Human Rights Watch

First two prison sentences under decree used to stifle free speech

Systematic crackdown on organizations; official intimidation, interrogations.

The signatories expressed concern that the criminal court recently dropped charges against the accused in the murders of journalist Ahmed Rilwan and blogger Yameen Rasheed.

“The assault on LGBTQI+ rights has become a symbol of Russia’s rejection of universal human rights, as the government positions Russia as the defender of so-called traditional values in opposition to ‘the collective West'” – HRW

A Russian court sentenced artist Aleksandra Skochilenko to seven years in prison for replacing supermarket price tags with information about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“The EU’s response to the ongoing hostilities, as well as its position on the situation in Israel and Palestine before the October 7 attacks, have exposed double standards that have raised questions about the EU’s – or at least some of its members’ – commitment to international law” – HRW

International humanitarian law applies to all: do not deliberately or indiscriminately attack civilians, do not take hostages, do not punish civilians for the actions of individuals, do not deny or withhold humanitarian assistance.

Via its Digital Investigations Lab, HRW is verifying information to identify falsehoods that are circulating online and building investigations into possible war crimes committed in Israel and in Gaza.