Legal hurdles likely to stymie state charges in Minnesota ICE shooting case | The New York Times

Multiple legal and practical obstacles stand in the way of Minnesota officials who could file criminal charges against the immigration agent who shot and killed a motorist in Minneapolis, legal experts said on Thursday.

Iran plunged into internet blackout as protests over economy spread nationwide | The Guardian

Iran was plunged into a complete internet blackout on Thursday night as protests over economic conditions spread nationwide, increasing pressure on the country’s leadership.

Venezuela begins releasing opposition figures | DW

Venezuela has begun releasing a number of high-profile opposition figures, activists, and journalists in what officials describe as a gesture to “seek peace”.

Turkish human rights lawyer denied conditional release for ‘lack of good conduct’ | Turkish Minute

A Turkish prison board has denied conditional release to prominent human rights lawyer Selçuk Kozağaçlı, citing a “lack of good conduct” and claiming that he is not ready to reintegrate into society.

UK anti-protest laws may be ‘in breach’ of international human rights obligations | Middle East Eye

A Human Rights Watch report released on Thursday warns that UK authorities have “severely restricted” the right to protest, undermining human rights such as freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Hibatullah bans public criticism of Taliban officials, citing Islamic law | Amu TV

Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has issued a decree banning what he described as unfounded accusations and public criticism of Taliban officials by citizens and the media, warning that violators would face punishment.

Amnesty warns Pakistan’s 27th constitutional amendment threatens judicial independence | Lokmat Times

Amnesty International on Monday raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s Twenty-Seventh Constitutional Amendment, warning that it poses a “grave threat” to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in the country.

UN rights chief says Israeli policy in West Bank ‘resembles apartheid system’ | BBC News

The UN human rights office has issued a report detailing what it calls Israel’s “systemic discrimination” against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and said the situation has “drastically deteriorated” over the past three years.

Kazakhstan: President signs amendments banning dissemination of “LGBT propaganda” | Eurasianet

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a controversial set of amendments into law banning “LGBT propaganda”.

Influential China church reports arrests as crackdown on Christians intensifies | BBC News

An influential Protestant church in China says prominent leaders have been arrested in what appears to be a growing crackdown on the underground church movement.