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.
Bahraini rights defender faces 60 days in detention
Bahrain’s Public Prosecutor charged human rights defender Naji Fateel with the alleged “establishment of a group in order to disable the provisions of the Constitution” and ordered his imprisonment for a period of 60 days pending investigation under the internationally criticized terrorism law.
Turkish police injure, detain journalists covering protest
At least six journalists were attacked by police on May Day and another three women journalists were harassed during a demonstration on 5 May.
Egyptian activists sentenced to jail for supporting Black Bloc members
Six young activists have been sentenced to five years and six months in prison for demonstrating in support of members of the ‘Black Bloc’ during their trial in Cairo.
Thai army should be held accountable for 2010 crackdown on street protests
A Thai Justice Ministry official recently announced that military personnel would not be held responsible for casualties during the government’s crackdown on street protests in 2010, despite overwhelming evidence that soldiers shot civilians.
Peaceful protest suppressed in Afghanistan
A recent crackdown on a demonstration organised by the Solidarity Party of Afghanistan appears aimed at quashing public criticism of the government.
Arbitary arrest and detention of Bahraini rights defender Naji Fateel
Human rights defender, Naji Fateel, board member of the Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights (BYSHR), has been arrested without warrant by security men in civilian clothes at his home in the village of Bani-Jamra at dawn on 2 May 2013.
New Saudi rights group facing harassment
Four Saudi activists are under investigation after forming a human rights group on April 3, 2013, and could face prosecution for “establishing an illegal organization”.
Russian security forces shut down protest at Sochi olympic site
Police and private security forces forcibly dispersed a group of residents protesting construction at a proposed power plant site in the Hosta district of Sochi on April 29, Human Rights Watch said.
Iranian government trampling workers’ rights
The Iranian government is increasingly violating workers’ rights to peaceful assembly and association; dozens of labor and independent trade union activists are in prison for speaking out in defense of workers.
Court silences Brazilian property development protestor
Ricardo Fraga de Oliveira has been forbidden from protesting against a property development project in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In response to a lawsuit filed by the construction company in charge of the development, a court in São Paulo forbade Fraga from protesting in person and on Facebook.
Rights groups appeal to UK Prime Minister to press UAE on rights abuses
During a state visit to Britain by the UAE’s president next week, rights groups are urging UK Prime Minister David Cameron to speak up about the generally deteriorating human rights record of the UAE and especially regarding the unfair trial of 94 jailed dissidents.
Bahrain cancels investigative visit of UN special rapporteur on torture
The UN special rapporteur on torture, Juan Mendez, said in a release that Bahraini officials claimed that his trip could potentially endanger the success of the country’s National Dialogue, which began earlier this year.
Deadly raid on protest in Iraq kills dozens of people
Local sources and media reports said security forces attacked demonstrators without provocation, killing dozens of people. The government provided another narrative and put the death toll at 27.
Formula One race held in Bahrain amid severe government crackdown
Anti-government rallies were held across the nation during and around the Formula One event being held in Manama. The protests were met with increased violence from security forces prompting widespread arrests and a large number of injuries amongst protesters.
On eve of F1 race, campaign aims to draw attention to rights abuses in Bahrain
A new campaign has been launched by Reporters Without Borders to draw international attention to the government policy of orchestrating disinformation about Bahrain’s street protests and the ensuing crackdown.
Politically motivated arrests and imprisonment continue in Azerbaijan
Ahead of its second UN Universal Periodic Review on 30 April 2013, Azerbaijan continues to crack down on activists, social media users and Internet bloggers.