Drop blasphemy charges against 17-year-old, says Human Rights Watch
The authorities arrested Muhammad Samiullah for allegedly including derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad in his answers on a written school exam.
Authorities disrupt Egypt solidarity protest in Ramallah
Palestinian Authority security forces shut down a demonstration after calling in one of the organisers for questioning multiple times and ordered him to cancel the event notice that he had created on Facebook.
Nationwide Internet blackout endangers rights, Human Rights Watch stresses
Human Rights Watch said that the Internet and mobile communications are essential tools for rights of expression, to information, and of assembly and association.
End chokehold on dissent before Party Congress, urges Human Rights Watch
The Communist Party should renounce its practice of tightening controls on peaceful dissent in the lead up to the 11th Party Congress and free those who have been imprisoned, detained and censored, Human Rights Watch said.
Human Rights Action Plan fails to deliver, says Human Rights Watch
The government has undermined many of the key goals by tightening restrictions on rights of expression, association and assembly over the past two years, notes Human Rights Watch.
Activist sentenced to life in prison on sedition charges
“Using sedition laws to silence peaceful criticism is the hallmark of an oppressive government,” says Human Rights Watch.
Laws approved by legislature pose serious threats to free speech, civil society, says Human Rights Watch
One of the laws blocks human rights defenders from receiving international support and limits dialogue with foreign experts who are critical of the president’s policies.
New penal code undercuts free speech, says Human Rights Watch
Seng Kunnaka, an employee of the United Nations World Food Programme, was sentenced to six months in jail for sharing web articles with co-workers.
Human Rights Watch releases report, “After the coup: Ongoing violence, intimidation and impunity in Honduras”
The authorities should take steps to end impunity for abuses committed after the 2009 coup and to curb ongoing attacks against journalists and activists, says the organisation.
Human Rights Watch calls on authorities to free activist who criticised Iran
Ali Al-‘Abdallah finished serving a 30-month sentence but was then charged for statements he made from his prison cell instead of being released.
Authorities deny licence for critical voice despite court judgment
A1+ television station’s application for a broadcast licence has been denied for the 13th time, despite an ECHR ruling that previous denials violated freedom of expression.
New state security law restricts freedom of expression, says Human Rights Watch
According to Human Rights Watch, the new law falls short of Angola’s international legal obligations.
Former parliamentary candidate arrested, detained for peaceful expression
Tahir Nassar, who unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the 9 November elections, was charged with “stirring up sectarian strife” in his election manifesto.
Elections marred as journalists arrested and harassed on voting day
Security officers arrested and briefly detained at least 10 journalists and harassed and restricted dozens of others on voting day.
Human Rights Watch report points to systematic crackdown before elections
Human Rights Watch is documenting systematic violations of the right to freedom of expression, assembly, and association – rights that are fundamental to free and fair elections.
Restrictions on public expression increase following elections, Human Rights Watch report says
Journalists and civil society activists who express critical views are labelled political opponents and subjected to arrests and threats.