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  2. The Islamist armed group Al-Shabab burned numerous homes in raids on villages in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region in late May 2017, Human Rights Watch said today based on witness accounts and satellite imagery analysis. Al-Shabab fighters abducted civilians, stole livestock, and committed arson in attacks that caused more than 15,000 people to flee their homes.
  5. A US-trained Iraqi army division allegedly executed several dozen prisoners in Mosul’s Old City. Two international observers detailed the summary killings of four people by the Iraqi army’s 16th Division in mid-July 2017, and saw evidence that the unit had executed many more people, including a boy.
  7. A little more than a year ago, Jean Bigirimana, a journalist with the independent newspaper Iwacu, disappeared in Burundi. His fate remains unknown.
  9. In early July, the ICC ruled that South Africa had violated its international legal obligations by failing to arrest Bashir Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir’s during his 2015 visit. The ruling provides an opening for South Africa to renew its commitment to global justice.
  11. A Kazakh court has convicted Larisa Kharkova, head of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Kazakhstan, of abuse of office. The conviction is a blow to independent trade union activism in Kazakhstan.
  13. Saudi authorities should immediately clarify whether they have imposed movement restrictions on former crown prince Mohammad bin Nayef. Reports suggest he is under house arrest and banned from travel abroad.
  15. A law on violence against women, including domestic violence, approved by the Tunisian parliament this week is a landmark step for women’s rights.
  17. Human rights defenders, activists, and social media bloggers in Libya have been physically attacked, detained, threatened, harassed, and disappeared by armed groups, some of whom are affiliated with the state authorities.
  19. A Vietnam court has sentenced activist Tran Thi Nga to nine years in prison followed by five years under house arrest for spreading “anti-State propaganda.”
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