Human Rights Watch

Turkey’s broadcasting watchdog, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), has contributed to the deepening censorship of independent and critical broadcasting by imposing five-day broadcasting bans on two TV stations and heavy fines on others.

A leaked list of over 2,000 detainees demonstrates automated repression. Human Rights Watch has published a study documenting further evidence of China’s use of technology in its repression of the Muslim population.

On 3 December, a Minsk court stripped TUT.BY of its media licence over allegedly spreading “false information.” TUT.BY is one of the most popular online outlets in Belarus, reporting on a broad range of social and political issues, including police abuse against peaceful protesters.

Authorities have reportedly prepared a list of 4,000 Rohingya refugees who are set to be relocated to Bhasan Char island. Human Rights Watch called for a transparent relocation process and said the transfers need independent assessment and refugees’ informed consent.

‘Women’s rights groups have boldly called out governments’ inadequate response to this “shadow pandemic” amid mounting evidence that pandemic-related lockdowns bring a heightened risk of domestic abuse and create barriers to seeking help.’

According to Human Rights Watch, a cybercrimes bill being considered by Iraqi parliament could be used to stifle free expression, giving authorities yet another tool to suppress dissent in an already shrinking civic space.

An investigation found credible information of 23 incidents of unlawful killing of 39 people by Australian forces in Afghanistan. The Australian soldiers who came forward to speak out about these incidents challenged a culture of secrecy and silence that has surrounded the Australian Defence Force for many years.

Angolan police used live ammunition, teargas and dogs to break-up peaceful anti-government protests in Luanda.