MLB pitcher ejected for foreign substance on hand

New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz was ejected from a game for having a foreign substance on his hand, facing a 10-game suspension. This is part of MLB's crackdown on sticky substances used by pitchers.

El Salvador's President Crackdown on Gangs

El Salvador's president continues crackdown on gangs by putting thousands of suspected criminals behind bars in 'mega prison.'

Russian police crackdown on Navalny memorial events

Russian police crackdown on dissidents honoring the memory of Alexei Navalny, opposition leader who died in prison. Party raided, man beaten for anti-Putin sign, women detained at cemetery. Navalny's widow attends memorial in Berlin. Demonstrations held in Hague and Warsaw in Navalny's memory.

Donald Trump's Focus on 'the Enemy Within'

Donald Trump is intensifying his focus on targeting domestic opponents, labeling them as 'the enemy within.' He has ramped up rhetoric against various groups, raising concerns of a potential crackdown on dissent if he wins a second term.

Tiananmen Square Crackdown Anniversary

China tightens security on the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, quashing any memory of the killings. Overseas commemorative events have become crucial for preserving memories of the event.

Chinese Crackdown on Online Influencers Displaying Luxurious Lifestyles

Chinese government cracks down on online influencers displaying luxurious lifestyles, blocking their accounts on social media platforms. The crackdown is part of an effort to combat social trends seen as undesirable amidst an economic slowdown in China.

Turkish court sentences pro-Kurdish politicians for 2014 riots

Turkish court sentences pro-Kurdish politicians to prison for 2014 riots over perceived government inaction against ISIS, sparking criticism and protests.

Tensions in Tunisia Over Migrant Rights

Tensions in Tunisia rise as authorities target migrant communities with arrests and tent camp demolitions. Activists criticize security-centric approach by governments on both sides of the Mediterranean Sea. President of Tunisia accuses pro-migrant individuals of financial crimes. Crackdown on migrants results in protests and clashes with law enforcement. Number of migrants reaching Italy decreases, relieving pressure on European officials.

Sentencing of Iranian Director Mohammad Rasoulof

Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof has been sentenced to eight years in prison and lashings for supporting the Iranian people, including his involvement in the Cannes film festival. This adds to the crackdown on dissent in Iran following mass protests.

Iran's Crackdown on Women Defying Dress Code

Iran has launched a major crackdown on women defying the country’s dress code, with police enforcing laws requiring women to wear headscarves in public. The campaign, named “Noor” (Light), is the most serious effort to enforce the mandatory hijab law, following women-led protests in 2022 and 2023. The crackdown has raised concerns about state violence and repression against women and girls.

Georgia Protest Crackdown

Security forces in Georgia used excessive force against protesters outside parliament over a controversial "foreign agents" bill, sparking widespread unrest and criticism from opposition groups and Western nations.

American tourists arrested for possessing illegal ammunition

Four American tourists arrested for possessing illegal ammunition in a country cracking down on gun violence.

Arrest of Russian Journalists

Three Russian journalists were arrested and detained in Russia for charges related to 'extremism' and spreading misinformation. The crackdown on media continues in the country amidst the invasion of Ukraine.

Crackdown on Russian Journalists

Three Russian journalists, including Konstantin Gabov, Sergey Karelin, and Sergei Mingazov, were arrested and detained by Russian authorities for charges related to extremism and spreading misinformation. The crackdown on media in Russia continues amidst accusations of working with political opposition groups and reporting on alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

Suppression of Dissent in Iran

In Iran, dissent continues to be suppressed long after protests sparked by the death of a young woman in police custody, leading many Iranians to flee to Turkey. Three individuals share their stories of persecution and fleeing the country due to government crackdowns.

Arrest of Belarusian Activist Dzmitry Kuchuk

Belarusian activist Dzmitry Kuchuk has been arrested on charges that could lead to four years in prison as part of the ongoing crackdown on dissent in Belarus.

Immigration Policies at the U.S.-Mexico Border

Former Acting ICE Director Tom Homan praises Texas' response to migrants attempting to storm the southern border, blames Biden's policies for encouraging illegal entry. Venezuela migrants face challenges in Mexico due to crackdown on immigration. Mexico's efforts have led to a decrease in illegal crossings, particularly among Venezuelans.

Corruption in Chinese Football Association

Former Chinese Football Association president sentenced to life in prison for corruption amid wider crackdown on sports corruption in China. Other officials also sentenced to prison for bribery. Chinese soccer leagues plagued by corruption and financial instability despite efforts to become a football superpower.

Iranian Filmmakers and Women's Protest Movement in Iran

Iranian filmmakers produce a movie about Tehran's crackdown on the 2022 women's protest movement in Iran and face challenges in getting their message out from Turkey.

Trial of Independent Journalist in Belarus

Prominent independent journalist in Belarus goes on trial on extremism charges widely seen as politically motivated, amidst ongoing crackdown on dissent and independent media outlets by the government.

Suppression of Independent Voices in Russia under Putin

Under Russian President Vladimir Putin's government, independent voices, journalists, rights groups, and LGBTQ activists have been targeted and suppressed. The crackdown includes labeling media outlets as 'foreign agents,' outlawing rights groups, prosecuting lawyers, and banning LGBTQ activism.

Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Rights in Belarus

Belarus is set to pass a bill outlawing the promotion of homosexuality and other behaviors, as part of an ongoing crackdown on dissent by authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko. The bill aims to establish administrative liability for promoting 'abnormal relationships, pedophilia, and voluntary refusal to have children.' LGBTQ+ individuals in Belarus face discrimination and pressure from the government.

Human Rights Abuses in Nicaragua

A panel of U.N.-backed human rights experts accused Nicaragua's government of systematic human rights abuses, implicating high-ranking officials in President Daniel Ortega's government. The crackdown on political dissent has escalated, targeting all forms of opposition, including civilians, students, Indigenous and Black Nicaraguans, and members of the Catholic Church. The government has consolidated power through repression and fabricating evidence against opponents.

Ghana's Crackdown on LGBTQ Rights

Ghana's parliament passed legislation intensifying crackdown on LGBTQ rights, imposing harsh penalties for promoting LGBTQ+ activities. President's approval pending.