Bahrain: free political prisoners
Middle East and North Africa
Tunisia: Persepolis trial spotlights attacks on freedom of expression
19 April 2012, 12:49PM
Charges against a TV boss who screened the French film Persepolis should be dropped by the Tunisian authorities, Amnesty International said ahead of the resumption of his trial.
Israel to free Palestinian detainee as prisoners launch mass hunger strike
18 April 2012, 12:45PM
The expected release of Palestinian Khader Adnan after four months in Israeli custody without charge or trial coincides with a mass prisoner hunger strike which Amnesty International says demonstrates anger over administrative detention and prison conditions.
Saudi Arabia: Human rights activist sentenced to four years’ jail following secret trial
17 April 2012, 11:55AM
The sentencing of a prominent Saudi Arabian human rights activist to four years in jail followed by a five-year travel ban demonstrates a blatant disregard for his fundamental rights, Amnesty International said.
Bahrain: Reforms risk appearing hollow as violations continue
17 April 2012, 11:03AM
The Bahraini government's response to the findings of an international commission of inquiry has proved inadequate as human rights violations continue.
UN Security Council’s resolution on Syria “underwhelming”
15 April 2012, 10:00AM
The resolution voted today by the UN Security Council endorsing the implementation of Kofi Annan’s plan to end the violence in Syria is a positive but belated development that must be followed up with vigorous monitoring.
Iran urged to quash prison sentence for ‘Mourning Mothers’ activist
14 April 2012, 10:30AM
The Iranian authorities must quash a court ruling sentencing a Tehran woman to four and a half years in prison based on her peaceful human rights activities.
Saudi Arabia must release detained activist on hunger strike
14 April 2012, 10:27AM
The Saudi Arabian authorities must release a prominent human rights activist who is reported to have been on hunger strike for five weeks in protest at his continuing unfair imprisonment.
Tunisia’s constitution must stand test of time
12 April 2012, 07:30PM
The Tunisian National Constituent Assembly must use the drafting of the new Constitution to prevent a repetition of the widespread abuses that took place under former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Amnesty International said today in a new briefing.
Jailed Bahraini activist Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja’s life in danger
11 April 2012, 11:26AM
The Bahraini authorities must immediately and unconditionally release a prominent human rights activist whose health is rapidly deteriorating as he passes his 60th day of hunger strike, Amnesty International said.
Tunisia urged to investigate police violence against protesters
11 April 2012, 11:24AM
The Tunisian authorities must investigate reports of violence by security forces against protesters in the capital earlier this week and allow Tunisians to peacefully exercise their right to freedom of assembly, Amnesty International said.
Israeli government should reverse decision to deport South Sudanese
11 April 2012, 11:19AM
Amnesty International urges the Israeli government to reverse its decision to deport all individuals of South Sudanese origin living in Israel to South Sudan and to extend the temporary collective protection previously offered to this community.
Libya must respect ICC call to surrender Saif al-Islam
6 April 2012, 10:52AM
Wednesday’s decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) ordering Libya to surrender Saif al-Islam al-Gaddafi immediately is a step forward for justice and accountability, Amnesty International said.
Syria: Repression continues despite Annan plan hopes
4 April 2012, 11:30AM
Arrests have been continuing in Syria only days after the Syrian government agreed to implement parts of Kofi Annan’s six-point plan.
ICC Prosecutor statement: Fears over justice for Gaza victims
4 April 2012, 11:29AM
A “dangerous” statement by the office of International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor that it cannot consider allegations of crimes committed during the 2008-9 Gaza conflict means Palestinian and Israeli victims seem likely to be denied justice.
Palestinian detainee in Gaza deportation deal should be released to West Bank
31 March 2012, 08:08AM
A deal that led to Palestinian Hana Shalabi halting her hunger strike and moving to the Gaza Strip for a three year period could amount to a forcible deportation, Amnesty International said.
Bahrain: Release leading rights activist at risk of death from hunger strike
31 March 2012, 08:04AM
A leading Bahraini human rights defender serving a life sentence for his role in anti-government protests last year must be released immediately, Amnesty International said, amid fears the activist is at risk of death after 50 days on hunger strike.
Saudi Arabian human rights defender banned from travelling to US
28 March 2012, 07:08AM
A travel ban on a prominent Saudi Arabian human rights defender imposed just before he planned to attend a democracy course in the United States must be lifted immediately.
Disappointment at reported U.S. State Department waiver to send military aid to Egypt
24 March 2012, 10:29AM
Amnesty International said today it was disappointed by reports that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton plans to use a national security waiver to provide $1.3 billion of U.S. military aid to Egypt.
Palestinian hunger-striker ‘at risk of death’ highlights injustice of administrative det
24 March 2012, 10:25AM
The Israeli authorities should immediately release a Palestinian detainee or charge her with a recognisable criminal offence and promptly try her, Amnesty International said amid fears that the woman could die in detention after 37 days on hunger strike.
Syria: Annan mission should report on human rights violations and abuses
24 March 2012, 10:22AM
Any UN mission to supervise an end to armed violence in Syria must include as part of its work the monitoring and reporting of human rights violations and abuses, including crimes against humanity, Amnesty International said.
A policeman's job is to protect all citizens, even those he or she doesn't like. I'd have thought that a pretty basic concept.
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21 May 2012, 03:59PM