Bahrain Center for Human Rights

On the eve of the International Association of Judges (IAJ) Congress, the IFEX-TMG reiterates its deep concern about the continuous persecution of independent judges.

Since Abdirahman Mohamed Farole became president on 11 January 2009, journalists have been arrested, physically assaulted, suspended, censored and even killed, and the operations of news media organisations have been threatened, closed or restricted.

The authorities have not given any reasons for banning a book by author Nader Kadim and canceling his book launch.

IFEX members called on the Burmese government and the governments of the ASEAN to ensure freedom of expression, access to information, democratic values and human rights are respected during this critical moment in the electoral history of Burma.

Hussein Al-Dirazi and Mohammed Mushaimea complained of cruel treatment and torture during their detention on charges of “transmitting photos that would bring harm to Bahrain”.

IFEX-TMG is gravely concerned for the well-being of Fahem Boukaddous, who began a hunger strike on 8 October to protest his prison conditions.

With increased reports of killings, beating, assaults and threats to journalists, the space under which media exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms is increasingly being narrowed.

In an open letter to the president of the legislative assembly, 24 IFEX members express concern over two articles in the proposed Law against Racism and All Forms of Discrimination.