The Christian Science Monitor's daily edition for April 27, 2020, covers a range of topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including President Trump's handling of the crisis, protests against lockdown measures, the impact of the pandemic on children and education, and the reopening of businesses in Georgia. It also discusses the importance of civics education in understanding government actions during a public health emergency. The articles provide a mix of factual reporting and opinion-based content, with a focus on the United States but also including perspectives from Spain and Sweden.

A Syrian soldier, Mohammed Abdullah, was convicted in Sweden for crimes committed during the Syrian war, marking the first such conviction worldwide. Despite the U.N. Security Council's deadlock and fading international prosecution efforts, the principle of universal jurisdiction enabled Swedish courts to pursue the case. Abdullah received an eight-month prison sentence for violating the dignity of corpses, although a more serious execution charge was dismissed due to insufficient evidence. The conviction is seen as a step towards justice and accountability by activists, despite challenges in prosecuting Syrian government and security forces in European courts.

A 39-year-old Uzbek man suspected of a truck attack in Stockholm that killed four and injured 15 was denied residency in Sweden and slated for deportation last year. The suspect, who evaded authorities, resurfaced to commit the attack and was arrested. No group claimed responsibility, but the suspect had Islamic State sympathies. Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven called the incident 'an act of terrorism' and expressed frustration over the inability to deport rejected asylum seekers, announcing a review of immigration laws. Among the victims was Chris Bevington, a British national working for Spotify. A solidarity rally was held in Stockholm, and the attack joins a series of vehicle-related terrorist incidents in Europe.

The cease-fire in Syria, backed by Russia and Turkey, is failing as government forces, led by President Bashar Assad, continue offensives in the Damascus suburbs, despite rebel groups threatening to suspend talks. The cease-fire was intended to precede talks in Kazakhstan, but violations in Wadi Barada and Eastern Ghouta have led to a suspension of discussions by rebel factions. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported escalated attacks, including the use of barrel bombs. The exclusion of Jabhat Fatah al-Sham from the cease-fire has raised concerns that it may be used as a pretext for government forces to target other areas. The U.N. Security Council has endorsed a resolution supporting the cease-fire but did not endorse the official text from Turkey and Russia.

Al-Masry al-Youm, Egypt's widely circulated newspaper, faced backlash for publishing a cartoon seen as condoning sexual harassment. The cartoon, which appeared during Eid al-Fitr, depicted a man thanking a woman's father for marriage consent, referencing that she had been harassed by many. This sparked outrage among activists and organizations, including the Anti-harassment Movement and gender rights activist Dalia Abd el Hameed, who criticized the cartoon for victim-blaming. Following the criticism, the newspaper removed the cartoon and issued an apology. Despite the government's claims of declining harassment incidents, activists remain skeptical, citing insufficient data.

In Egypt, protests sparked by the government's decision to transfer two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia failed to gain momentum. Despite calls for widespread demonstrations, security forces effectively shut down rallies with tear gas and barricades, particularly in Cairo's Tahrir Square and press union area. The protests were in response to perceived selling of Egyptian territory, coinciding with economic deals made during Saudi King Salman's visit. Human rights groups reported 237 arrests, with some journalists still detained. President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi called for national unity against 'forces of evil,' while his supporters held counter-demonstrations.