Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch urged authorities to lift the siege of the southern town of Daraa.

United Nations member states should denounce the severe restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and assembly during the country’s first-ever Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Human Rights Watch said.

Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera has had the courage to appear on national television and radio stations and has issued news statements on behalf of the gay community, Human Rights Watch said.

“These are two fresh examples of the government’s efforts to silence critical voices,” said Human Rights Watch.

“It seems that Bahrain’s ruling family intends to punish any and everyone who criticizes the government,” said Human Rights Watch.

Fadhil Makki Al-Manasif’s arrest follows amendments to the Press and Publications Law that further restrict the right to free speech.

The report documents government censorship and use of criminal charges to undermine media freedom and freedom of expression.

Groups of women accosted the activists at their homes, screaming insults at them for speaking on the Russian news programme “Special Correspondent”.

In the most recent incident, gunmen shot dead 11 more anti-Ali Abdullah Saleh protesters and wounded more than 130, marking the worst violence in more than five weeks.

The latest detentions underscore the unrelenting repression in the country and the need for a robust EU response, said Human Rights Watch.

“Prime Minister Gillard has spoken up about Australia’s concerns from Canberra; now the test is whether she will do so publicly in Beijing,” said Human Rights Watch.

Writer Vi Duc Hoi was sentenced to eight years in prison after his articles and Internet postings advocating human rights and democratic reforms were deemed to constitute a national security crime.

On 22 April, security forces killed at least 76 protesters, and possibly as many as 112, according to lists compiled by local human rights activists.

The authorities should hold accountable those responsible for attacking protesters and journalists in Arbil and Sulaimaniya, including opening fire on demonstrators and beating them severely, Human Rights Watch said.

European Union, US leaders should publicly condemn human rights violations, Human Rights Watch said.

The rights of students to free expression have been violated by intelligence officers and university administrations applying repressive regulations, Human Rights Watch says.