Reverse conviction of activist, Human Rights Watch urges
Aleksei Sokolov, a prisoners’ rights advocate who exposed corruption and torture in the prison system, was sentenced to five years in a maximum security prison.
Judge dismissed for publicly criticising Supreme Court ruling that validated coup
Firings undercut judicial independence, says Human Rights Watch.
Cosmetic changes cannot justify keeping emergency law, says Human Rights Watch
The law gives the executive powers to suspend basic rights by censoring newspapers, monitoring personal communications, and detaining people indefinitely without charge.
Use talks to address human rights backsliding, US secretary of state urged ahead of dialogue with Chinese government
Benchmarks are essential for an effective dialogue with the Chinese government, Human Rights Watch noted.
Overturn conviction of peaceful democracy activists, Human Rights Watch urges
Three democracy advocates who were accused of colluding with activists abroad to organise an opposition political party are appealing their sentences.
Ensure free expression and opinion for Maoist supporters, Human Rights Watch urges
“The Indian government should think twice before trying to silence political discussion,” the organisation warned.
Detained Syrian lawyer receives Martin Ennals Award
Muhanad al-Hasani is being honoured for monitoring the State Security Court and defending political activists.
Journalists under threat
Human Rights Watch urged authorities to put an end to the intimidation of rural media and amend repressive freedom of expression laws prior to the 2011 elections.
Call for release of blogger held under emergency law; Interior Ministry renews detention order
The government is exploiting the law to silence controversial figures, says Human Rights Watch.
Blasphemy law violates freedom of expression of religious minorities
Recent court ruling is a setback for religious freedom, says Human Rights Watch.
Dissident released after acquittal by state security
Jamal al-Haji’s case highlights the need for penal code reform on free expression, says Human Rights Watch.
Activist arrested for organising people’s tribunal on torture
“Arresting people who are performing a public service by highlighting human rights violations can only be aimed at stifling the truth,” said Human Rights Watch.
State Security arrests, deports Egyptian opposition supporters
Kuwait’s State Security forces should stop arresting and deporting expatriate supporters of Egyptian opposition candidate Dr. Mohammad al-Baradei, says Human Rights Watch.
Activist Hu Jia’s health worsening, eligibility for medical parole ignored
The government should immediately grant parole to the imprisoned rights advocate, who suffers from serious and chronic illnesses, Human Rights Watch said.
Peaceful protesters brutally treated, journalists assaulted
Human Rights Watch calls for the release of the more than 90 individuals detained at a march seeking the end of 29 years of “emergency” rule.
UN body finds rights record abysmal
The UN Human Rights Committee has called for urgent steps to rectify human rights violations.