Freedom House

“The beating and arrest of peaceful demonstrators protesting a project that would uproot thousands of Sudanese and destroy valuable heritage sites shows the government’s disregard for fundamental rights.”

Six countries that are often overlooked in the news warrant special scrutiny as they reach turning points in their trajectory toward – or away from – democracy.

“The death of this Darfuri human rights defender is a sobering reminder that the Government of Sudan continues to carry out mass human rights abuses in Darfur, as the armed conflict there approaches its 13th year.”

Freedom House sat down with activist Bob Rigurika to talk about human rights and freedom of expression in Burundi in the aftermath of his release from prison in 2015.

“The property damage at Human Right House is part of the series of violent attacks against journalists, politicians, academics and open-minded government officials in Serbia,” said Robert Herman, vice-president for international programs. “

The government’s recent pressure on nongovernmental organizations threatens a central pillar of the country’s democratic system—and ordinary Kenyans appreciate what they stand to lose.

Police searched the Almaty offices of Nakanune.kz and the homes of Nakanune.kz owner Guzyal Baidalinova and journalists Yulia Kozlova. Almaty police said they have initiated pre-trial investigations against Respublika and Nakanune.kz for allegedly disseminating false information about the activities of Kazkommertsbank.

“The court’s conviction of Ildar Dadin marks the first time Russian authorities have relied on amendments added in 2012 to the article 212 of the criminal code, which criminalize political dissent,” said Daniel Calingaert, executive vice-president of Freedom House.