Human Rights Watch

Despite strong indications of ISI involvement, the commission concluded that the state, militant groups including the Taliban and al-Qaeda, and unnamed “foreign actors” could all have had a motive to kill Saleem Shahzad on the basis of his writings.

Security forces opened fire on Tibetan protesters on 23 and 24 January, killing at least two people and injuring several dozen more.

For broadcasting the film, Nabil Karoui faces up to three years in prison for libeling a religion, and up to five years for distributing or displaying information “that can harm public order or good morals.”

The military announced on 24 January that it will lift the state of emergency except in cases of “thuggery,” a term military tribunals have used in convicting peaceful protesters following unfair trials.

Many democracies have allowed their ties with repressive allies to temper their support for human rights in the Arab Spring protests, according to the annual review of human rights practices around the globe.

The military prosecutor has charged 18-year old activist ‘Uday Abu ‘Isa with “undermining his majesty’s dignity” for burning the king’s image on 11 January.

The authorities are urged to investigate state involvement in breaking up a peaceful union meeting and arresting two union activists in October in an apparent bid to silence them.

Reforming laws that curb freedom, shield official abuse should top Parliament’s agenda, says Human Rights Watch.

The government cracks down on political opponents, intimidates journalists, and disregards due process, Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists said.

The Interior Ministry issued a statement on January 11, 2012, saying that it will not allow the Bidun “to organize any rallies, gatherings, sit-ins or demonstrations regardless of their nature, objective and mission.”

EU officials should use a 12 January dialogue in Hanoi to press for progress in the area of respecting freedom of speech and association and releasing dissidents detained for exercising those rights, says Human Rights Watch.

When protesters approached a checkpoint on the way to the Baath party square to meet with Arab League observers, army personnel barred them from proceeding and, after the protesters refused to disperse, opened fire on the crowd, injuring at least nine protesters.

The sweeping measure could result in impunity for serious international crimes such as deadly attacks on anti-government demonstrators in 2011, says Human Rights Watch.

The country’s new constitution, which came into force on January 1, 2012, and other laws adopted over the last year give the ruling Fidesz party the ability to interfere arbitrarily with the judicial system and media, in violation of human rights law.

Police arrested Bui Thi Minh Hang for conducting a silent protest and ordered her detained without trial.

Authorities were urged to immediately release detained activists, opposition members, and others arrested because of their political opinions, or charge them with appropriate crimes.