Human Rights Watch

In its 644-page World Report 2015, Human Rights Watch reviews human rights practices in more than 90 countries.

The government’s apparent use of thugs to assault rights campaigners is on the rise in Vietnam, says Human Rights Watch.

The demonstrators were protesting proposed changes to the electoral law that many believed would permit President Joseph Kabila to stay in office beyond his mandated two-term limit.

Ahead of the January 25 anniversary, two women were killed while participating in apparently peaceful protests, and at least 18 died on the anniversary.

Bob Rugurika was arrested days after his radio station broadcast a series of investigative reports into the September 2014 murder of three elderly Italian nuns in the country. The broadcasts included allegations about the involvement of senior intelligence officials in the attack on the convent.

A new HRW report documents harassment, intimidation, and attacks on journalists and the Afghan government’s failure to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

King Abdullah’s reign brought about marginal advances for women but failed to secure the fundamental rights of Saudi citizens to free expression, association, and assembly.

“While terrorism poses grave threats to society, overbroad and abusive counterterrorism measures can also inflict grave harm and exacerbate conflict,” HRW said. “Harsh measures that conflate political or religious dissent with crime discourage ordinary people from trusting or cooperating with law enforcement agencies.”