Syria: stop attacks on human rights defenders and their families; release those arbitrarily detained and imprisoned

Syria: stop attacks on human rights defenders and their families; release those arbitrarily detained and imprisoned

The ICJ today called on the Syrian authorities to end their persistent attacks on human rights defenders and persons detained for political reasons and the members of their families.

On 16 March 2011, a group of protesters, led by family members of detainees, were peacefully demonstrating outside the Ministry of the Interior in Damascus, calling for the release of their relatives. Plain-clothed security officers launched a violent crackdown on the demonstrators, physically assaulting and arresting at least 25 of them. Detainees were taken to unknown locations and are reportedly held in incommunicado detention.
Thailand: the Appeals Court verdict in the Somchai Neelapaijit case: was justice delivered?

Thailand: the Appeals Court verdict in the Somchai Neelapaijit case: was justice delivered?

On 11th March 2011, the Court of Appeals rendered a verdict acquitting all five police officers accused of abducting, killing and “disappearing” prominent Muslim lawyer, Somchai Neelapaijit. This decision has important consequences not only for the Somchai case itself, but for broader issues of justice, human rights and rule of law in Thailand. The Justice for Peace Foundation (JPF) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) will be holding a public event to examine key legal and political issues concerning this case, from 12:00 – 15:00 on 17th March at the FCCT. The event will be in Thai and English, with simultaneous translation. It will feature a film of Somchai’s last public speech the night before his enforced disappearance, followed by speakers:

  • Angkhana and Pratabjit Neelapaijit, widow and daughter of Somchai
  • Vitit Muntarborn, Professor, Chulalongkorn University, UN human rights expert
  • Roger Normand, ICJ Asia Pacific Director

Their brief presentations will be followed by an extended question-and-answer session. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Thailand-judgement Somchai Neelapajit case-agenda-2011-eng (full text in English, PDF)

Thailand-judgement Somchai Neelapajit case-agenda-2011-tha (full text in Thai, PDF)

Nepal: respect basic freedoms during Tibetan holiday season

Nepal: respect basic freedoms during Tibetan holiday season

The new government of Nepal should respect the rights of Tibetans in Nepal to freedom of expression, assembly and association, the ICJ and other human rights groups said today. These rights are guaranteed for all persons in Nepal by international human rights treaties to which Nepal is a party, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

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