GENEVA — The U.N. human rights chief called Monday for a quick end to the “repression of independent voices” in Russia and expressed concerns about the “persecution” of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison last month. Volker Türk, in a wide-ranging speech, also lamented dozens of conflicts around the world, widespread violations of … Read more
ROME — Pope Francis’ green light for Catholic priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples is in many ways a recognition of what has been happening in some European parishes for years. But his decision to officially spell out his approval could send a message of tolerance to places where gay rights are far more … Read more
LONDON — Russians commemorated the victims of Soviet state terror on Sunday, while the Russian government continues its crackdown on dissent in the country. The “Returning of the Names” event was organized by the Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights group Memorial. The commemoration has traditionally been held in Moscow on Oct. 29 — the eve … Read more
“In the event you took an Uber in Washington, D.C., a number of years in the past,” reads the opening pages of Ready to Be Arrested at Night time, the newly-released memoir by the acclaimed poet and mental Tahir Hamut Izgil, “there was an opportunity your driver was one of many biggest dwelling Uyghur poets.” … Read more