End persecution of Kurds, Human Rights Watch report urges
The 63-page report, “Group Denial: Repression of Kurdish Political and Cultural Rights in Syria,” notes that arrests of activists are intensifying.
Journalist arrested over remarks made at a private social gathering
Muhammad Abd al-Qadir al-Jasim was arrested on 22 November 2009 on charges of libel and slander.
Raúl Castro imprisons critics, crushes dissent, says Human Rights Watch report
The 123-page report urges Obama to replace the failed embargo with an effective multilateral policy.
Three Papuan flag-raisers convicted
President Yudhoyono should uphold free expression, says Human Rights Watch.
Human Rights Watch calls for release of two rights activists
According to Human Rights Watch, the government is out to stop research into abuses committed against so-called extremists in southern Kyrgyzstan.
Rights activist and lawyer permanently disbarred
The Damascus Bar Association should reverse the decision to permanently disbar lawyer and rights activist Muhanad al-Hasani, says Human Rights Watch.
Growing persecution of farmers’ rights activists
Human rights defender and farmers’ rights activist Ganikhon Mamatkhanov is facing trial on politically motivated charges, says Human Rights Watch.
Obama should press Asian leaders on rights, says Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch called on Obama to raise the lack of democratic change in Burma, restraints on freedom of expression across the region, widespread impunity for rights violations, and a weak regional human rights institution.
Four journalists receive Hellman/Hammett grants
Four Iranians are among 37 writers receiving the Hellman/Hammett award, recognising their commitment to free expression and courage in the face of persecution.
Prominent blogger abducted, beaten
Cuba’s most prominent blogger, Yoani Sánchez, together with blogger Orlando Luís Pardo Lazo, were forced into an unmarked vehicle, beaten and threatened by their captors.
Drop criminal libel charges against activist, Human Rights Watch urges
The charges stem from the activist’s statement that the president of Chechnya was responsible for the murder of researcher Natalia Estemirova.
EU fails human rights victims, say Human Rights Watch and RSF
IFEX members Human Rights Watch and RSF say the EU decision to drop sanctions would severely damage the credibility of its human rights policy worldwide.
ARTICLE 19 joins 26 other human rights groups to express concern over new religious defamation submission
ARTICLE 19 joins 26 other human rights groups, including IFEX members ANHRI, BCHR, CIHRS and Human Rights Watch, in an open letter expressing concerns about recent submissions on religious defamation brought before the UN.
Reporter prosecuted for reporting sexual harassment claims by abuse victims
The government should investigate the harassment allegations instead of charging the journalist with criminal defamation, says Human Rights Watch.
Sentences handed down against defendants accused of inciting post-election unrest
The convictions all stem from trials in which the accused were denied access to lawyers.
King overturns 60-lashes verdict against journalist
The king’s decision sends a message to the judicial system that it should not go after journalists for exercising free speech, says Human Rights Watch.