Human Rights Defenders

Uzbekistan: Ensure Fair Appeal for Human Rights Defender

Human Rights Watch — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:32:21 -0800

(New York) - Uzbek authorities should ensure that an appeal hearing that began today for a human rights advocate is fair and independent, Human Rights Watch said. The activist, Farkhad Mukhtarov, was convicted of criminal charges in a trial that appeared to have been politically motivated, and he was denied the right to defend himself fully, Human Rights Watch said.

Engaging Cuba on Human Rights

Jorge G. Castañeda — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:57:19 -0800

Normalization of U.S.

Morocco: Reverse Expulsion of Sahrawi Activist

Human Rights Watch — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:54:00 -0800

(New York) - Morocco must reverse its expulsion of Sahrawi rights activist Aminatou Haidar and allow her to enter her country of nationality, Human Rights Watch said today. Spain must intercede with Morocco to ensure her return, Human Rights Watch added.

Morocco/Western Sahara: Reverse New Rule on Sahrawi Activists’ Contacts

Human Rights Watch — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:56:03 -0800

(New York) - Morocco is taking another regressive step on human rights by blocking "unauthorized" visits by foreigners to the homes of Sahrawi activists in Western Sahara, Human Rights Watch said today.

Uzbekistan: Stop Harassing Activists

Human Rights Watch — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:04:23 -0800

(New York) - Uzbek authorities should immediately stop their new harassment campaign against political activists and human rights defenders, Human Rights Watch said today. Since November 7, 2009, local authorities in six locations have detained at least seven activists and beaten three of them, one of whom sought hospital treatment.

Syria: Restore Jailed Lawyer’s Credentials

Human Rights Watch — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0800

(New York) - The Damascus Bar Association should reverse this week's decision to permanently disbar the lawyer and rights activist Muhanad al-Hasani, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch also urged Syrian authorities to free al-Hasani, who is in detention awaiting trial on charges of "weakening national sentiment" and "spreading false information."

Iran: Four Journalists Receive Hellman/Hammett Grants

Human Rights Watch — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:18:49 -0800

(New York) - Four Iranians are among 37 writers from 18 countries who are receiving the prestigious Hellman/Hammett award, Human Rights Watch said today.

The award recognizes their commitment to free expression and the courage with which they have faced political persecution.

Cuba: Prominent Blogger Abducted, Beaten

Human Rights Watch — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:20:51 -0800

(Washington, DC) – Cuban authorities should cease all attacks on human rights defenders, journalists, bloggers and civic activists, Human Rights Watch said today. The international community should condemn attacks on those who peacefully exercise their basic rights to freedom of expression, opinion, and assembly in the strongest terms.

Iran: Stop Covering Up Sexual Assaults in Prison

Human Rights Watch — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:28:52 -0800

(New York) - Iran's judiciary should immediately investigate cases of sexual assaults in prison and prosecute those responsible, instead of covering up these crimes, Human Rights Watch said today.

Colombia/Venezuela: Investigate Border Killings and Attack

Human Rights Watch — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:23:30 -0700

(Washington, DC) - The governments of Venezuela and Colombia should thoroughly and promptly investigate the recent abductions and killings of ten men by an unidentified armed group on the Venezuelan side of the border between the two countries, Human Rights Watch said today.