The story: The unexpected death of Alaa Al-Siddiq, a prominent Emirati human rights activist, in a car crash outside London continues to stir reactions. Escaping a crackdown at home along with her husband, Siddiq moved to Qatar in 2012 before gaining asylum in the United Kingdom in 2018. Her death follows years of advocacy for the release of political prisoners—including her own father, who has been detained since 2012.

The coverage: The London-based human rights organization ALQST, where Siddiq was executive director, announced her death on June 20, saying there was an ongoing investigation into the apparent car accident that caused it...