AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Media Briefing
AI Index: EUR 41/009/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 205
14 November 2007
Embargo Date: 14 November 2007 10:00 GMT
Spain: Effective impunity of police officers in cases of torture and other ill-treatment
CASES
Serious concerns regarding torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment (ill-treatment) committed by law enforcement officials in Spain, and the failure to end impunity of those responsible, has for many years been expressed by Amnesty International. Similar concerns have been made by other international and national non-governmental organisations together with a range of UN and Council of Europe human rights bodies.
Amnesty International considers that the effective impunity enjoyed by many police officers results from a number of factors ranging from obstacles to lodging a complaint to failure by the authorities to impose appropriate sanctions. Other factors include the lack of independent investigations or the failure to investigate thoroughly; incomplete or inaccurate medical reports; insufficient evidence; intimidation of complainants; lack of impartiality in the investigation and excessive delays in the procedure.
The cases below illustrate these factors and highlight the range of ill-treatment experienced, which in some cases has led to serious injury. In the majority of cases those accused of ill-treatment have not been subject to disciplinary measures. In many instances preliminary criminal investigations were closed at an early stage so officers were not brought to trial. The cases are based on official documents released to Amnesty International and on the stories of victims as told to the organization's delegates.
OBSTACLES TO LODGING A COMPLAINT
Lucian Padurau was arrested on 27 July 2006 by five autonomous regional police officers outside his house in Barcelona, in a case of mistaken identity. He told Amnesty International that he was beaten on the street and that his pregnant wife, who was with him at the time, was also physically assaulted. He was physically assaulted again while in the police car on the way to the police station, threatened with a gun and told "You'd be better off confessing to everything. If the judge lets you off we'll kill you." The next day Lucian Padurau was released from custody after the police realised he was not the man they had been seeking. A few days later, Lucian Padurau reported the ill-treatment to an investigating court. The court official required that Lucian Padurau give the name and identification number of each of the officers involved in order to file the complaint. The official recorded the complaint only after Lucian Padurau threatened to inform the media of what had occurred. Following judicial investigation, the case was pending trial in September 2007.
LACK OF INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION
Sandra Guzmán witnessed a police officer from the autonomous regional police force partially strip search, hit and kick several men of North African origin in a park in La Casilla, Bilbao, on 25 December 2006. The officer's colleagues (approximately seven in total) did nothing to intervene. She told the police officers to arrest the men if they had committed a crime but to stop treating them in such a violent manner. On 27 December, Sandra Guzmán made a complaint regarding the incident at the autonomous Basque government's Department of the Interior and a few days later she registered a criminal complaint at Investigating Court 1 of Bilbao. In mid-January 2007, a police officer from the internal affairs unit visited her elderly parents' house in Bilbao in search of her and tried to convince her mother that Sandra Guzmán should withdraw the complaint. Sandra Guzmán was indignant at the lack of impartiality as she was going to be questioned by an officer of the same force as the agents she had reported and who, in addition, had recommended that she withdraw the complaint.
FAILURE TO INVESTIGATE
Jordi Vilaseca, a young man from Torà in Catalonia, was arrested on 1 April 2003 by autonomous regional police officers while driving home from work. In the police station, he was forced to remain standing in a cell, facing the wall without leaning against it, until he collapsed from exhaustion after 10 hours. Jordi Vilaseca was interrogated by a national police officer who pretended to strangle him with his own dreadlocks and told him that his girlfriend would be arrested and the police officers would rape her. While making his police statement, Jordi Vilaseca was reportedly not allowed to speak to the lawyer present. After three days in detention, he lost consciousness and was hospitalised. When he regained consciousness, he was unable to speak, walk or control his bowels. After being released, he made a complaint against the police for torture. In May 2005 the case was closed on the grounds of lack of evidence and because the prosecutor said there were contradictory versions of events from the complainant and the accused. Jordi Vilaseca's lawyer appealed, arguing that during the initial investigatory stage of proceedings contradictory testimonies were to be expected. The case was re-opened but closed again without new justification. Another appeal was lodged and rejected. Jordi Vilaseca has now lodged a case with the Constitutional Court, which was pending in October 2007.
Sergio L.D. was arrested by national police officers during a demonstration in Barcelona on 16 March 2002. He was beaten violently on his legs and head inside the police van and described being used 'like a battering ram' against the side of a police vehicle. He was further assaulted in the police station, which caused him to suffer muscle seizures and vomiting. A doctor reportedly advised that he be taken to hospital due to his head injuries but officers continued to interrogate him, whipping the soles of his feet with a whip and threatening him with a knife. After losing consciousness several times during the night he was taken to hospital the following day. His physical injuries required several months to heal and he is still receiving psychological counselling. The case against the police officers was originally discharged without further investigation but Sergio appealed to the Provincial Criminal Court of Barcelona which ordered the lower court to open an investigation into a possible crime of torture. The case was still in the initial investigatory stages in October 2007, almost four years after this ruling.
INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
Daniel Díaz Gallego, Manuel Matilla Parrilla, Israel Sánchez Jiménez, and Marcos V, participated in a demonstration on 1 December 2001 in the centre of Madrid protesting against a new law relating to higher education. Towards the end of the demonstration a number of violent incidents occurred, which resulted in assaults on police officers, as well as damage to public goods and private property. The four men were arrested on suspicion of involvement in these incidents. They claim that while in police custody they were subjected to serious ill-treatment by police. Upon release they presented criminal complaints against the police for ill-treatment. Daniel Díaz stated that towards the end of the demonstration he was grabbed by a national police officer, pushed to the ground where his head hit the curb, and handcuffed. He was pushed into a police car where a police officer forced his head between his legs, causing him significant pain and impeding his breathing. Upon arrival at Leganitos police station, Daniel Díaz was pushed against a wall and the police officer kicked him from behind before searching him. He continued to be beaten and slapped while being told not to look at the officers present. Daniel Díaz and another detainee was later taken to a health clinic for a medical exam where the beating by the police continued. On 14 January 2002, Daniel Díaz presented this complaint of illegal detention, torture and ill-treatment, threats, degrading treatment and assault on physical integrity to Investigating Court 2 of Madrid, supported by medical reports. On 24 June 2003 the court acquitted both accused police officers on the grounds that it could not be proven that they were responsible for the ill-treatment, despite confirming the evidence of Daniel Díaz's physical injuries. Marcos V, Manuel Matilla and Israel Sánchez also presented complaints alleging ill-treatment very similar to that described by Daniel Díaz but they were all rejected on the grounds of lack of evidence. The three alleged victims of torture and other ill-treatment were all convicted on 27 October 2005 of assault on a public agent.
INTIMIDATION OF COMPLAINANTS
Daniel Guilló Cruz, his girlfriend Tamara Blanco Ovalles and another female friend were stopped by two plain-clothes national police officers just after midnight on 12 January 2007 in Ciudad de los Poetas, Madrid. The police officers told Daniel Guilló to hand over the marijuana cigarette he had in his hand and any other drugs he was carrying. One of the officers then began to beat him as the other pushed him against a car, holding him by the neck. Daniel Guilló and the two women with him believed the men assaulting him were muggers, as they had not identified themselves as police officers. The women used their mobile phones to call for police assistance. Uniformed police reinforcements arrived and joined the officers beating Daniel Guilló. It was only at this time that the victims became aware that the two men who had initially approached them were police officers. Daniel Guilló was handcuffed and told he was under arrest for assault on a public agent. He was then punched in the face several times by one of the plain clothes officers, and suffered a broken nose as a result. His two friends were arrested for assault on a public agent and threats. On the following day, Daniel Guilló was told he was being charged with attempted homicide.
LACK OF IMPARTIALITY, PROMPTNESS AND THOROUGNESS IN INVESTIGATIONS
Juan Daniel Pintos Garrido, Alex Cisterna Amestica and Rodrigo Lanza Huidobro were arrested on 4 February 2006 after a local police officer was gravely injured in disputed circumstances outside a party in a house in Barcelona. All three men deny any involvement in the incident and have also claimed they were subjected to serious physical ill-treatment during arrest and while in police detention. As of September 2007 they continue to be held in remand detention awaiting trial on charges of assault on a public officer and attempted homicide. The three men all made complaints of ill-treatment against the police. Their families and lawyers claim that the investigating judge (who is investigating both the charges against Juan Pintos, Alex Cisterna and Rodrigo Lanza as well as their complaints of ill-treatment against the police) has made comments which demonstrate a biased attitude towards the proceedings in favour of the police officers involved. Although the complaints of ill-treatment were made by the complainants at the same time as the charges were brought against them concerning the injured police officer, at the same investigating court and under control of the same judge, the speed at which each case has been investigated differs greatly. The investigatory stage of the attempted homicide case was completed in June 2006 and the case was pending trial in September 2007. In contrast, nobody was called to make a witness statement on the allegations of ill-treatment until January 2007. The investigating judge provisionally discharged the three complaints of ill-treatment at the end of July. The complainants' have submitted an appeal. Their families have also informed Amnesty International that they question the impartiality of the judge and fear that the trial will be unfair.
Javier S was arrested by two national police officers in Plaza Universitat (Barcelona) on the evening of 3 June 2005 while sitting with a small group of friends who had just participated in a gay pride demonstration. The officers grabbed him, beat him and then handcuffed him before throwing him into a police car. He was not told why he had been arrested. Along with several others who had also been detained he was taken to the police station in Vía Augusta. Upon arrival at the police station the detainees - nine in total - were subjected to insults, including homophobic comments. They were refused permission to use the toilet, to have something to drink or to see a doctor. Immediately after their release from police custody on 7 June 2005, Javier S and four others made formal complaints of ill-treatment at Investigating Court 22. Their complaints were rejected by the judge on 2 September who concluded that the police had acted with the minimal force necessary at the time of the arrest. The judge did not comment on the allegations of ill-treatment inside the police station. Javier S appealed to the Provincial Criminal Court of Barcelona, which on 7 December ordered the lower court to investigate the allegations. On 8 March 2006 the investigating judge closed the case again on the basis that the testimonies given by the police officers who had appeared in court (and who the complainants claimed were not the ones present in the police station during the incident) did not indicate any misconduct had occurred. The only recourse left to the complainants is to petition the Constitutional Court on the grounds of denial of due process, which is a lengthy and expensive procedure.
Public Document
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Showing posts with label Amnesty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amnesty. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL-Public Statement
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Public Statement
AI Index: AFR 01/008/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 221
14 November 2007
The African Commission: Amnesty International's oral statement on internally displaced persons
Amnesty International welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Africa and would like to thank him for the important work he is carrying out and encourage him to continue to do so.
We would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of our recent findings pertinent to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.
Chad
According to recent United Nations estimates, 170,000 Chadians have been forcibly displaced within their own country due to the ongoing armed conflict. In addition, over 30,000 Chadians have sought refuge in Sudan. The internal displacement in Chad has occurred within the context of an existing humanitarian emergency created by the influxes since 2003 of more than 240, 000 Sudanese refugees into the eastern region of Chad .
Women and girls who are able to flee often lose everything -- their homes, crops and sometimes even their husbands, older relatives and children. Living for the most part in IDP sites they are depending, for their survival, on the humanitarian aid they receive. Their precarious new environment offers them little security -- indeed many are at risk of rape and similar such assaults, specifically outside the IDP sites when they go out to find firewood and other resources for their families. The alleged perpetrators of these abuses include all the armed elements operating in eastern Chad, namely Chadian and Sudanese armed opposition movements, the Sudanese militia known as the Janjawid from Darfur, and members of the Chadian national army.
In June 2007, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that in IDP sites the mortality rate was double the emergency threshold and that almost one child in five was suffering from acute malnutrition. At around the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that, given the poor quality of shelter and lack of access to clean water, there was a serious risk of malaria and diarrhea epidemics.
Central African Republic (CAR)
There has been mass displacement of the population in northern Central African Republic (CAR). Tens of thousands of northern CAR citizens have fled to neighboring countries, and several hundred thousand others have been internally displaced as a result of the insecurity prevailing in the region. The people are fleeing from the armed conflict between government forces and armed political groups, as well as from armed bandits who abduct mainly children for ransom.
More than 50,000 people have fled to southern Chad and over 26,000 have crossed to Cameroon, while several thousand have fled from north-eastern CAR to Sudan. The refugees in southern Chad have limited access to healthcare and other humanitarian assistance. During their visit to refugee camps in southern Chad in May 2007, Amnesty International delegates learned that refugees were receiving only 8.4kg of maize meal flour, a few hundred grams of salt and a cupful of oil per month per person from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In many cases, refugees had to sell some of their meager supply of maize meal flour to buy vegetables to eat with the maize meal. By the start of August 2007, CAR refugees in Cameroon had no access to humanitarian assistance and were largely surviving on assistance provided by the local Cameroonian population and by selling the animals they had been able to flee with.
Over 200,000 people are internally displaced in northern CAR. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) have had to abandon their homes, food reserves and other property, which are often looted or destroyed by government soldiers, armed groups or armed bandits. The displaced people have limited access to humanitarian assistance, and succumb to exposure and lack of medical care when they try to survive in the wild.
Sudan
IDPs
In Darfur the number of IDPs continues to increase -- from the beginning of the year till the end of August 250,000 people were displaced, some for a second, third or fourth time. The Sudanese Armed Forces continues to bomb and attack civilian areas. In May and June 2007 more than 2,500 people made a 10-day trek to the Central African Republic after the government and Janjawid attacked Daffaq in South Darfur. Civilians are also displaced in attacks by the fragmented armed opposition groups on each other and also in those caused by internal fighting between different ethnic groups. Some of the worst ethnic fighting has been between Arab groups, such as the northern Rizeigat and the Tarjem, who have joined the Janjawid and been heavily armed and incorporated into paramilitary forces by the government. Darfur has become awash with arms from government and other sources and with the fragmentation of armed opposition groups, often into factions based on ethnic groups, the IDP camps are becoming militarized and divided and increasingly dangerous.
Refugees
Hundreds of Ethiopian refugees, some with refugee status confirmed by UNHCR, were rounded up in Sudan during June and July. Some had lived as refugees in Sudan since the 1970s; others arrived more recently, during the 1990s. In Ethiopia they were in danger of detention and torture; nevertheless, at least 15 of those detained in Sudan were forcibly returned to Ethiopia in September. Those forcibly returned were reportedly handed into the custody of Ethiopian security personnel and their present whereabouts are unknown.
One of those who was handed to Ethiopian security forces was Atanaw Wasie, aged 74, who suffers from chronic asthma. Atanaw Wasie was a political opponent of the Dergue who has lived in Sudan for more than 20 years. He was arrested in July in the town of Gedaref in Sudan, and forcibly returned from Sudan on 27 September. His family has searched for him and requested information on his whereabouts from the Ethiopian authorities without success. On 11 October UNHCR condemned the deportation of 15 Ethiopian refugees, and said that Khartoum had not responded to its requests for information.
The above highlighted cases require a strong and effective legal framework and implementation mechanism to ensure that governments and other members of the international community take seriously their obligations towards refugees and IDPs. Amnesty international therefore urges the African Commission to support the adoption of a new regional legal framework focusing on the rights of IDPs, based on the Guiding Principles of Internal Displacement which have already been endorsed by the African Commission.
Public Statement
AI Index: AFR 01/008/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 221
14 November 2007
The African Commission: Amnesty International's oral statement on internally displaced persons
Amnesty International welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Africa and would like to thank him for the important work he is carrying out and encourage him to continue to do so.
We would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of our recent findings pertinent to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.
Chad
According to recent United Nations estimates, 170,000 Chadians have been forcibly displaced within their own country due to the ongoing armed conflict. In addition, over 30,000 Chadians have sought refuge in Sudan. The internal displacement in Chad has occurred within the context of an existing humanitarian emergency created by the influxes since 2003 of more than 240, 000 Sudanese refugees into the eastern region of Chad .
Women and girls who are able to flee often lose everything -- their homes, crops and sometimes even their husbands, older relatives and children. Living for the most part in IDP sites they are depending, for their survival, on the humanitarian aid they receive. Their precarious new environment offers them little security -- indeed many are at risk of rape and similar such assaults, specifically outside the IDP sites when they go out to find firewood and other resources for their families. The alleged perpetrators of these abuses include all the armed elements operating in eastern Chad, namely Chadian and Sudanese armed opposition movements, the Sudanese militia known as the Janjawid from Darfur, and members of the Chadian national army.
In June 2007, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that in IDP sites the mortality rate was double the emergency threshold and that almost one child in five was suffering from acute malnutrition. At around the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that, given the poor quality of shelter and lack of access to clean water, there was a serious risk of malaria and diarrhea epidemics.
Central African Republic (CAR)
There has been mass displacement of the population in northern Central African Republic (CAR). Tens of thousands of northern CAR citizens have fled to neighboring countries, and several hundred thousand others have been internally displaced as a result of the insecurity prevailing in the region. The people are fleeing from the armed conflict between government forces and armed political groups, as well as from armed bandits who abduct mainly children for ransom.
More than 50,000 people have fled to southern Chad and over 26,000 have crossed to Cameroon, while several thousand have fled from north-eastern CAR to Sudan. The refugees in southern Chad have limited access to healthcare and other humanitarian assistance. During their visit to refugee camps in southern Chad in May 2007, Amnesty International delegates learned that refugees were receiving only 8.4kg of maize meal flour, a few hundred grams of salt and a cupful of oil per month per person from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In many cases, refugees had to sell some of their meager supply of maize meal flour to buy vegetables to eat with the maize meal. By the start of August 2007, CAR refugees in Cameroon had no access to humanitarian assistance and were largely surviving on assistance provided by the local Cameroonian population and by selling the animals they had been able to flee with.
Over 200,000 people are internally displaced in northern CAR. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) have had to abandon their homes, food reserves and other property, which are often looted or destroyed by government soldiers, armed groups or armed bandits. The displaced people have limited access to humanitarian assistance, and succumb to exposure and lack of medical care when they try to survive in the wild.
Sudan
IDPs
In Darfur the number of IDPs continues to increase -- from the beginning of the year till the end of August 250,000 people were displaced, some for a second, third or fourth time. The Sudanese Armed Forces continues to bomb and attack civilian areas. In May and June 2007 more than 2,500 people made a 10-day trek to the Central African Republic after the government and Janjawid attacked Daffaq in South Darfur. Civilians are also displaced in attacks by the fragmented armed opposition groups on each other and also in those caused by internal fighting between different ethnic groups. Some of the worst ethnic fighting has been between Arab groups, such as the northern Rizeigat and the Tarjem, who have joined the Janjawid and been heavily armed and incorporated into paramilitary forces by the government. Darfur has become awash with arms from government and other sources and with the fragmentation of armed opposition groups, often into factions based on ethnic groups, the IDP camps are becoming militarized and divided and increasingly dangerous.
Refugees
Hundreds of Ethiopian refugees, some with refugee status confirmed by UNHCR, were rounded up in Sudan during June and July. Some had lived as refugees in Sudan since the 1970s; others arrived more recently, during the 1990s. In Ethiopia they were in danger of detention and torture; nevertheless, at least 15 of those detained in Sudan were forcibly returned to Ethiopia in September. Those forcibly returned were reportedly handed into the custody of Ethiopian security personnel and their present whereabouts are unknown.
One of those who was handed to Ethiopian security forces was Atanaw Wasie, aged 74, who suffers from chronic asthma. Atanaw Wasie was a political opponent of the Dergue who has lived in Sudan for more than 20 years. He was arrested in July in the town of Gedaref in Sudan, and forcibly returned from Sudan on 27 September. His family has searched for him and requested information on his whereabouts from the Ethiopian authorities without success. On 11 October UNHCR condemned the deportation of 15 Ethiopian refugees, and said that Khartoum had not responded to its requests for information.
The above highlighted cases require a strong and effective legal framework and implementation mechanism to ensure that governments and other members of the international community take seriously their obligations towards refugees and IDPs. Amnesty international therefore urges the African Commission to support the adoption of a new regional legal framework focusing on the rights of IDPs, based on the Guiding Principles of Internal Displacement which have already been endorsed by the African Commission.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL-Public Statement
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Public Statement
AI Index: AFR 01/007/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 221
14 November 2007
The African Commission: Amnesty International's oral statement on human rights defenders
Amnesty International is concerned about the continuing harassment, intimidation, torture and even extra-judicial killings of human rights defenders across Africa.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, it has become increasingly difficult over the past months, in particular in the East of the country, for human rights defenders to carry out their legitimate work due to threats and harassment from local authorities and from armed groups.
In Egypt, human rights organisations have been operating under the restrictive Law 84 of 2002 on associations. Many of them have been refused registration by the Ministry of Social Solidarity citing "security reasons" and lodged sometimes successfully legal proceedings before the administrative court to appeal such decision. Those whose applications are rejected and who continue to operate live in constant threat of prosecution and closure. Such restrictive measures led to the closure of the Centre for Trade Union and Workers' Services in April 2007 and the Association for Human Rights and Legal Aid in September 2007. The attack against these two leading organisations appears to be linked to their work in support of workers' rights and of victims of torture and their families. Such worrying developments happen at a time when Egyptian human rights organisations await amendments to the already restrictive Law 84 of 2002 on associations amongst fears that the authorities are seeking to further restrict and control their activities through increased administrative measures, purportedly for security reasons.
In Ethiopia, Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie are the two remaining defendants in the trial of the opposition political leaders, journalists and human rights defenders that followed the 2005 elections. They were arrested by police on 1 November 2005 and charged with "outrages against the Constitution". Both Daniel Bekele, policy manager of ActionAid in Ethiopia, and Netsanet Demissie, founder and director of the Organization of Social Justice, are human rights defenders and legal professionals who have been active in Ethiopian civil society. They have denied the charges against them, and said they had no connection with the political opposition. Amnesty International regards them as prisoners of conscience -- people who have not used or advocated violence. The verdict in their trial is due to be announced before the end of November and Amnesty International has called for their immediate and unconditional release.
In the Gambia, two Amnesty International staff members and Gambian journalist Yahya Dampha were arrested on 6 October 2007. They were released from police detention on 8 October with passports held and on the condition that they report back to the police each day until they were unconditionally released on 12 October. Amnesty International has received a formal apology from the Attorney General of The Gambia. However, soon after the Amnesty International staff left the country reports that Gambia's National Intelligence Agency were looking for Yahya Dampha forced him into hiding. Although Yahya Dampha is for the moment safe it is impossible for him to do his work and he fears for himself and his family. The arbitrary nature of the arrest highlights the challenges human rights defenders face in the Gambia and that result is a situation where human rights defenders live in fear for their life, security and freedom.
In Rwanda, long-standing human rights defender Francois-Xavier Byuma was sentenced to 19 years' imprisonment on 27 May 2007, after an unfair trial by the gacaca community court in the Bilyogo sector of Kigali. Turengere Abana, the organisation François-Xavier Byuma chairs, had looked into allegations that the judge presiding over the trial had raped a young girl. The judge therefore had a clear conflict of interest in the trial. The Appeal court decided on 18 August 2007 that the first instance verdict should stand, and the sentence of 19 years' imprisonment would remain. The court did not motivate its verdict, and gave no explanation on whether it had considered the question of impartiality of the judge in first instance. This failure by the court amounts to a gross miscarriage of justice. Amnesty International has called for a review of this case in line with international standards of fair trial.
In Somalia, Ahmed Mohamed Ali "Kiimiko" and Zakaria Mohammed Sheikh Yusuf, respectively the Chairperson and Legal Advisor of the Somali Human Rights Defenders Network (SOHRIDEN), have been investigating, documenting and reporting human rights violations and using advocacy to achieve change and respect for human rights. In recent months, both have received concrete and repeated death threats from opposition armed groups and unknown individuals, and threats and harassment from security forces of the Transitional Federal Government. These threats and attacks on their colleagues forced them to flee their country in October 2007. Amnesty International has urged all parties in the Somali conflict to end the attacks on human rights defenders and respect their work to uphold human rights.
In Zimbabwe, women human rights defenders are suffering increasing repression as they mobilise to confront the government in the face of a spiralling economic and social rights crisis. Many of these women reported being subjected to beatings and other ill-treatment while in police custody, in some cases amounting to torture. Much of the abuse has included sexist verbal abuse and derogatory accusations aimed at discrediting their character and work. Some have been detained with their children or while pregnant in deplorable conditions falling far below international human rights standards. Amnesty International has stressed that the international community must publicly condemn violations of human rights by the government of Zimbabwe, including organised violence by state actors, torture and ill-treatment, and more broadly the denial of human rights of women human rights defenders.
The above highlighted cases are but a few examples of the continuing violations of the human rights of human rights defenders in many parts of Africa. Attacks against human rights defenders violate the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and international human rights standards guaranteeing the rights to freedom of association and assembly and the rights to freedom of expression among others. According to the Kigali Declaration adopted by the African Union (AU) Ministerial Conference on Human Rights in May 2003, African governments must "take appropriate steps to implement the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in Africa."
Amnesty International calls on the African Commission to request its Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders to investigate the cases mentioned above and to report back to the Commission at its 43rd ordinary session on the steps the governments are taking to stop the abuses and on effective remedies provided to the victims.
We also call on the African Commission to adopt a resolution condemning attacks against human rights defenders in Africa and calling for the domestication and full implementation of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in Africa.
Public Statement
AI Index: AFR 01/007/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 221
14 November 2007
The African Commission: Amnesty International's oral statement on human rights defenders
Amnesty International is concerned about the continuing harassment, intimidation, torture and even extra-judicial killings of human rights defenders across Africa.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, it has become increasingly difficult over the past months, in particular in the East of the country, for human rights defenders to carry out their legitimate work due to threats and harassment from local authorities and from armed groups.
In Egypt, human rights organisations have been operating under the restrictive Law 84 of 2002 on associations. Many of them have been refused registration by the Ministry of Social Solidarity citing "security reasons" and lodged sometimes successfully legal proceedings before the administrative court to appeal such decision. Those whose applications are rejected and who continue to operate live in constant threat of prosecution and closure. Such restrictive measures led to the closure of the Centre for Trade Union and Workers' Services in April 2007 and the Association for Human Rights and Legal Aid in September 2007. The attack against these two leading organisations appears to be linked to their work in support of workers' rights and of victims of torture and their families. Such worrying developments happen at a time when Egyptian human rights organisations await amendments to the already restrictive Law 84 of 2002 on associations amongst fears that the authorities are seeking to further restrict and control their activities through increased administrative measures, purportedly for security reasons.
In Ethiopia, Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie are the two remaining defendants in the trial of the opposition political leaders, journalists and human rights defenders that followed the 2005 elections. They were arrested by police on 1 November 2005 and charged with "outrages against the Constitution". Both Daniel Bekele, policy manager of ActionAid in Ethiopia, and Netsanet Demissie, founder and director of the Organization of Social Justice, are human rights defenders and legal professionals who have been active in Ethiopian civil society. They have denied the charges against them, and said they had no connection with the political opposition. Amnesty International regards them as prisoners of conscience -- people who have not used or advocated violence. The verdict in their trial is due to be announced before the end of November and Amnesty International has called for their immediate and unconditional release.
In the Gambia, two Amnesty International staff members and Gambian journalist Yahya Dampha were arrested on 6 October 2007. They were released from police detention on 8 October with passports held and on the condition that they report back to the police each day until they were unconditionally released on 12 October. Amnesty International has received a formal apology from the Attorney General of The Gambia. However, soon after the Amnesty International staff left the country reports that Gambia's National Intelligence Agency were looking for Yahya Dampha forced him into hiding. Although Yahya Dampha is for the moment safe it is impossible for him to do his work and he fears for himself and his family. The arbitrary nature of the arrest highlights the challenges human rights defenders face in the Gambia and that result is a situation where human rights defenders live in fear for their life, security and freedom.
In Rwanda, long-standing human rights defender Francois-Xavier Byuma was sentenced to 19 years' imprisonment on 27 May 2007, after an unfair trial by the gacaca community court in the Bilyogo sector of Kigali. Turengere Abana, the organisation François-Xavier Byuma chairs, had looked into allegations that the judge presiding over the trial had raped a young girl. The judge therefore had a clear conflict of interest in the trial. The Appeal court decided on 18 August 2007 that the first instance verdict should stand, and the sentence of 19 years' imprisonment would remain. The court did not motivate its verdict, and gave no explanation on whether it had considered the question of impartiality of the judge in first instance. This failure by the court amounts to a gross miscarriage of justice. Amnesty International has called for a review of this case in line with international standards of fair trial.
In Somalia, Ahmed Mohamed Ali "Kiimiko" and Zakaria Mohammed Sheikh Yusuf, respectively the Chairperson and Legal Advisor of the Somali Human Rights Defenders Network (SOHRIDEN), have been investigating, documenting and reporting human rights violations and using advocacy to achieve change and respect for human rights. In recent months, both have received concrete and repeated death threats from opposition armed groups and unknown individuals, and threats and harassment from security forces of the Transitional Federal Government. These threats and attacks on their colleagues forced them to flee their country in October 2007. Amnesty International has urged all parties in the Somali conflict to end the attacks on human rights defenders and respect their work to uphold human rights.
In Zimbabwe, women human rights defenders are suffering increasing repression as they mobilise to confront the government in the face of a spiralling economic and social rights crisis. Many of these women reported being subjected to beatings and other ill-treatment while in police custody, in some cases amounting to torture. Much of the abuse has included sexist verbal abuse and derogatory accusations aimed at discrediting their character and work. Some have been detained with their children or while pregnant in deplorable conditions falling far below international human rights standards. Amnesty International has stressed that the international community must publicly condemn violations of human rights by the government of Zimbabwe, including organised violence by state actors, torture and ill-treatment, and more broadly the denial of human rights of women human rights defenders.
The above highlighted cases are but a few examples of the continuing violations of the human rights of human rights defenders in many parts of Africa. Attacks against human rights defenders violate the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and international human rights standards guaranteeing the rights to freedom of association and assembly and the rights to freedom of expression among others. According to the Kigali Declaration adopted by the African Union (AU) Ministerial Conference on Human Rights in May 2003, African governments must "take appropriate steps to implement the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in Africa."
Amnesty International calls on the African Commission to request its Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders to investigate the cases mentioned above and to report back to the Commission at its 43rd ordinary session on the steps the governments are taking to stop the abuses and on effective remedies provided to the victims.
We also call on the African Commission to adopt a resolution condemning attacks against human rights defenders in Africa and calling for the domestication and full implementation of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in Africa.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL-EU PRESS RELEASE
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
EU PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: EUR 46/046/2007 (Public)
Date: 26 October 2007
EU-RUSSIA SUMMIT:
HUMAN RIGHTS REQUIRE A COHERENT MESSAGE WITH ONE EU VOICE
(Brussels, 26 October) The EU should use today's Summit with the Russian Federation to press for progress on a number of key human rights issues, says Amnesty International.
One year since the killing of journalist and human rights defender Anna Politkovskaya, civil society activists and media continue to suffer pressure and intimidation, particularly those working on the North Caucasus. At least one journalist has reportedly had to flee the country in order to protect herself and her family.
This is only one side of the difficulties experienced by those who dare to speak out. In the North Caucasus, especially Ingushetia, the security situation has seriously deteriorated and there are accusations that the Federal Security Service has been involved in arbitrary detentions, torture, disappearances and extra-judicial executions.
The way racist crimes have been addressed by Russian authorities is another serious concern. Despite some progress, violent racist attacks continue to occur in Russia with alarming regularity and there is an apparent reluctance from authorities to investigate and prosecute perpetrators.
"These are just some examples of the grave violations of human rights that occur in Russia today and undermine the country's credibility as a key actor and partner of the international community," said Dick Oosting, Director of Amnesty International's EU Office.
"At the last Summit, in May in Samara, the EU was able to speak with one voice and firmly address the human rights problems in Russia. It is necessary to maintain that as an important signal to ordinary Russian citizens who want to live in a society that respects their rights", he added.
In a briefing (available at www.amnesty-eu.org) the human rights organization lists the key concerns which it asks the EU to address, namely:
Ø On-going human rights violations by state officials in the North Caucasus, particularly Ingushetia;
Ø The deterioration of freedom of expression and assembly in Russia, which has especially targeted civil society organizations;
Ø Cases of racist violence and apparent police inaction when faced with these crimes.
********
EU PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: EUR 46/046/2007 (Public)
Date: 26 October 2007
EU-RUSSIA SUMMIT:
HUMAN RIGHTS REQUIRE A COHERENT MESSAGE WITH ONE EU VOICE
(Brussels, 26 October) The EU should use today's Summit with the Russian Federation to press for progress on a number of key human rights issues, says Amnesty International.
One year since the killing of journalist and human rights defender Anna Politkovskaya, civil society activists and media continue to suffer pressure and intimidation, particularly those working on the North Caucasus. At least one journalist has reportedly had to flee the country in order to protect herself and her family.
This is only one side of the difficulties experienced by those who dare to speak out. In the North Caucasus, especially Ingushetia, the security situation has seriously deteriorated and there are accusations that the Federal Security Service has been involved in arbitrary detentions, torture, disappearances and extra-judicial executions.
The way racist crimes have been addressed by Russian authorities is another serious concern. Despite some progress, violent racist attacks continue to occur in Russia with alarming regularity and there is an apparent reluctance from authorities to investigate and prosecute perpetrators.
"These are just some examples of the grave violations of human rights that occur in Russia today and undermine the country's credibility as a key actor and partner of the international community," said Dick Oosting, Director of Amnesty International's EU Office.
"At the last Summit, in May in Samara, the EU was able to speak with one voice and firmly address the human rights problems in Russia. It is necessary to maintain that as an important signal to ordinary Russian citizens who want to live in a society that respects their rights", he added.
In a briefing (available at www.amnesty-eu.org) the human rights organization lists the key concerns which it asks the EU to address, namely:
Ø On-going human rights violations by state officials in the North Caucasus, particularly Ingushetia;
Ø The deterioration of freedom of expression and assembly in Russia, which has especially targeted civil society organizations;
Ø Cases of racist violence and apparent police inaction when faced with these crimes.
********
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA-Press Release
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, Oct. 26, 2007, 2007
Amnesty International Calls for Probe in Killings of Somali Journalists
Situation for Journalists is Worst Since 1991 State Collapse, with Eight Killed this Year
(Washington) -- In the wake of the Oct. 19 murder of journalist Bashir Nur Gedi, Amnesty International has said that attacks on Somali journalists are higher this year than in any other year since the overthrow of the Siad Barre government in 1991. The organization called on Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to begin an immediate investigation into the killings of eight journalists and bring those responsible to justice.
Since Ethiopian forces captured Mogadishu from the Union of Islamic Courts in December 2006, the situation for journalists and other civilians has continued to deteriorate; eight journalists have been killed this year and others threatened with violence. No arrests have been made. The most recent killing was of Bashir Nur Gedi, acting manager of the Shabelle Media Network, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his house on Friday, Oct. 19.
"Intimidating and harming journalists has apparently become a tool of war for armed parties in the Somali conflict," said Lynn Fredriksson, AIUSA advocacy director for Africa. "Attacks on journalists violate their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and press, as recognized in international human rights laws and treaties. The U.S. government must press the TFG to take concrete actions to stop these violations immediately."
In addition to journalists, humanitarian workers have also been subjected to attacks. The extraordinary raid on the U.N. compound in Mogadishu by more than 50 officers of the TFG's National Security Service on Oct. 17 and the arbitrary detention of Idris Osman, the local director of the U.N. World Food Program from Oct. 17-23, demonstrate a flagrant disregard for the rights of humanitarian workers acting to provide for the essential needs of vulnerable populations.
Amnesty International calls on the TFG to conduct prompt, effective and impartial investigations into the killings and threats of violence against journalists, humanitarian workers and other civilians and to bring those responsible to justice through fair trials and without the application of the death penalty.
The TFG must also end its repeated closings of media organizations and the arrests of journalists by its security forces, the organization said. These actions have created an environment where attacks against journalists assumed to be in reprisal for their reporting have become commonplace.
Since Amnesty International's last statement on the dangers faced by journalists in Somalia, particularly in Mogadishu (Urgent need for protection of journalists, Sept. 7, 2007), attacks on journalists have continued and include the following:
The attempted shooting of Radio Shabelle's acting manager Jafar Mohammed "Kukay" in Mogadishu on Sept. 24 and the siege of Radio Shabelle's building on Sept. 18, during which TFG security forces fired automatic weapons at windows, injuring a security guard. The U.N. Special Envoy to Somalia later reported that TFG leaders had stated this was an accident and gave assurance that it would not happen again.
The temporary closure of Radio Garowe in the Puntland capital of Garowe on Oct. 19 and the arrest of three members of its staff by Puntland security forces. All were released on Oct. 20 and the station has resumed broadcasting.
The closure for 24 hours of Radio Simba, a Mogadishu-based radio station and the arrest of two Radio Simba journalists by TFG security forces on Oct. 11. Abdullahi Ali Farah and Mohammed Farah were released the next day.
The arbitrary detention of Mr. Mohamed Hussein Jimale, a Mogadishu-based journalist from the news website www.puntlandpost.com, who was detained by TFG police in the prison adjacent to the President's Office in Villa Somalia Sept. 12-16.
Numerous other incidents in recent weeks of journalists being harassed, intimidated and arrested for short periods of time in Mogadishu by TFG security forces.
Amnesty International has also called on the TFG Minister for Information, Madobe Numow Mohamed, to respect the legitimate role of journalists. Amnesty International is concerned to note that the minister, in a letter dated Oct. 3, 2007, declared that the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) was not recognized by the TFG and had no right to represent and organize journalists. The NUSOJ has been a strong and impartial advocate for the rights of Somali journalists, documenting attacks on journalists and calling for action.
Amnesty International urges the international community to press the TFG to prioritize the protection of journalists. The United Nations, the United States, the European Union and the African Union have all invested considerable energy and resources in the development of the Transitional Federal Institutions of Somalia. It is essential that they use their resulting influence to uphold press freedom and freedom of expression in Somalia, and the right to physical integrity for all journalists in Somalia.
# # #
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, 212-633-4150
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, Oct. 26, 2007, 2007
Amnesty International Calls for Probe in Killings of Somali Journalists
Situation for Journalists is Worst Since 1991 State Collapse, with Eight Killed this Year
(Washington) -- In the wake of the Oct. 19 murder of journalist Bashir Nur Gedi, Amnesty International has said that attacks on Somali journalists are higher this year than in any other year since the overthrow of the Siad Barre government in 1991. The organization called on Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to begin an immediate investigation into the killings of eight journalists and bring those responsible to justice.
Since Ethiopian forces captured Mogadishu from the Union of Islamic Courts in December 2006, the situation for journalists and other civilians has continued to deteriorate; eight journalists have been killed this year and others threatened with violence. No arrests have been made. The most recent killing was of Bashir Nur Gedi, acting manager of the Shabelle Media Network, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his house on Friday, Oct. 19.
"Intimidating and harming journalists has apparently become a tool of war for armed parties in the Somali conflict," said Lynn Fredriksson, AIUSA advocacy director for Africa. "Attacks on journalists violate their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and press, as recognized in international human rights laws and treaties. The U.S. government must press the TFG to take concrete actions to stop these violations immediately."
In addition to journalists, humanitarian workers have also been subjected to attacks. The extraordinary raid on the U.N. compound in Mogadishu by more than 50 officers of the TFG's National Security Service on Oct. 17 and the arbitrary detention of Idris Osman, the local director of the U.N. World Food Program from Oct. 17-23, demonstrate a flagrant disregard for the rights of humanitarian workers acting to provide for the essential needs of vulnerable populations.
Amnesty International calls on the TFG to conduct prompt, effective and impartial investigations into the killings and threats of violence against journalists, humanitarian workers and other civilians and to bring those responsible to justice through fair trials and without the application of the death penalty.
The TFG must also end its repeated closings of media organizations and the arrests of journalists by its security forces, the organization said. These actions have created an environment where attacks against journalists assumed to be in reprisal for their reporting have become commonplace.
Since Amnesty International's last statement on the dangers faced by journalists in Somalia, particularly in Mogadishu (Urgent need for protection of journalists, Sept. 7, 2007), attacks on journalists have continued and include the following:
The attempted shooting of Radio Shabelle's acting manager Jafar Mohammed "Kukay" in Mogadishu on Sept. 24 and the siege of Radio Shabelle's building on Sept. 18, during which TFG security forces fired automatic weapons at windows, injuring a security guard. The U.N. Special Envoy to Somalia later reported that TFG leaders had stated this was an accident and gave assurance that it would not happen again.
The temporary closure of Radio Garowe in the Puntland capital of Garowe on Oct. 19 and the arrest of three members of its staff by Puntland security forces. All were released on Oct. 20 and the station has resumed broadcasting.
The closure for 24 hours of Radio Simba, a Mogadishu-based radio station and the arrest of two Radio Simba journalists by TFG security forces on Oct. 11. Abdullahi Ali Farah and Mohammed Farah were released the next day.
The arbitrary detention of Mr. Mohamed Hussein Jimale, a Mogadishu-based journalist from the news website www.puntlandpost.com, who was detained by TFG police in the prison adjacent to the President's Office in Villa Somalia Sept. 12-16.
Numerous other incidents in recent weeks of journalists being harassed, intimidated and arrested for short periods of time in Mogadishu by TFG security forces.
Amnesty International has also called on the TFG Minister for Information, Madobe Numow Mohamed, to respect the legitimate role of journalists. Amnesty International is concerned to note that the minister, in a letter dated Oct. 3, 2007, declared that the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) was not recognized by the TFG and had no right to represent and organize journalists. The NUSOJ has been a strong and impartial advocate for the rights of Somali journalists, documenting attacks on journalists and calling for action.
Amnesty International urges the international community to press the TFG to prioritize the protection of journalists. The United Nations, the United States, the European Union and the African Union have all invested considerable energy and resources in the development of the Transitional Federal Institutions of Somalia. It is essential that they use their resulting influence to uphold press freedom and freedom of expression in Somalia, and the right to physical integrity for all journalists in Somalia.
# # #
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, 212-633-4150
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA-Press Release
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA
PRESS RELEASE
Embargoed until October 25, 2007 00:01 GMT
Amnesty International Calls on Russian Federation to Adhere to the Rule of Law in Ingushetia and Avoid Repeating Mistakes Made in Chechnya
(Washington, DC)--Amnesty International warned that Russian and Ingush government authorities must not repeat mistakes made in Chechnya. There are an increasing number of enforced "disappearances," abductions and other human rights violations as the situation in Ingushetia, Chechnya's neighbor in the Russian Federation, rapidly deteriorates.
"After their blunders in Chechnya, the Russian authorities cannot afford to defy the law in dealing with the explosive situation in Ingushetia," said Larry Cox, Amnesty International USA executive director. "The Russian Federation government must ensure that any detention of Ingush detainees is performed in accord with Russian law and international human rights standards.
"Russian forces frequently disregarded the law during the Chechnya conflict and conducted 'disappearances' and torture of civilians. These shameful actions have damaged the lives and psyche of the civilians and also undercut the Federation's global credibility. The rule of law must be the center of any response to the security crisis in Ingushetia. Anything less is not only illegal but immoral," said Cox.
On the eve of the forthcoming European Union-Russia summit in Portugal on October 26, Amnesty International urges the Russian Federation to abide by international treaties to which it has agreed. Russian and Ingush authorities must ensure that their security forces' actions are carried out according to international standards and Russian law.
Law enforcement officials are reportedly conducting document checks and detentions in Ingushetia without identifying themselves, and in some cases wearing masks. In an apparently punitive raid on the village of Ali Yurt in July 2007, villagers were reportedly rounded up and beaten, while seven men were detained and taken to the building of the Federal Security Services in Magas where some were reportedly ill-treated. At least three men have been shot dead in the town of Nazran by law enforcement officers over the course of the year. While the authorities have stated that these men had put up armed resistance, witnesses to the killings claim that the men were summarily executed. Similar incidents have been reported in the towns of Malgobek and Karabulak.
Three men are still missing after being abducted by Russian security forces in Ingushetia this year. A fourth man's whereabouts remain unknown, after he went missing in March 2007. Other men have been released after having been abducted. Some of these detainees have been ill-treated or held in secret detention, including in pits dug in the ground. A number of other ethnic Ingush men are reported to have gone missing in neighboring North Ossetia. Their relatives believe they may have been detained by law enforcement officials and subsequently disappeared.
Ibragim Gazdiev, an ethnic Ingush, was, according to witnesses, seized by armed men in camouflage, at 12:54 pm on August 8, 2007, in Karabulak, in the Russian Republic of Ingushetia. He has not been seen or heard from since and according to unofficial information, may be held in incommunicado detention in Ingushetia or in a neighboring North Caucasus republic. The authorities however have officially denied that Gazdiev is being held in detention, and Amnesty International has grave concerns for his safety. The prosecutor's office is reported to have opened a criminal investigation into Gazdiev's abduction.
"U.S. government policy must not overlook the harmful results of Russia's violations related to the armed conflict in Chechnya," said Maureen Greenwood-Basken, Amnesty International USA advocacy director for Europe and Central Asia. "The lack of accountability for Russian security forces and armed groups appears to be spreading from Chechnya to Ingushetia. The U.S. government should address this impunity with Russian authorities and continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the beleaguered North Caucasus and support for the human rights defenders in the region."
Amnesty International is also concerned about human rights abuses reportedly committed by armed groups against civilians, including abductions. The organization has also received information that unknown gunmen are committing numerous attacks against members of ethnic Russian families and then detonating a bomb at the funeral of one of the victims. In addition, members of a Roma family, two Korean men and a Dagestani family have also been killed during such attacks. At the same time, armed groups have launched attacks, often fatal, against members of law enforcement agencies in Ingushetia.
Contact: Sharon Singh, 202-544-0200x302
PRESS RELEASE
Embargoed until October 25, 2007 00:01 GMT
Amnesty International Calls on Russian Federation to Adhere to the Rule of Law in Ingushetia and Avoid Repeating Mistakes Made in Chechnya
(Washington, DC)--Amnesty International warned that Russian and Ingush government authorities must not repeat mistakes made in Chechnya. There are an increasing number of enforced "disappearances," abductions and other human rights violations as the situation in Ingushetia, Chechnya's neighbor in the Russian Federation, rapidly deteriorates.
"After their blunders in Chechnya, the Russian authorities cannot afford to defy the law in dealing with the explosive situation in Ingushetia," said Larry Cox, Amnesty International USA executive director. "The Russian Federation government must ensure that any detention of Ingush detainees is performed in accord with Russian law and international human rights standards.
"Russian forces frequently disregarded the law during the Chechnya conflict and conducted 'disappearances' and torture of civilians. These shameful actions have damaged the lives and psyche of the civilians and also undercut the Federation's global credibility. The rule of law must be the center of any response to the security crisis in Ingushetia. Anything less is not only illegal but immoral," said Cox.
On the eve of the forthcoming European Union-Russia summit in Portugal on October 26, Amnesty International urges the Russian Federation to abide by international treaties to which it has agreed. Russian and Ingush authorities must ensure that their security forces' actions are carried out according to international standards and Russian law.
Law enforcement officials are reportedly conducting document checks and detentions in Ingushetia without identifying themselves, and in some cases wearing masks. In an apparently punitive raid on the village of Ali Yurt in July 2007, villagers were reportedly rounded up and beaten, while seven men were detained and taken to the building of the Federal Security Services in Magas where some were reportedly ill-treated. At least three men have been shot dead in the town of Nazran by law enforcement officers over the course of the year. While the authorities have stated that these men had put up armed resistance, witnesses to the killings claim that the men were summarily executed. Similar incidents have been reported in the towns of Malgobek and Karabulak.
Three men are still missing after being abducted by Russian security forces in Ingushetia this year. A fourth man's whereabouts remain unknown, after he went missing in March 2007. Other men have been released after having been abducted. Some of these detainees have been ill-treated or held in secret detention, including in pits dug in the ground. A number of other ethnic Ingush men are reported to have gone missing in neighboring North Ossetia. Their relatives believe they may have been detained by law enforcement officials and subsequently disappeared.
Ibragim Gazdiev, an ethnic Ingush, was, according to witnesses, seized by armed men in camouflage, at 12:54 pm on August 8, 2007, in Karabulak, in the Russian Republic of Ingushetia. He has not been seen or heard from since and according to unofficial information, may be held in incommunicado detention in Ingushetia or in a neighboring North Caucasus republic. The authorities however have officially denied that Gazdiev is being held in detention, and Amnesty International has grave concerns for his safety. The prosecutor's office is reported to have opened a criminal investigation into Gazdiev's abduction.
"U.S. government policy must not overlook the harmful results of Russia's violations related to the armed conflict in Chechnya," said Maureen Greenwood-Basken, Amnesty International USA advocacy director for Europe and Central Asia. "The lack of accountability for Russian security forces and armed groups appears to be spreading from Chechnya to Ingushetia. The U.S. government should address this impunity with Russian authorities and continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the beleaguered North Caucasus and support for the human rights defenders in the region."
Amnesty International is also concerned about human rights abuses reportedly committed by armed groups against civilians, including abductions. The organization has also received information that unknown gunmen are committing numerous attacks against members of ethnic Russian families and then detonating a bomb at the funeral of one of the victims. In addition, members of a Roma family, two Korean men and a Dagestani family have also been killed during such attacks. At the same time, armed groups have launched attacks, often fatal, against members of law enforcement agencies in Ingushetia.
Contact: Sharon Singh, 202-544-0200x302
Monday, October 22, 2007
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL - China: Reform
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: ASA 17/051/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 197
18 October 2007
Embargo Date: 18 October 2007 01:00 GMT
China: Reform of abusive detention law vital to Beijing Olympics human rights commitments
Amnesty International today published an open letter to the Standing Committee of China's legislature, the National People's Congress, calling for an end to 'Re-education Through Labour' (RTL), a form of detention imposed without charge, trial or judicial review for up to four years.
According to official Chinese media, the Standing Committee is due to discuss a new law, the 'Illegal Behaviour Correction Law', to replace RTL this month. The reform of RTL, and the discussion on the new law, has been stalled for more than two years.
Meanwhile, in the lead-up to the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing police have used China's hosting of the Games as a pretext to extend abusive detention practices such as RTL and 'Enforced Drug Rehabilitation', in the name of 'cleaning up' the city.
"Efforts to 'clean up' the city ahead of the Games through extending detention without trial raise serious questions about the commitment Chinese officials have made to improve their human rights record at the awarding of the Games to China," said Catherine Baber, Head of the Asia-Pacific Programme at Amnesty International.
Hundreds of thousands of people are believed to be held in RTL facilities, many in harsh conditions. RTL is used against people considered by the Chinese police to have committed offences not serious enough to be punished under the Criminal Law. These include petty criminals, critics of the government and followers of banned beliefs.
The proposed reform of RTL has been on China's legislative agenda for more than two years. Amnesty International has long raised concerns about the use of RTL, and urges the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in the lead-up to the Olympics to ensure that any legislation adopted to replace RTL complies fully with international human rights standards, including the right to fair trial.
"A positive Olympic legacy would mean fair trials according to international standards and an end to arbitrary police detention," said Catherine Baber. "We are less than one year from the start of the Beijing Games, and if the Chinese authorities are serious about the commitment they have made to improve their human rights record, they now have a unique opportunity to move one step closer to this, by ending these abusive detention practices."
Note to editors:
The National People's Congress (NPC) is distinct from the Chinese Communist Party which is holding its 17th Congress this week. The NPC is China's legislature and highest state body. It comprises around 3,000 delegates and meets every year for two weeks in March. The Standing Committee of the NPC exercises power between these sessions and meets every two months.
To download a copy of the open letter to the National People's Congress, please visit: http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170202007
To download a copy of the media kit listing Amnesty International's concerns in the lead-up to the Beijing Olympic Games, please visit:
http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170432007
Public Document
****************************************
For more information please call Amnesty International's press office in London, UK, on +44 20 7413 5566
Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London WC1X 0DW. web: http://www.amnesty.org
For latest human rights news view http://news.amnesty.org
PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: ASA 17/051/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 197
18 October 2007
Embargo Date: 18 October 2007 01:00 GMT
China: Reform of abusive detention law vital to Beijing Olympics human rights commitments
Amnesty International today published an open letter to the Standing Committee of China's legislature, the National People's Congress, calling for an end to 'Re-education Through Labour' (RTL), a form of detention imposed without charge, trial or judicial review for up to four years.
According to official Chinese media, the Standing Committee is due to discuss a new law, the 'Illegal Behaviour Correction Law', to replace RTL this month. The reform of RTL, and the discussion on the new law, has been stalled for more than two years.
Meanwhile, in the lead-up to the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing police have used China's hosting of the Games as a pretext to extend abusive detention practices such as RTL and 'Enforced Drug Rehabilitation', in the name of 'cleaning up' the city.
"Efforts to 'clean up' the city ahead of the Games through extending detention without trial raise serious questions about the commitment Chinese officials have made to improve their human rights record at the awarding of the Games to China," said Catherine Baber, Head of the Asia-Pacific Programme at Amnesty International.
Hundreds of thousands of people are believed to be held in RTL facilities, many in harsh conditions. RTL is used against people considered by the Chinese police to have committed offences not serious enough to be punished under the Criminal Law. These include petty criminals, critics of the government and followers of banned beliefs.
The proposed reform of RTL has been on China's legislative agenda for more than two years. Amnesty International has long raised concerns about the use of RTL, and urges the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in the lead-up to the Olympics to ensure that any legislation adopted to replace RTL complies fully with international human rights standards, including the right to fair trial.
"A positive Olympic legacy would mean fair trials according to international standards and an end to arbitrary police detention," said Catherine Baber. "We are less than one year from the start of the Beijing Games, and if the Chinese authorities are serious about the commitment they have made to improve their human rights record, they now have a unique opportunity to move one step closer to this, by ending these abusive detention practices."
Note to editors:
The National People's Congress (NPC) is distinct from the Chinese Communist Party which is holding its 17th Congress this week. The NPC is China's legislature and highest state body. It comprises around 3,000 delegates and meets every year for two weeks in March. The Standing Committee of the NPC exercises power between these sessions and meets every two months.
To download a copy of the open letter to the National People's Congress, please visit: http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170202007
To download a copy of the media kit listing Amnesty International's concerns in the lead-up to the Beijing Olympic Games, please visit:
http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA170432007
Public Document
****************************************
For more information please call Amnesty International's press office in London, UK, on +44 20 7413 5566
Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London WC1X 0DW. web: http://www.amnesty.org
For latest human rights news view http://news.amnesty.org
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL - Public Statement
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Public Statement
AI Index: ASA 33/023/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 201
19 October 2007
Pakistan: Amnesty International condemns bomb attacks on political rally in Karachi
Amnesty International condemns the bomb attacks on a peaceful political rally held by the opposition Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in Karachi on 18 October which reportedly resulted in the death of more than 130 people and the injury of over 500.
Amnesty International condemns all deliberate attacks against civilians. Such attacks are absolutely prohibited under international law and can never be justified. They demonstrate an utter disregard for the most fundamental principles of humanity, and must be immediately, totally and unconditionally stopped.
The nature of the bomb attacks have yet to be confirmed, but most media reports state that suicide bombers caused the blasts. No group, as yet, has claimed responsibility.
The attacks took place when Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan's former Prime Minister, was leading a rally of her party supporters on her return to Pakistan after more than eight years of self-imposed exile.
In recent months, Pakistan has suffered a series of suicide attacks across the country which have killed at least 100 civilians, including in the capital Islamabad and in Rawalpindi and Peshawar. Armed political groups have been suspected of carrying out these attacks, including at least one other peaceful political gathering.
Amnesty International calls upon all parties -- state and non state actors -- to respect every person's right to life, as well as their right to peacefully exercise their freedom of expression, association and assembly, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. The organization regards respect for and protection of these rights as of critical importance as political tension rise in the run up to the general elections expected to be held by January 2008.
Amnesty International urges the Government of Pakistan to ensure that the bomb attacks on the Karachi rally and previous attacks on civilians are investigated promptly, independently and impartially. Those suspected of perpetrating the attacks must be brought to justice, in proceedings which meet international standards of fairness and without the imposition of the death penalty.
Background Information:
The latest attacks come against a backdrop of increasing political tensions in the country following the suspension by President Musharraf of the Chief Justice in March 2007, which resulted widespread mass protests, with over 40 people killed in violent clashes in Karachi in May. In June hundreds of political activists in Punjab province and other parts of the country were subject to arbitrary arrest and detention as they sought hold peaceful rallies in support of the Chief Justice - who was reinstated in July 2006.
Political violence, including suicide attacks, increased again following operations by the security forces to flush out armed militants from Islamabad's Red Mosque (Lal Masjid) in July. In recent months there has been an upsurge in armed attacks in Warziristan in the Tribal Areas, which border Afghanistan, between radical militants and the Pakistan security forces, with both sides reportedly resorting to indiscriminate attacks in which many of civilians have reportedly died.
Additionally political tensions have mounted in the run-up to Presidential elections (held in October) and general elections (expected by January 2008). There have been repeated reports of excessive use of force by the authorities against largely peaceful demonstrations by political activists, lawyers and others.
Public Statement
AI Index: ASA 33/023/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 201
19 October 2007
Pakistan: Amnesty International condemns bomb attacks on political rally in Karachi
Amnesty International condemns the bomb attacks on a peaceful political rally held by the opposition Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in Karachi on 18 October which reportedly resulted in the death of more than 130 people and the injury of over 500.
Amnesty International condemns all deliberate attacks against civilians. Such attacks are absolutely prohibited under international law and can never be justified. They demonstrate an utter disregard for the most fundamental principles of humanity, and must be immediately, totally and unconditionally stopped.
The nature of the bomb attacks have yet to be confirmed, but most media reports state that suicide bombers caused the blasts. No group, as yet, has claimed responsibility.
The attacks took place when Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan's former Prime Minister, was leading a rally of her party supporters on her return to Pakistan after more than eight years of self-imposed exile.
In recent months, Pakistan has suffered a series of suicide attacks across the country which have killed at least 100 civilians, including in the capital Islamabad and in Rawalpindi and Peshawar. Armed political groups have been suspected of carrying out these attacks, including at least one other peaceful political gathering.
Amnesty International calls upon all parties -- state and non state actors -- to respect every person's right to life, as well as their right to peacefully exercise their freedom of expression, association and assembly, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. The organization regards respect for and protection of these rights as of critical importance as political tension rise in the run up to the general elections expected to be held by January 2008.
Amnesty International urges the Government of Pakistan to ensure that the bomb attacks on the Karachi rally and previous attacks on civilians are investigated promptly, independently and impartially. Those suspected of perpetrating the attacks must be brought to justice, in proceedings which meet international standards of fairness and without the imposition of the death penalty.
Background Information:
The latest attacks come against a backdrop of increasing political tensions in the country following the suspension by President Musharraf of the Chief Justice in March 2007, which resulted widespread mass protests, with over 40 people killed in violent clashes in Karachi in May. In June hundreds of political activists in Punjab province and other parts of the country were subject to arbitrary arrest and detention as they sought hold peaceful rallies in support of the Chief Justice - who was reinstated in July 2006.
Political violence, including suicide attacks, increased again following operations by the security forces to flush out armed militants from Islamabad's Red Mosque (Lal Masjid) in July. In recent months there has been an upsurge in armed attacks in Warziristan in the Tribal Areas, which border Afghanistan, between radical militants and the Pakistan security forces, with both sides reportedly resorting to indiscriminate attacks in which many of civilians have reportedly died.
Additionally political tensions have mounted in the run-up to Presidential elections (held in October) and general elections (expected by January 2008). There have been repeated reports of excessive use of force by the authorities against largely peaceful demonstrations by political activists, lawyers and others.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL - EU-Africa Summit
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: AFR 01/003/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 202
22 October 2007
EU-Africa Summit: Amnesty International denies reports of call for Sudanese exclusion
Amnesty International today denied reports that it had issued a call for Sudanese President Omar al- Bashir to be excluded from attending the upcoming EU-Africa Summit, scheduled to take place in Lisbon in December this year.
The reports were carried by the Portuguese news agency LUSA and Agence France Presse (AFP) on 19 October.
Amnesty International said that it welcomes dialogue and urged leaders from both Africa and the EU to ensure that human rights are a key part of the talks planned for December.
"Regardless of who attends the EU-Africa Summit, we would like to see a positive human rights outcome of the meeting and believe that human rights in both Africa and the EU countries should be at the heart of any EU-African dialogue," said Erwin van der Borght, Director of Amnesty International's Africa Programme.
Public Document
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For more information please call Amnesty International's press office in London, UK, on +44 20 7413 5566
Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London WC1X 0DW. web: http://www.amnesty.org
For latest human rights news view http://news.amnesty.org
PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: AFR 01/003/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 202
22 October 2007
EU-Africa Summit: Amnesty International denies reports of call for Sudanese exclusion
Amnesty International today denied reports that it had issued a call for Sudanese President Omar al- Bashir to be excluded from attending the upcoming EU-Africa Summit, scheduled to take place in Lisbon in December this year.
The reports were carried by the Portuguese news agency LUSA and Agence France Presse (AFP) on 19 October.
Amnesty International said that it welcomes dialogue and urged leaders from both Africa and the EU to ensure that human rights are a key part of the talks planned for December.
"Regardless of who attends the EU-Africa Summit, we would like to see a positive human rights outcome of the meeting and believe that human rights in both Africa and the EU countries should be at the heart of any EU-African dialogue," said Erwin van der Borght, Director of Amnesty International's Africa Programme.
Public Document
****************************************
For more information please call Amnesty International's press office in London, UK, on +44 20 7413 5566
Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London WC1X 0DW. web: http://www.amnesty.org
For latest human rights news view http://news.amnesty.org
Friday, October 5, 2007
Amnesty International Film Festival Expose
By Amnesty International
The festival office is now closed. We will check email only occasionally during this time. Until further notice, film submissions will only be considered for our On Campus Film Festival, our educational outreach program of free screenings in High Schools and University campuses. Please see submissions information on this page.
MISSION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Few artistic media have the power to reach across cultures, languages, and even time itself to influence millions of people in the language of our daily lives. Film has such power. Each year dozens of talented filmmakers work against long odds, short finances, and threatening politics to bring to the screen powerful stories of human struggle, sacrifice, and triumph. Some documentary filmmakers have risked their very lives so that we may be moved by far-off stories that, once told, seem very much closer to home. The Amnesty International Film Festival is dedicated to bringing these stories to our communities so that our colleagues, neighbors, and friends can see for themselves the full-range of challenges facing people in every part of the world.
And while public education is at the center of the festival's mission, our goals do not stop there. As a program of the world's largest human rights organization, the Film Festival also draws heavily on Amnesty International's experience as a worldwide campaigning movement. We strive to offer concrete opportunities to create positive change for those who are moved by what they have seen.
From Urgent Actions® on individual cases of human rights abuses, to regional action networks focusing on specific areas of the world, to topical programs like OUTFront for LGBT human rights issues and the USA Domestic Human Rights Program, all festival goers will have an opportunity to become meaningfully involved. Whether on behalf of issues they have long cared about, or on behalf of causes they may just have learned about in the documentary screening, Amnesty International stands ready to help them channel their energy.
PROGRAMMING
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Amnesty International Film Festival was launched in the United States in Seattle in 1992 with the purpose of showcasing the best in documentary and fiction filmmaking related to human rights. Both because of the tremendous global reach of Amnesty International, and because we have focused on building relationships directly with filmmakers, production companies, television stations, and other film festivals around the world, we are able to offer programming that in many cases will simply never be seen anywhere else in the U.S. These include dozens of documentary films—some feature length and others shorter—some fiction films, animated pieces, and occasionally foreign broadcasts that are otherwise inaccessible to U.S. audiences. In addition, we are also proud to screen some of the most noteworthy and celebrated documentary films made here in the U.S. each year, including many that will go on to air on PBS, HBO, or other networks. The festival also takes pains to include archive presentations of classic feature films from major studios with strong human rights content that help us to place today’s issues in an important historical context (Universal Pictures(c) "Missing" (2002 West Hollywood Festival) or Warner Bros.(c) "The Killing Fields" (2003 West Hollywood Festival).
SUBMISSIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Amnesty International Film Festival On Campus accepts submissions on a rolling basis throughout the year. The festival accepts documentary, feature, animated, and music video works for its annual programs. Submissions must be on VHS (PAL or NTSC) or DVD, and should be accompanied by a signed submission form. Please send all submissions to: Amnesty International Film Festival, 350 Sansome Street, Suite 630, San Francisco, CA 94104. There are no submission fees and the festival is not competitive.
We invite your submissions, comments, and appreciate your support!
Featured Film
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the bustling streets of Rangoon and the tranquility of Buddhist monasteries, Irene Marty takes us on a dangerous journey into Burma's jungle, where hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people flee from forced labor, murder, and torture at the hands of the ruling military junta. Defying the most potent weapon of the genocide - silence - Marty gives voice to Burma's ethnic minorities and political opposition, as they struggle for freedom and democratic rule.
VHS Tapes Of In The Shadow Of The Pagodas For Sale
We have copies of "In the Shadow of the Pagodas" for sale at $20 apiece plus postage. If you want to purchase a copy, please send an e-mail to filmfest@aiusa.org
OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS FILM FESTIVALS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Continents Film Festival (Asia, Africa, Americas)
Derhumalc (Argentina)
One World (Czech Republic)
(A)lliance Cine' (France):
Perspective (Germany)
Human Rights Nights (Italy)
Amnesty International Film Festival (Netherlands)
Human Rights in Film (Poland)
Stalker (Russia)
Seoul Human Rights Film Festival (South Korea)
International Film Festival of Human Rights (Spain)
International Film Festival on Human Rights (Switzerland)
Human Rights Watch International Film Festival (UK/USA)
Vermont International Film Festival (USA)
The festival office is now closed. We will check email only occasionally during this time. Until further notice, film submissions will only be considered for our On Campus Film Festival, our educational outreach program of free screenings in High Schools and University campuses. Please see submissions information on this page.
MISSION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Few artistic media have the power to reach across cultures, languages, and even time itself to influence millions of people in the language of our daily lives. Film has such power. Each year dozens of talented filmmakers work against long odds, short finances, and threatening politics to bring to the screen powerful stories of human struggle, sacrifice, and triumph. Some documentary filmmakers have risked their very lives so that we may be moved by far-off stories that, once told, seem very much closer to home. The Amnesty International Film Festival is dedicated to bringing these stories to our communities so that our colleagues, neighbors, and friends can see for themselves the full-range of challenges facing people in every part of the world.
And while public education is at the center of the festival's mission, our goals do not stop there. As a program of the world's largest human rights organization, the Film Festival also draws heavily on Amnesty International's experience as a worldwide campaigning movement. We strive to offer concrete opportunities to create positive change for those who are moved by what they have seen.
From Urgent Actions® on individual cases of human rights abuses, to regional action networks focusing on specific areas of the world, to topical programs like OUTFront for LGBT human rights issues and the USA Domestic Human Rights Program, all festival goers will have an opportunity to become meaningfully involved. Whether on behalf of issues they have long cared about, or on behalf of causes they may just have learned about in the documentary screening, Amnesty International stands ready to help them channel their energy.
PROGRAMMING
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Amnesty International Film Festival was launched in the United States in Seattle in 1992 with the purpose of showcasing the best in documentary and fiction filmmaking related to human rights. Both because of the tremendous global reach of Amnesty International, and because we have focused on building relationships directly with filmmakers, production companies, television stations, and other film festivals around the world, we are able to offer programming that in many cases will simply never be seen anywhere else in the U.S. These include dozens of documentary films—some feature length and others shorter—some fiction films, animated pieces, and occasionally foreign broadcasts that are otherwise inaccessible to U.S. audiences. In addition, we are also proud to screen some of the most noteworthy and celebrated documentary films made here in the U.S. each year, including many that will go on to air on PBS, HBO, or other networks. The festival also takes pains to include archive presentations of classic feature films from major studios with strong human rights content that help us to place today’s issues in an important historical context (Universal Pictures(c) "Missing" (2002 West Hollywood Festival) or Warner Bros.(c) "The Killing Fields" (2003 West Hollywood Festival).
SUBMISSIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Amnesty International Film Festival On Campus accepts submissions on a rolling basis throughout the year. The festival accepts documentary, feature, animated, and music video works for its annual programs. Submissions must be on VHS (PAL or NTSC) or DVD, and should be accompanied by a signed submission form. Please send all submissions to: Amnesty International Film Festival, 350 Sansome Street, Suite 630, San Francisco, CA 94104. There are no submission fees and the festival is not competitive.
We invite your submissions, comments, and appreciate your support!
Featured Film
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the bustling streets of Rangoon and the tranquility of Buddhist monasteries, Irene Marty takes us on a dangerous journey into Burma's jungle, where hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people flee from forced labor, murder, and torture at the hands of the ruling military junta. Defying the most potent weapon of the genocide - silence - Marty gives voice to Burma's ethnic minorities and political opposition, as they struggle for freedom and democratic rule.
VHS Tapes Of In The Shadow Of The Pagodas For Sale
We have copies of "In the Shadow of the Pagodas" for sale at $20 apiece plus postage. If you want to purchase a copy, please send an e-mail to filmfest@aiusa.org
OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS FILM FESTIVALS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Continents Film Festival (Asia, Africa, Americas)
Derhumalc (Argentina)
One World (Czech Republic)
(A)lliance Cine' (France):
Perspective (Germany)
Human Rights Nights (Italy)
Amnesty International Film Festival (Netherlands)
Human Rights in Film (Poland)
Stalker (Russia)
Seoul Human Rights Film Festival (South Korea)
International Film Festival of Human Rights (Spain)
International Film Festival on Human Rights (Switzerland)
Human Rights Watch International Film Festival (UK/USA)
Vermont International Film Festival (USA)
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