Hundreds Incarcerated On Mistaken Identity
Source:  The Los Angeles Times

According to an investigation by the Los Angeles Times, hundreds of individuals have reportedly been wrongfully incarcerated in the Los Angeles County jail over the past five years. The investigation revealed that over 1,480 people were mistakenly detained for reasons such as incomplete records and improper fingerprint evidence.  
 

Mexico’s Ex-President Sued in U.S.
Source:  The Guardian

Ernesto Zedillo, Mexico’s president from 1994-2000, has been accused of crimes against humanity and is facing a civil lawsuit in a district court in Connecticut. The suit stems from his alleged role in the 1997 Acteal massacre, in which 45 villagers in Chiapas were killed by a paramilitary group supposedly protected by Zedillo.

Burmese Monk Condemned for Politics
Source: The Irrawaddy

The State Sangha Committee has condemned monk Ashin Pyinna Thiha. Pyinna Thiha is well known for his support of democracy in Burma. The Committee, which is the official council of Buddhist monks backed by the government, has denounced Pyinna Thiha for disobedience for holding political events at his monastery.


Pro-Democracy Activist Imprisoned in China
Source: BBC

Veteran Chinese activist Chen Xi was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in jail for the crime of subverting state power. He has been jailed several times over the years for criticizing the Communist party. The holiday season is a convenient time for a crackdown since political activity ceases during Christmas, Human Rights Watch noted.

Opposition Towards Argentinean Anti-terrorism Law
Source: Buenos Aires Herald

Leaders of Argentina’s Civic Coalition party are demanding the repeal of the new anti-terrorism law that Argentina’s Congress passed. The leaders claim the law will restrict Argentineans’ rights because it allows judges to decide what activities have a terrorist purpose. The leaders intend to organize with human rights groups and unions to oppose the law.

Colombia to Negotiate Hostages’ Release
Source: Colombia Reports

The Colombian government will negotiate with representatives of the FARC, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, for the release of several of its hostages. FARC publicly announced its plans to release six hostages. The Colombian president announced that the release of the hostages will allow the government to begin peace negotiations with the rebels.

Nutritional Aid for Drought Area
Source: NewsfromAfrica.com

Kenya’s eastern and northern areas will receive World Bank funding for people suffering from the lingering effects of a recent drought. The funds will provide nutrition to pregnant women and malnourished children and permit easier access to medical drugs and supplies. The Bank’s efforts are part of a push to ease the effects of crises.


Rape Increases Amid Somali Conflict
Source: The New York Times

Instances of rape are increasing rapidly in Somalia as conflict and famine spread throughout the country. Women and girls have reported being attacked by members of armed militias, including the Shabab rebel group. The breakdown in social order has left many women and girls vulnerable to sex crimes, the United Nations reports.

French Genocide Bill Angers Turkey
Source: The Guardian

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has frozen political and diplomatic relations with France. The move comes after French lawmakers advanced a bill to criminalize the denial of the Turkish genocide of Armenians in 1915. Erdogan accused France of committing its own genocide during its occupation of Algeria from 1945 to 1962. 
 

Russians Protest Unfair Elections
Source: CNN

Russia saw its largest public protests in two decades in December following the re-election of Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party. Tens of thousands of protesters called for fair elections amid claims that the latest round of voting was rigged. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev promised political reforms, while rejecting criticism of the elections.

Syrian Killings Precede Observers’ Visit
Source: BBC

A Syrian human rights group reported over 13 deaths due to gunfire and shelling in Homs. The deaths occurred hours before the Arab League observers were due. Fifty observers will arrive in Syria to monitor Syria’s implementation of the Arab League peace plan. The observers will be permitted to travel freely throughout the country. 


Kuwait Sends Trafficked Indians Home
Source: Kuwaiti Times

Three Kuwaiti companies which recruited Indian workers and failed to obtain long-term residences for them will be obliged to send the workers home. The workers were not paid and were forced to live in deplorable conditions, often without food or water. The Kuwaiti government is working with the Indian embassy to repatriate the workers.

India Arrest Trafficking Gang Leader
Source:  Times of India

Indian police arrested Bangladeshi trafficking and drug cartel leader, Jewel. Jewel’s gang trafficked children from Nepal and Bangladesh into India and forced them to be street beggars, taking any money they received. The gang kept the children drugged and, in some cases, mutilated them to create sympathy and increase their begging intake. 
 

Azerbaijan Writer Killed, Sparks Debate
Source: Eurasianet

Rafiq Tagi, an out-spoken Azerbaijani writer, was stabbed to death. Several Iranian Ayatollahs had issued fatwas ordering Tagi’s death, leading people to believe the murder was ordered by Iran. Azerbaijan, though trying to maintain relations with Iran, is now battling domestic critics using Tagi’s death to highlight the country’s poor record on free speech rights.