These are the country's first executions since the 1980s. Among the executed men, who were accused of "terror acts," were democracy activist Kyaw Min Yu and former NLD lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw.

Despite mounting outrage over the executions of four political prisoners, Myanmar's military rulers have pushed back against criticism, calling the executions "justice for the people."

Aung Kyaw Moe, human rights adviser to Myanmar's National Unity Government, speaks with DW about the execution of four pro-democracy activists in Myanmar, as well as Rohingya rights and democratization.

Both the government and the opposition are claiming victory in Sunday's elections. The stakes are high for President Macky Sall, who seems intent on running for a third mandate, despite the constitution’s two-term limit.

UN investigators have said there is growing evidence of crimes against humanity in Myanmar since last year's military coup. The team said it had compiled documentary evidence of the junta's crackdown on dissent.

In the past 25 years since Hong Kong was handed over to China from British rule, the self-government and freedoms it was originally promised have gradually been eroded.

It is Brazil's bicentennial. Four weeks before he stands for re-election, president Jair Bolsonaro opting for a decidedly martial tone to celebrate the 200th anniversary of a South American giant that hass experienced plenty of ups and downs in the 36 years since the generals made way for a return to democracy.

Economists, scientists and environmental campaigners have said that Berlin should take its inflation-driven tax revenues and invest it in the country's environmentally-friendly future.

Fake abortion clinics use federal dollars to lie to women and dissuade them from having abortions. These groups are trying to change that.

Opponents of Minsk strongman Alexander Lukashenko say they hope the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to activist Ales Bialiatski might help precipitate his release from prison.

Iranian forces are arbitrarily arresting civil society activists, journalists and anyone who protests against the regime in order to rein in the outcry over the death of a young girl who died in police custody.

Activists and members of minority communities say Pakistan's culture of impunity, along with state inaction, is fueling the rise of hate crimes and blasphemy accusations.