Syrian refugees in Ankara's Little Aleppo live in fear of police harassment and forced deportation. Turkey's economic crisis has led to increased hate crimes and bullying of the 3.7 million Syrian refugees in the country. Despite the dangers in Turkey, refugees prefer it over returning to Bashar al-Assad's regime. Rights groups report rising forced deportations, with refugees often coerced into signing voluntary repatriation forms. Ahead of the May 14th general election, both President Erdogan and opposition leader Kılıcdaroglu have expressed intentions to deport Syrians. Many refugees hope to reach Europe, despite the challenges and risks involved.

Survivors of the devastating earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, are expressing anger and distrust towards President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government. They blame the regime for the poor building standards that led to nearly 46,000 deaths and question the use of funds from earthquake solidarity taxes. With the presidential and parliamentary elections approaching, Erdogan's support in the region has waned. Survivors like Alper Nedirli and Gökay Gökpinar are waiting for temporary housing while dealing with financial and psychological losses. The Chamber of City Planners criticizes the government's lack of transparency, and there is a fear that the displacement of 2.7 million people may affect the upcoming vote.

Iranian rappers Toomaj Salehi and Saman Yasin have become symbols of resistance against the Iranian regime, using their music to express the frustrations and aspirations of a generation ready to confront state oppression. Despite the risks, including imprisonment and torture, their lyrics resonate with the experiences of Iranians, particularly during the recent protests sparked by the death of Mahsa 'Zhina' Amini. The international community, including German parliamentarians acting as sponsors, has taken notice of their plight, with the UN condemning the regime's crackdown as potentially amounting to crimes against humanity.

A French teenager was subjected to violence and humiliation by a municipal police officer, Cédric G, who allegedly urinated on him and a friend. The incident, which occurred during a curfew breach in March 2020, was exposed by Mediapart and has led to the sacking of the officers involved. Despite the evidence, the most serious charges were not pursued, and the case highlights systemic brutality and racism within the French police. The municipality of Saint-Ouen and the Bobigny court are involved in the legal proceedings, with the former supporting the victims. The case has sparked discussions on police discrimination and the need for an ethical police force.

Rezan, a 19-year-old from Sanandaj, Iran, joined the protests following the death of Mahsa 'Zhina' Amini in police custody. Facing the threat of arrest by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for her participation, she fled to Iraqi Kurdistan with the help of her parents and a smuggler. Rezan, whose dream was to become a primary teacher, is now part of the PAK's female regiment, learning about Kurdish history and culture while adapting to her new life as a freedom fighter.

The article discusses the ongoing plight of the Yazidi people, particularly the 2,800 women and girls still missing after being enslaved by the Islamic State (IS). Many are feared to be in the Al-Hawl detention camp in Syria, at risk of being smuggled to IS cells. The Yazidi Home Centre, led by Shejk Ziyad, has rescued 265 Yazidis but faces increasing danger as IS sympathizers are aware of their efforts. The article also covers the documentary 'Sabaya', which showcases the centre's work and the harrowing experiences of the Yazidi women. Rights groups like Yazda call for international efforts to identify and free the Yazidi captives, emphasizing the need for rehabilitation and reintegration. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces are trying to maintain security in Al-Hawl, which has become a hotbed for IS activity.

The death of Rifat Chadirji, a prominent Iraqi architect, from coronavirus in London highlights the ongoing struggle of Mosul, Iraq, against the backdrop of Islamic State's (IS) past reign of terror and the current pandemic. IS's brutal tactics, including public executions, have left deep scars on the city's residents. Despite the group's diminished state after losing key leaders and facing a crackdown by Iraqi forces, fears of an IS resurgence persist, especially as the US military presence becomes increasingly contentious and coalition operations are disrupted by COVID-19. Mosul's recovery is further hampered by corruption and the legacy of past US-run prisons that may have contributed to the rise of IS. The University of Mosul, having suffered under IS's occupation, is now working towards rebuilding and promoting progressive values, in stark contrast to IS's ideology.

Naveen Rasho, a Yazidi woman, survived nearly five years of captivity under the Islamic State, enduring slavery and brutality. She was in Baghuz, Syria, during the fall of the caliphate and later imprisoned in al-Hawl detention camp. Rasho, a former junior reporter, was separated from her family and subjected to a 'lottery' where ISIS fighters determined the fate of captured girls. She was enslaved by a doctor from Damascus and forced to care for his children. Rasho eventually escaped the camp with the help of documentary-maker Alan Duncan and returned to her family in northern Iraq, only to learn of her mother's death during her absence. Official estimates indicate that about 6,500 Yazidis were taken captive by ISIS, with nearly 3,000 still missing.