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Human rights repression under Sisi
Egypt activists' meeting with diplomats oversteps the mark
Last week Egypt's police stepped up an "unprecedented escalation" on activists by arresting a leading rights group director. Advocates on the Nile have long weathered a crackdown – what's new is detaining them for meeting foreign diplomats. Tom Allinson reports
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The case of exiled Saudi activist Omar Abdulaziz
Critics of Saudi Arabia and Khashoggi's colleagues, beware
A friend of the murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Omar Abdulaziz is a thorn in the side of Saudi Arabia. Living in exile in Canada, the activist has been warned by the police of a possible threat against him. By Diana Hodali
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Obituary: Egyptian LGBTQ activist Sarah Hegazy
"How can I survive in a society based on hate?"
In 2017, Sarah Hegazy was arrested in Cairo for displaying a rainbow flag, the symbol for homosexuality and queerness, at a concert. The activist recently took her own life in Canada. By Christopher Resch
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Quebecʹs controversial Bill 21
Islamophobia festers in Canadaʹs Francophone heart
In June Canada's French-speaking province Quebec passed Bill 21, banning the wearing of religious symbols or garments by certain public servants in the workplace. Aside from the civil rights implications, the bill has also made visible minorities, specifically Muslims, the target of racist attacks. By Richard Marcus
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Right-wing populism in Canada
Is Trudeau's multi-cultural idyll in danger?
On 16 June, Quebecʹs National Assembly passed Bill 21, a controversial law banning certain public servants from wearing religious symbols at work. Combined with tougher immigration laws introduced by the Francophone region, this would seem to indicate that part, if not all, of Canada is shifting inexorably to the right. By Richard Marcus
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Parliament of the Worldʹs Religions
Good people of the world, unite!
In early November, Toronto hosted one of the most vibrant and exciting events ever held under the banner of religion: "The Parliament of the World’s Religions”. Stefan Weidner went to hear the debate
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Bill 62 – Quebec′s burka ban
Veiled bigotry
On 18 October the Canadian province of Quebec passed new legislation forbidding a person to be veiled when delivering or receiving a public service. Bill 62, dubbed the "state religious neutrality law″, has been widely condemned by civil rights lawyers, Muslim associations and public service unions. By Richard Marcus
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Album review: Sonia Aimy's "Nigerian Spirit"
The voice of defiance
Intelligent, soulful and emotional, the new album by Canadian Nigerian musician Sonia Aimy, "Nigerian Spirit", addresses a broad spectrum of themes: from how life in Nigeria has changed since Aimy's childhood, the sorrow of life in Somalia, to a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the problems of finding a good husband. Review by Richard Marcus
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Social media against Islamic extremism
An invisible battle
If we are to counteract the scourge of Islamic misinterpretation and defend what is intrinsically a religion of peace, argues Abdalhadi Alijla, we need educational, civil society and means-tested programmes coupled with a stronger political will
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Hate crime report by Germany′s Institute for Human Rights
Time to stem the tide
Thanks to the divisive rhetoric of US President-elect Donald Trump, respect for human rights took a battering during the US election campaign. All the more important therefore that Germany and its European partners remain committed to upholding them. By Hugh Williamson
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Canada gets 'first' hijab-wearing news anchor
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Nine Muslims on right-wing populism
Should I stay or should I go?
Young Muslims in Germany are feeling increasingly alienated. The AfD and the debate on Islam are reasons. But are they reasons for leaving? Dunja Ramadan spoke to nine of them