Tag Archives | Targeting human rights defenders

12/07/2023

Zimbabwe: ICJ welcomes the acquittal of Joana Mamombe and Cecelia Revai Chimbiri by the high court on criminal charges of communicating false statements related to their abduction, torture and sexual assault

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) welcomes the judgment of the Harare High Court which has acquitted human rights activists Joana Mamombe and Cecelia Revai Chimbiri following their arrest on 10 June 2020. The case reviewed magistrate Faith Mashure’s decision to charge the women for “publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the State”, or […]

11/07/2023

Zimbabwe: Assailants who violently attacked human rights lawyer Obey Shava must be held accountable

The ICJ condemns the violent attacks on human rights lawyer, Obey Shava, who was severely beaten on 5 July by four unidentified assailants, leaving him with serious injuries, including broken legs. The Zimbabwean authorities must conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into his assault and bring to justice those responsible for the attack. They […]

02/03/2023

Colombia: Human rights defenders continue to face pressure and attacks

A special feature by Juan Velez Rojas For several decades, Colombia has been a dangerous country for human rights defenders (HRDs) to carry out their critical work. Despite government measures to protect them and the signing of the 2016 Peace Agreement, this situation has not changed and may even be getting worse. A 2020 report […]

23/01/2023

Eswatini: ICJ demands justice for the assassination of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko

The assassination of Thulani Maseko, a leading human rights lawyer in Eswatini, requires immediate independent and impartial investigation and accountability, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) said today. (more…)

08/06/2022

Myanmar: Death sentences against opposition activists must be overturned

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has condemned the conviction and death sentences imposed on former Parliamentarian Ko Phyo Zeyar, student activist Ko Jimmy, and opposition activists Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw, by Myanmar’s military. The four were convicted under Myanmar’s Counterterrorism Law for allegedly inciting unrest and taking part in ‘terrorism,’ each […]

22/11/2021

Egypt: Authorities should cease the harassment and persecution of Hossam Bahgat

Egyptian authorities should cease the harassment and persecution of prominent human rights defender and journalist, Hossam Bahgat, who faces abusive charges intended to punish him solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression and his human rights activism, 46 human rights organizations said today. (more…)