Bahrain: free political prisoners
Case updates
Conscientious objector allowed to stay in Canada
Dean Walcott has been allowed to stay in Canada until the country’s Federal Court decides whether or not to review his case. It is not yet known when this will be decided. He had been due to be deported to the USA on 30 January 2009. If deported to the USA, he risks being court-martialled and imprisoned for between one and five years and would therefore be a prisoner of conscience.
Family of murdered Brazilian investigative journalist now safe
The family of murdered investigative journalist Luiz Carlos Barbon have now entered a witness protection program and are safe.
Seriously ill Russian man released
Vasilii Aleksanian - who developed AIDS, lymphatic cancer, tuberculosis, a cataract and a tumour in his kidney - was released on bail on 31 December 2008. Under Russian law, a person diagnosed with such serious health problems should not be kept in pre-trial detention. However, Vasilii Aleksanian had been detained since 2006.
Indigenous leader in Bangladesh released
The Bangladesh High Court ordered the release of Rang Lai Mro, the head of a community of indigenous Mro people. He had been detained since 22 February 2008, charged with possessing a pistol without a license.
Member of Arab minority in Iran free on bail
Jamila Nabgan, who Iranian authorities detained for 14 hours a day because of her family links to a political party promoting the rights of the Arab minority in Iran, is now free on bail.
Sudanese human rights defenders released
Two Sudanese human rights defenders were released. Both Osman Hummaida and Abdel Monim Elgak were subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment while in detention.
Iranian Azerbaijani activists releaed on bail
Four Iranian Azerbaijani activists were released on 8 November 2008 on US$250,000 bail each. They are still to face trial.
Iranian academic released
Dr Mehdi Zakerian, a scholar of international relations and international law, was released around 20 October 2008.
Thai student activists released
Five Muslim university students who were detained by a military unit in southern Thailand on 15 August 2008 have been released.
Malaysian activist acquitted after 12 years of legal battles
The Kuala Lumpur High Court acquitted a prominent migrant workers' rights activist on 24 November 2008. The decision ended one of the longest-running court cases in Malaysian legal history after more than 12 years of legal battles.
Iranian activist released from prison
A prominent activist for the rights of the Iranian Azerbaijani minority, Abbas Lisani was released from Yazd Prison in central Iran, on 29 October 2008 after serving two consecutive sentences totaling 30 months’ imprisonment.
UN considering asylum for Eritrean woman
Terhas Mlash Abraha would be at risk of arbitrary detention and torture if forcibly returned to Eritrea because she evaded compulsory military service; and also for seeking asylum abroad, which the Eritrean authorities regard as betrayal of the country. United Nations' Committee Against Torture requested that Sweden does not return her to Eritrean.
Women’s rights defender freed in Iran
Journalist and women's rights defender, Mahboubeh Karami, was acquitted by an Iranian court on 11 November 2008. The court found that there was insufficient evidence against her in relation to the charges of 'acting against state security' and 'disturbing public order'.
Ethiopian clan leader released
Ugaas (clan leader) Abdirahman Qani, chief of the Tolomoge group of the Ogaden clan, was released on 7 October 2008. His relatives, who were arrested with him in July 2008, were also released several days later. Abdirahman Qani was one of a dozen elders seeking to arrange peace talks between the government and an armed group, the Ogaden National Liberation Front.
WOZA leaders granted bail
The High Court of Zimbabwe granted Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) leaders Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu bail on the 5 November 2008following their arrest on 16 October. They were released the following morning on 6 November. Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu were arbitrarily arrested after participating in a peaceful protest outside Mhlahlandlela Government Complex in Bulawayo, in which they demanded immediate access to food aid in Zimbabwe.
Conscientious objector allowed to stay in Canada for now
Conscientious objector Matthew Lowell has been allowed to stay in Canada until the country’s Federal Court decides whether or not to review his case. He had been due to be deported to the USA on 28 October 2008. He fled to Canada in October 2005 because of his conscientious objection to the war in Iraq and his objection to serving in the United States army.
Turkish Minister for Justice apologises for death of Engin Ceber
On 15 October 2008, Ozgur Karakaya and Cihan Gun were released from the Metris prison in Istanbul, Turkey, where they had been held since 29 September. Their friend and colleague Engin Ceber died in hospital on Friday 10 October as a result of torture.
Thanks for this - a great read and so important right now. Keep it coming :)
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11 May 2012, 12:20PM