Maldives Backtracks on Press Freedom, Prompting Criticism and Alarm Maldives President Ibrahim Solih’s commitment to press freedom came under scrutiny on World Press Freedom Day, May 3. Despite some initial progress, the space for media freedom has recently shrunk in the Maldives, leaving journalists and civil society groups worried about […]
Day: May 9, 2023
Myanmar Military’s Enhanced Blast Strike Confirmed as War Crime
Myanmar military’s disregard for human life was once again exposed in a recent attack that took place on April 11, 2023. According to Human Rights Watch, the military used a “thermobaric” munition to attack an opposition building in the Sagaing Region, killing more than 160 people, including children. The incident […]
“Urgent Probe Needed into Shooting of Laos Human Rights Activist ‘Jack'”
Edward Felsenthal Reporting on Urgent Investigation into Shooting of Human Rights Defender in Laos On April 29th, Anousa “Jack” Luangsouphom, a prominent human rights defender in Laos, was attacked in a coffee shop in the Chanthabuly district of the capital Vientiane. Though early reports suggested that Jack had been killed, […]
Zimbabwe opposition leader’s conviction and sentencing highlight growing government crackdown on peaceful dissent
The recent conviction and sentencing of Job Sikhala, a member of parliament for the opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), has sparked concerns about an escalating crackdown on peaceful dissent and the right to freedom of expression in Zimbabwe. In a statement released by Amnesty International, Flavia Mwangovya, Deputy Director […]
Abdalle Mumin: Championing Human Rights and Media Freedom in Somalia
**Somali Journalist Targeted for Speaking Out Against Injustice** Abdalle Mumin is a journalist and human rights activist based in Somalia. In October 2022, he was arrested at the Aden Adde airport as he prepared to leave for Nairobi, subsequently being held for 33 days at the Mogadishu Central Prison. During […]
“Controversy surrounds the discovery of Pegasus spyware on a journalist’s phone in the Dominican Republic”
Amnesty International’s recent investigation revealed that Nuria Piera, a high-profile woman journalist in the Dominican Republic, was targeted with NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware. This is the first confirmed case of its kind in the country. The use of spyware to silence and intimidate journalists is now a global concern, with […]
Burundi Court Upholds Conviction of Journalist Who Reported on Human Rights Abuses
## Burundi Continues to Suppress Press Freedom and Human Rights On World Press Freedom Day, the appeals court in Bujumbura confirmed the conviction of journalist Floriane Irangabiye, dealing a blow to free speech in Burundi. Irangabiye was charged with state security crime and received a 10-year sentence and a hefty […]
Croatia’s Border Pushbacks Continue Despite Criticism and Legal Action
Human Rights Watch has released a report exposing the Croatian police’s systematic and violent pushbacks of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants to Bosnia and Herzegovina without assessing their asylum requests or protection needs. The 94-page report, titled “‘Like We Were Just Animals’: Pushbacks of People Seeking Protection from Croatia to […]
Egypt’s Crackdown on Dissent Continues: Arrests Made on Ex-MP’s Family and Supporters
Egyptian authorities have arrested at least 12 family members and supporters of Ahmed Tantawy, a former parliamentarian who announced in March his intention to run for president in the 2024 elections. The arrests began in late April 2023 and appear to have been primarily based on the individuals’ relationship with […]
How Engaging Girls in Education Reforms Can Empower Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s government has made important strides in expanding access to education for girls. However, many girls in vulnerable situations continue to be at risk of exclusion from school. According to a report jointly released by Human Rights Watch and Purposeful, the Sierra Leone government needs to prioritize girls’ views […]