Islamic scholar detained for criticising interior ministry
Dr Yusuf al-Ahmad was arrested on 8 July for posting a video message on YouTube in which he criticised the long-term detention of security suspects without charge or trial.
Human Rights Watch calls on government to revise draft law that curbs protests, speech
The draft law would allow authorities to curtail rights to protect the “public interest” or for the “general order or public morals,” without defining what those terms encompass.
Anti-boycott bill stifles expression, says Human Rights Watch
Parliament has approved a law that penalises individuals and organisations that call for boycotting settlements in the West Bank.
Call for release of jailed Internet scribes
State security authorities reportedly arrested Lawrence al-Rashidi after he posted a YouTube video calling for the emir to step down and accusing him of violating Kuwaitis’ rights.
Human rights provisions in revised Constitution should protect right to demonstrate, says Human Rights Watch
Since Moroccans began demonstrating in February to demand major political reforms, police have responded on several occasions with extreme brutality.
Proposed sale of tanks to repressive regime sends wrong signal, says Human Rights Watch
Germany is considering a deal to sell tanks to Saudi Arabia despite the latter’s dismal human rights record, including severe restrictions on freedom of expression.
Court overrules anti-prostitution gag rule for US groups
Human Rights Watch urges the government to strike the “anti-prostitution pledge” entirely from US law, thereby ensuring that freedom of speech is safeguarded for both US and foreign organisations.
Shootings, arrests follow Hama protest
A massive demonstration was allowed to proceed but the next day, security forces and pro-government armed groups raided homes, opening fire several times, and set up checkpoints encircling the city.
Human Rights Watch documents unfolding rights crisis
There have been widespread arbitrary arrests and incommunicado detention, torture, and unfair military court trials since pro-democracy protests began, as well as summary dismissals of workers accused of sympathising with the protests.
French court dismisses defamation suit filed by Uzbek president’s daughter
Lola Karimova had sought moral damages against online news agency Rue89 for a May 2010 article that called her the daughter of “dictator Karimov,” and alleged she was “whitewashing Uzbekistan’s image” through charity events.
Elected officials urged to make human rights a priority, address increasing media repression
During the election campaign, parties and candidates paid little attention to the country’s deepening human rights crisis, Human Rights Watch said.
Attacks by government-backed thugs chill protests
Human Rights Watch called for an inquiry into the role of state security forces in attacks by pro-government gangs against peaceful demonstrators in Baghdad on 10 June 2011.
Police inaction allowed assault on film screening, says Human Rights Watch
“Secularism, If God Wills” was presented during an evening in support of Tunisians who have been assaulted, threatened, and denounced by persons who consider their artistic creations offensive to Islam.
Deaths of three protesters raise death toll in Homs
Three new deaths in recent crackdown on protesters bring the total to at least 21 killed since 17 June 2011.
Human Rights Watch calls for probe into deadly attack on marchers
One person was killed and 11 others wounded when troops fired on a funeral march in which members of a group that opposes President Saleh’s regime participated.
Human rights activists brutally attacked during demonstration
Following the attack on Alioune Tine and Oumar Diallo, Human Rights Watch calls for the government to allow peaceful demonstrations and end threats against activists.