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The Democratic Republic of Congo has released 15 prisoners to the AFC/M23 rebels in the east, marking the first known prisoner transfer under the Qatar-brokered peace process. The handover, mediated by the ICRC, took place over Thursday and Friday, with the prisoners traveling from Beni through Uganda to Rutshuru territory.
British-Syrian activist Hassan Akkad has been released from a Damascus prison after four days, following journalist Mousa al-Omar’s withdrawal of a lawsuit over social media criticism. Akkad, founder of a campaign tracking public figures’ reconstruction pledges, was arrested on June 18 and freed on June 22 after al-Omar dropped the complaint.
German journalist Eva Maria Michelmann, detained in Syria since January 18, has been freed and returned home, her brother confirmed. She arrived in Jordan on Friday after being captured in Raqqa during a military operation. Her health is stable, though she endured a prolonged period in isolation.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole on March 17 after serving eight months of a one-year corruption sentence. Supporters greeted him warmly as he left Klong Prem Prison in Bangkok.
The UN human rights office demanded Israel immediately and unconditionally release two humanitarian activists detained while traveling to Gaza, and called for an investigation into allegations of severe mistreatment. The activists, Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago de Avila, are being held without formal charges after their vessel was intercepted in international waters.
