Poland Passes a New Law to Bar People from Public Office, Worsening the Country’s Rule of Law Backsliding On May 31, 2023, Poland enacted a new law that establishes a commission with the authority to investigate “Russian influence” in the country from 2007 to 2022. The commission can also ban […]
The Alarming Rise in Deaths in Custody in Lebanon: A Call to Wake Up
Lebanese Authorities Must Prioritize Prisoners’ Health Amid Soaring Custodial Deaths The latest report by Amnesty International has revealed that custodial deaths in Lebanese Ministry of Interior-run prisons almost doubled in 2022 compared to 2018, the year before the ongoing acute economic crisis began. The numbers increased from 14 in 2015 […]
The Deadly Consequences of Angolan Fuel Price Protests
Angolan Police Fatally Fire on Fuel-Price Protesters The Incident On June 6, 2023, five people were fatally shot by Angolan police during a protest in Huambo province against a recent fuel-price increase. According to the police statement, officers had to resort to lethal force as protesters were violent, destroying properties, […]
Palestinian Experts Warn of Dangers Posed by Autonomous Weapons
Palestinian Forum Highlights Threats of Autonomous Weapons A recent panel on the militarization of digital spaces held during this year’s Palestine Digital Activism Forum discussed the use of autonomous weapons systems by Israeli authorities and the urgent need for an international legal response. The forum, which had over 1,500 participants […]
Hong Kong’s Attempt to Ban Protest Song Displays Clear Violation of International Law, a Critical Exploration.
Hong Kong Government Seeks to Ban “Glory to Hong Kong” The Hong Kong government is seeking a court order to ban people from singing, broadcasting, or distributing the protest song “Glory to Hong Kong.” This move has drawn criticism from Amnesty International, with the Head of its China Team, Sarah […]
“International Action Needed: Kakhovka Dam Destruction Threatens Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine”
International Humanitarian Law Violated by Destruction of Kakhovka Dam The destruction of Kakhovka Dam in the southern part of Ukraine‘s occupied territory by Russia is a catastrophe that endangers the lives of civilians and poses a significant threat to the environment. Marie Struthers, Regional Director, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, […]
“Acquittal of human rights defenders marks a step towards justice in Turkey”
Convictions of Human Rights Defenders in Turkey Quashed The convictions of four human rights defenders, including Taner Kılıç, the Honorary Chair of Amnesty Türkiye, and Idil Eser, the ex-director of Amnesty Türkiye, were quashed by a Turkish court. Although Amnesty International described the ruling as a huge relief, they also […]
Risks Loom as Central African Republic Holds Referendum
Referendum in Central African Republic Poses Risks to Civil Society and Freedom of Expression Background The Central African Republic (CAR) is scheduled to hold a constitutional referendum on July 30, 2023, which could have severe implications for civil society and democratic progress in the country. The proposed constitutional amendments aim […]
The Economic and Political Costs of EU’s Migration Paranoia
European Union’s Trade and Development Scheme Jeopardized by Migration Paranoia The Issue The European Union’s (EU) external policies are being threatened by European governments’ obsession with curbing immigration. The Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), which grants trade preferences to low- and middle-income countries for poverty reduction and sustainable development, is […]
Sinjar Reconstruction Stymied by Political Fights in Iraq
Political Dispute Hinders Reconstruction in Sinjar, Iraq Human Rights Watch reported that the reconstruction of the Sinjar district in northern Iraq, which suffered significant damage due to the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), has been delayed by the political dispute over the administration of the territory. Prime Minister Mohammed […]