Federal Judge Blocks Indefinite Detention

Source: Reuters   

A District Court Judge in New York issued a preliminary injunction for provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act which authorize indefinite military detention for anyone who “substantially” supported al Qaeda or the Taliban. The judge found the law lacked clarity because ordinary citizens could not determine what may subject them to detention.

Police Journalist Murdered in Mexico
Source: My San Antonio

A police reporter, who often reported on organized crime and drug trafficking, was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by an unnamed drug cartel in northern Mexico. The murder highlights the growing dangers for Mexican journalists who are increasingly targeted by the gangs and drug cartels that they report on.

Philippine President Ignores Campaign Promise
Source: The West Australian

Philippine President Benigno Aquino has yet to deliver on his campaign promises to prosecute members of the military and security forces that were connected to extra-judicial killings and disappearances. Human Rights Watch has documented several forced disappearances and killings since President Aquino took office and emphasized the need for the administration to take action.

Chinese Activist Escapes to US
Source: BBC World News

Chinese human rights lawyer Chen Guangcheng arrived in the United States after escaping from house arrest in China. China labeled him a dissident because of his active campaigning against its one child policy and forced abortions. The Congressional Executive Commission on China expressed concern about retaliation towards Mr. Chen’s family and allies.

Worldwide Accusations against Brazilian Mining
Source: Latinamerica Press

An international umbrella group of social organizations has issued a report outlining alleged human rights and environmental abuses by Brazilian mining giant, Vale. As the world’s second largest mining company, Vale claims to be socially and environmentally responsible. However, the report accuses it of deforestation, contaminating rivers, and displacing indigenous peoples from their lands.
 

Former Guatemalan General’s Genocide Trial
Source: BBC World News

A Guatemalan judge ruled there is sufficient evidence to hold a second genocide trial against former general Efrain Rios Montt. Montt is accused of authorizing the murder of 201 villagers from a small town. His previous trial alleged his responsibility for the 1982 massacre of over almost 2,000 Mayans, and the displacement of approximately 29,000, during Guatemala’s 36-year civil war. Montt denies any involvement.

Tribal Dispute Displaces Families
Source: Daily Nation

Tribal fighting motivated by cattle rustling has displaced over 800 families in Kenya. The fighting has caused thousands of people to live in the bush, making them more susceptible to hunger and disease. Kenya Red Cross provided the families with supplies, including mosquito nets and maize. The government has not yet responded to the humanitarian crisis.

 

Government Increases Repression Tactics
Source: Human Rights Watch

Escalating tension between Sudan and South Sudan has led to an increase in police detaining journalists, arresting political leaders, and government censorship. Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Service has used its extensive power to arrest and detain people without judicial review. HRW encourages the government to release or charge arrested people with legitimate offenses.

State Discretion in Prisoner Voting
Source: BBC News

The European Court of Human Rights has ruled European governments may determine which prisoners are granted voting rights. The Court affirms its 2005 decision prohibiting European governments from denying prisoners the right to vote. Despite its opposition to the 2005 ruling, the United Kingdom has six months to amend its policies on prisoner voting.
 
 

Malta’s Migrant Detention Policy
Source: Malta Today

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has urged Malta to repeal its mandatory detention policy toward migrants. In its report, the ICJ claims migrants face degrading conditions at detention facilities which may amount to a breach of the European Convention. The group has insisted the EU help Malta cope with its large influx of migrants.

Israeli Settlement Shooting Sparks Investigation
Source:  Al Arabiya 

The Israeli government is investigating an incident recorded on video which appears to show Israeli settlers shooting a Palestinian during a clash in the West Bank while Israeli security forces stood by without intervening. The incident has caused the press and many Palestinians to question the soldiers’ willingness to protect Palestinians from settler violence.

Lebanon Lacks Housing for Refugees
Source: The Daily Star (Lebanon)

For the tens of thousands of refugees who fled Syria to Lebanon in order to escape the violence of the ongoing uprising in their country, many are now homeless in Lebanon. The extraordinary influx of refugees has left aid groups unable to keep up with the growing demand.

Forced Evictions in Bangladesh Slums
Source: IRIN.com

Thousands of the estimated 300,000 to 400,000 people that migrate to Dhaka settle in slums on government land. The Bangladesh High Court initially ordered the land cleared, subjecting inhabitants to evictions without notice or a public rehabilitation program. The Court has since issued a temporary stay on the evictions.
 

Uzbek Activists Demand Colleague’s Release
Source: UZNews.net

Well-known Kyrgyz human rights activist, Azimjon Askarov, was sentenced to life in prison for his alleged involvement in the June 2010 popular unrest in south Kyrgyzstan. The Human Rights Alliance of Uzbekistan protested his imprisonment at the gates of the Kyrgyz Embassy, but the Embassy refused to accept a written statement demanding his release.