
Trump Criticizes UN Over ‘Ineffectiveness’ in Global Affairs
U.S. President Donald Trump faced an awkward situation upon arriving to deliver his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, the president stepped onto a moving escalator at the UN headquarters, only for it to suddenly stop. The couple had to walk the rest of the way up the stairs.
Russia Reaffirms Recognition of Palestinian State Amid Gaza Crisis
Russia has reiterated its long-standing recognition of Palestinian statehood, highlighting that it had acknowledged Palestine's independence back in 1988—decades before the current humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Bangladesh Still ‘In Crisis’ for Freedom of Expression, Warns ARTICLE 19
Bangladesh remains in a state of crisis for freedom of expression, ARTICLE 19 has warned during the Item 4 General Debate at the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Tensions Rise in NYC Ahead of Yunus' UNGA Visit
Rival Bangladeshi political groups based in the United States are gearing up for opposing programmes in New York ahead of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus’ visit to the United Nations General Assembly.