Our weekly round-up of human rights stories from around the world.

Israeli raids and arrests in southern Syria push population to the brink

Survivors recount brutal prison conditions, enduring beatings, restraints, and psychological abuse by Israeli soldiers. 

Pregnant women face workplace hostility and ‘sham redundancies’, Australian human rights report finds

Sex discrimination commissioner says too often ‘it’s the woman who has the burden of bringing a complaint’ in parental discrimination cases

North Korea says it will resume propaganda broadcasts across border into South Korea

North Korea plans to resume anti-Seoul propaganda broadcasts along the heavily armed border with South Korea, leader Kim Jong Un’s sister said, reviving a psychological warfare campaign as tensions rise after land mine blasts injured three South Korean front-line soldiers.

German lawmakers press Tanzania over rights concerns

Two German lawmakers have condemned alleged human rights abuses in Tanzania, and called on Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government to ensure accountability over reports of deaths and disappearances.

Exiled critic of Rwandan president found beheaded in Uganda

An exiled vocal critic of the Rwandan government has been found decapitated near Kampala, south-central Uganda, according to a police spokesperson, in a case which remains under investigation.

NPR reporter witnesses the largest detention of West Bank activists in a decade

In the Israeli occupied West Bank, dozens of Americans have been detained, including a politician running for Congress. 

Kenya dispatch: court finds Shakahola massacre cult leader guilty in the deaths of more than 190 children

Kenya’s Mombasa Law Court has found controversial religious leader Paul Mackenzie guilty in a case involving the deaths of more than 190 children linked to the Shakahola tragedy.

Lina Attalah: Mada Masr journalist sent for trial in Egypt

Lina Attalah, who is accused of managing a website without a license, will go to court next week. Mada Masr has published reporting critical of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi’s government.

Healthcare crisis escalating in Yemen’s besieged Taiz

Fighting between Yemen’s Houthis and the internationally recognised government is deepening the humanitarian crisis in Taiz. The city has become a new frontline in the war which has cut off vital supplies, including food, fuel and medicine.

UNICEF chief urges Bangladesh to eliminate legal loopholes that allow child marriage

After a three-day visit to the country, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on Tuesday urged Bangladesh to end child marriage and close the gaps in national law that still allow it.