Ending Virginity Tests in the Indonesian Army: Daily Brief
International pressure needed to protect rights in Nicaragua; Kyrgyzstan's "false information" law must be vetoed; Taliban forces execute soldiers and civilians; investigate the death of a prominent Belarusian in Ukraine; lead toxicity in Zambia; two high-profile Belarusian opposition leaders are to stand trial; and HRW’s Power of the Streets podcast now on Youtube!
Indonesian army chief, General Andika Perkasa, called for an end to the invasive and abusive virginity tests subjected to female military recruits for decades. He said applicants should only be assessed on their ability to take part in physical training.
Nicaraguan government critics are being arrested in a crackdown on free speech ahead of the elections. International pressure could stop human rights abuses and allow a free and fair election.
If signed by President Sadyr Japarov, a new information law in Kyrgyzstan could give broad powers to security forces and limit free speech.
Taliban forces advancing in Ghazni, Kandahar, and other Afghan provinces have executed detained soldiers, police, and civilians with alleged ties to the Afghan government.
How did Belarusian Vital Shyshou die? Only credible investigations into this death in Kyiv, Ukraine could provide urgently needed answers.
For decades, residents of central Kabwe, Zambia, have been exposed to toxic levels of lead. This contamination should be cleaned up immediately.
The trial of two Belarusian opposition leaders, Maryya Kalesnikava and Maksim Znak, is set to begin today on charges of conspiracy to seize power after a call for a protest against last year’s presidential election results.
And finally, HRW podcast Power of the Streets is now available on Youtube. Listen and subscribe!