Cuban dissident wins human rights prize
Human Rights Watch urges Cuba to unconditionally release all political prisoners and dismantle its repressive laws.
Union voices silenced
A new Human Rights Watch report highlights the plight of labour, student and journalist unions that have criticised government policies.
Dictator prize suspended indefinitely
UNESCO’s board has acted following global protests over an award financed by Equatorial Guinea’s leader, Teodoro Obiang.
Journalist’s conviction threatens freedom of speech, says Human Rights Watch
Vladimir Berezovskii was convicted on charges of criminal defamation and insult, while another journalist, Abdumalik Boboev, also faces defamation charges.
Opposition party leaders targeted
The political parties of detainees Victoire Ingabire and Bernard Ntaganda have been critical of the government and were not allowed to run in recent presidential elections.
Human Rights Watch honours six activists
The award winners have faced threats of violence or imprisonment, but continue to speak out and work to create a world free of violence, discrimination and oppression.
Opposition leader sentenced to 10 years in prison
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of spreading disinformation and falsifying maps.
Authorities still using emergency powers to suppress free expression and other rights, says Human Rights Watch
Five months after violent clashes between anti-government groups and state security authorities, the government has not put forward any justification for suspending certain human rights protections.
Polisario arrests rare dissenter in refugee camps
The Western Sahara movement is holding Mostapha Selma Sidi Mouloud for “espionage” after he backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for the region.
Activist convicted after unfair trial
Abdullah Abu Rahme was convicted on charges of organising and participating in illegal demonstrations and inciting protestors to damage the separation barrier, throw stones at Israeli soldiers, and participate in violent protests.
Human Rights Watch urges authorities to halt threats against rights defenders
The King was urged to commission an independent investigation into torture allegations.
Human rights defender abducted, mistreated
The day after his reappearance, Sylvestre Bwira Kyahi was visibly weak, his face was swollen, and his arms bore the marks of the ropes that he said were used to tie him during his detention.
Release rights activist, guarantee her a fair trial, says Human Rights Watch
If convicted, activist Shiva Nazar Ahari faces possible death penalty.
International groups condemn sentencing of local rights staffer
Leang Sokchouen was sentenced to two years in prison after having been charged with involvement in the production and distribution of anti-government leaflets.
Thirty-five IFEX members and other organisations appeal for charges to be dropped against prominent human rights activists and blogger
Gamal Eid, Ahmad Saif al-Islam and Amr Gharbeia are charged with criminal defamation, use of threats and misuse of communications tools.
Opposition activists apparently detained for criticism of government, Human Rights Watch says
The men’s whereabouts are unknown, and they have not been allowed to contact their families or lawyer.