State department softens human rights criticisms of Trump-allied countries

Report steps up criticisms of Europe, Brazil and South Africa but says little about abuses in Israel and El Salvador

Donald Trump's administration has significantly changed a key US government report on human rights worldwide, dramatically softening criticism of some countries that have been strong partners of the Republican president, such as El Salvador and Israel, which rights groups say have well-established histories of abuses.

Instead, the US state department sounded an alarm about what it said was the erosion of freedom of speech in Europe, including the UK, and stepped up criticism of Brazil and South Africa - both of which Washington has clashed with over a host of issues.