In this report, PEN America will provide an in-depth analysis of the countries that detain and imprison the largest numbers of writers and intellectuals and explore the impact of the pandemic on the freedom to write; the role of these individuals in protest movements; and the continued threats to writers and intellectuals working in languages subject to political repression.
Russia: Government tightens screws after Sochi
Russian authorities have detained hundreds of peaceful protesters in recent weeks, in most cases arbitrarily and in some cases with unnecessary force, Human Rights Watch said on 19 March. The detentions are part of a new crackdown on free expression and assembly as the crisis unfolds in neighboring Ukraine.
Sudanese government attacks civilians, peaceful student protesters
Sudan’s government has renewed ground and air attacks on civilians in villages in Darfur. The government has also cracked down on students in Khartoum peacefully protesting the violence in Darfur, resulting in the death of one and the detention of many protesters and activists.
Jordanian security forces crack down on protest calling for prisoner’s release
On 18 March 2014, Jordanians stood in front of the House of Representatives calling for the release of detained Jordanian soldier Ahmed Dagamseh. Three hours later, security forces forcibly dispersed their peaceful demonstration.
What does the state of media freedom tell us about Burma’s “transition to democracy”?
Three years after Burma embarked on a path toward democracy and away from its history of military rule, assessments of its success vary, especially around media freedom and free expression.
Protest and counter-protest: An interactive timeline of the civil unrest in Venezuela
Follow the progression of events showing how student protests have newly ignited the embers of divisive politics in Venezuela.
Crimean Tatar man found killed after 2-week disappearance
Ametov’s relatives told Human Rights Watch that he was last seen during a protest on March 3, 2014, on Lenin Square in Simferopol, Ukraine, where three unidentified men in military-style jackets had led him away.
Algerian authorities crack down on protesters as election nears
Algerian authorities are deploying large numbers of police and arresting protesters to prevent demonstrations in the capital in advance of the 17 April 2014 presidential elections.
Statement to UN Human Rights Council: On the promotion and protection of civic space
A joint statement submitted to the 25th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, points out that “the physical and digital spaces civil society relies on to carry out its functions are increasingly threatened globally”.
Crackdown on Yemen’s southern protesters leaves one dead, five injured
State security and military forces unnecessarily used teargas and live ammunition against supporters of the Southern Movement (Hirak), an umbrella group seeking independence or greater autonomy for southern Yemen.
Sahrawi women marching for International Women’s Day beaten by Moroccan forces
On 8 March, Moroccan security forces dispersed a peaceful march led by Sahrawi women in the city of Laayoune in Western Sahara to mark International Women’s Day.
Imprisonment of three activists highlights plight of female rights defenders in Iran
Three female rights defenders are unlawfully detained in Iran’s prisons for their support of women, students, and political dissidents. On 2 March 2014, one of the three, Maryam Shafipour, was sentenced to seven years in prison. The others were already serving prison terms.
Local groups link increasing violence in Bahrain to suppression of right to peaceful protest
The protest movement, which started peacefully and remains largely peaceful, has witnessed a slow turn of splinter groups towards the use of violent tactics. Bahraini rights groups stated that the government bears full responsibility for the escalation of violence in the country given its relentless crackdown.
Algerian authorities arrest four journalists covering protest against president’s re-election bid
Four Echorouk TV journalists were detained by Algerian authorities during their coverage of a protest denouncing the possibility of a fourth term for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Togo: 19 students injured, 12 arrested in clashes with gendarmes
Students were arrested and injured in clashes with gendarmes after trying to protest “arbitrary criteria” that the University of Lomé has introduced for granting scholarships.
Greece: Police interrogation of students prompts protests
High school students were recently interrogated by police after having peacefully occupied Keratsini’s 2nd High School in October. Those taken in for questioning were asked about their own and their teachers’ political preferences, especially those who had been striking against public job cuts and forced transfers.
Bosnia: Investigate police violence against protesters
Authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina should promptly investigate cases of excessive use of force by police against demonstrators on streets and in detention in Tuzla and Sarajevo between February 5 and 9, 2014, Human Rights Watch said today. Authorities should also investigate police violence against several journalists and protect the right to peaceful assembly during protests.