Move announced by Ben Cardin days after taking over top Congressional panel vacated by lawmaker who has been indicted in scandal that touched on ties with Egypt

Biden officials cite what they say are overriding US national security interests for decision to limit extent they would penalize Egypt for abuses

Letter to congressional committee reportedly says cash will go to Taiwan and Lebanon instead; Democrat Chris Murphy calls for keeping back a further $235 million

Nazila Maroufian, who was first arrested after interviewing Mahsa Amini's father, says she has no regrets after pictures twice landed her in jail

Passed Tuesday, law enables greater number of close-knit towns to operate panels that rate applicants on 'sociocultural' compatibility; NGO argues law encourages discrimination

Egyptian president also issues pardon for lawyer of country's best known political prisoner, as Cairo faces scrutiny over its rights record

State Department says it's 'concerned' by three-year sentence handed to Patrick Zaki for article recounting discrimination against Egypt's Coptic Christian minority

Umbrella organization for Soros' charitable work says it employs some 800 staff members, has offices in over 20 countries; human rights groups concerned

Norwegian-based Iran Human Rights group says Tehran is increasing its use of the death penalty in order to spread fear

Foreign Ministry spokesman warns Iranian citizens to not make unnecessary trips to France due to 'unpredictable situation'