Cartels Target Social Media Users
Source: CNN

Two mutilated bodies found hanging from a bridge near Nuevo Laredo are those of a young man and woman who posted messages online denouncing the activities of cartels operating in the area. The murders are part of the increasing trend of cartels targeting those who use social media networks to speak out against violence. 
 

Texas Man’s Execution Stayed
Source: The Houston Chronicle

The U.S. Supreme Court stayed the execution of Duane Buck while it considered whether to review his case. Buck, who was sentenced to death for the July 1995 shooting death of his girlfriend and her friend, has argued that his trial was tainted by a psychologist’s racist testimony.

Abuse in Vietnam Rehab Center
Source: The Irrawaddy

Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused Vietnam of imprisoning addicts in drug rehabilitation centers and forcing them to endure abuse and hard labor. HRW is calling for an end to the practice and is asking entities including the U.S. government and the United Nations to scrutinize donations to anti-drug programs in Vietnam.

Chinese Advocate Receives Jail Sentence 
Source: BBC

A Chinese court sentenced a rights activist to nine months in prison for participating in a protest outside a courthouse. Wang Lihong was protesting the trial of three other Chinese activists before her arrest. Officials have rounded up activists, lawyers, and others in an attempt to quell public dissent following the Arab Spring.

Peru Passes Indigenous-Protection Law
Source: Latinamerica Press

Peruvian lawmakers unanimously passed a law that requires consultation with indigenous peoples before development projects that directly affect them can proceed. Extractive industries have the right to use three-fourths of Peru’s Amazon Basin for extraction. Previous projects have resulted in clashes with indigenous peoples, leaving 191 dead within the last five years.

Colombian Community Receives Award Nomination
Source: Columbia Reports 

The Colombian San Jose de Apartado Peace Community has been nominated for the European Parliament’s Sajarov Prize. The Sajarov Prize awards those who have significantly contributed to advancing human rights and democracy. San Jose is northern Colombian village that advocates non-violence and has been neutral in the conflict between the national army and neo-paramilitary groups.

Black Africans Targeted in Libya
Source: AllAfrica.com

A Nigeria-based human rights organization has petitioned the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights following attacks on Nigerians in Libya. Six Nigerians were killed by government forces while en route to an evacuation site during the recent uprising. Black Africans in Libya are also being accused of serving as mercenaries for the Gaddafi regime. 

Demonstrators Convicted of False Charges
Source: Human Rights Watch

Demonstrators in Angola were convicted of politically motivated charges for their roles in an anti-government rally, Human Rights Watch (HRW) says. A court sentenced the organizers to three months in jail with fines, despite evidence of police misconduct and violence. HRW is calling on Angolan authorities to conduct an impartial investigation.

Abuse Complaint Names Vatican Officials
Source: The New York Times

The International Criminal Court (ICC) received a complaint by two American advocacy groups alleging crimes against humanity by top Vatican officials, including Pope Benedict XVI. It is unclear whether the ICC has jurisdiction to hear the case. The alleged rape and sexual assault of children by priests is likely outside the ICC’s mandate, experts say. 
 

British Courts Sentence More Juveniles
Source: The Guardian

The number of British minors held in prisons has increased eight percent following mass riots this summer. The increase could amount to a breach of Article 37 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, advocates say. The Convention discourages the imprisonment of juveniles except as a last resort. 

 

Mass Grave Unearthed in Libya
Source: Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch reported that the International Committee of the Red Cross discovered a mass grave in western Libya containing 34 bodies thought to be men who had been detained by Gaddafi loyalists. Experts believe Gaddafi loyalists executed the men in an attempt to suppress a local uprising.


U.S. Hikers Freed
Source: Asharq Alawsat

Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal, two U.S. citizens who were convicted of spying in Iran in July 2009, were freed on $500,000 bail each. Omani diplomats mediated the deal. The men were released to the Swiss embassy, which represents U.S. interests in Iran.

HIV/AIDS Activist Released
Source: EurasiaNet

Uzbek authorities released HIV/AIDS activist Maxim Popov early from his seven-year sentence for distributing safe-sex materials. Numerous NGOs petitioned for Popov’s release and the United States Agency for International Development pledged to support HIV/AIDS activists in Uzbekistan. Despite this support, activists continue to be attacked and arrested in Uzbekistan. 
 

Sri Lanka War Crimes Commission
Source: Times of India

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake visited Sri Lanka to push the government to produce a credible report on the suspected war crimes that occurred during Sri Lanka’s two-decade long civil war. The Sri Lankan government appointed a commission to investigate the alleged crimes and expect to release a report this November.