Amnesty International condemns Bahrain for expulsion of citizens

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

• Amnesty International condemns Bahrain for intensifying the expulsion of nationals who’ve been arbitrarily stripped of their citizenship. Amnesty added that Bahraini authorities are increasingly resorting to extreme measures in an attempt to quash dissent. Manama is under pressure over its human rights abuses against opposition activists and anti-regime protesters.
• Iran’s foreign minister says a multi-faceted approach is needed to defeat the Daesh terrorist group. Mohammad Javad Zarif added that the approach may need a military dimension because terrorist groups have become a military threat. Zarif stressed that terrorism seriously threatens the international community.
• The White House says that Iran’s recent ballistic missile tests did not violate the nuclear deal between Tehran and the P5+1 group of countries last year. Iran has repeatedly said that its missile capabilities are solely for defense purposes and they do not pose a threat against other nations. 
• The Iraqi army is gearing up for a major operation to take the northern city of Mosul from Daesh terrorists. The city, located in Nineveh province, is considered the main stronghold of Daesh and its liberation would lead to the defeat of the terrorist organization in Iraq. 
• The United Nations has raised the alarm over Israel’s high demolition rate in the occupied Palestinian territories. UN statistics show 121 Palestinian structures, built with international aid, have been razed to the ground since the beginning of this year alone. This is 13 more than the figure in the whole 2015. 
• The Leader of Israel’s Labor Party Isaac Herzog calls for dividing the occupied city of East Jerusalem al-Quds with more high walls and military checkpoints. This is anticipated to affect 200-thousand Palestinians in the city. Herzog’s plan also aims to reduce the Muslim population of Jerusalem al-Quds.
• The UN Refugee Agency has expressed deep concern over a new deal reached between the European Union and Turkey aimed at curbing the influx of asylum-seekers. The Agency’s high commissioner says there are worries the refugees may be returned indiscriminately without considering international law.
• Venezuelan opposition is boosting efforts to topple President Nicholas Maduro. Anti-government groups have called on the public to stage largest-ever demonstrations, forcing Maduro to leave power. They’re also seeking constitutional amendments, allowing for a referendum on Maduro’s fate.

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