Good news

Another hostage released in Colombia - 6 February 2009

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have set free a second hostage in a week with the release of regional deputy Sigifredo López.

More hostage releases in Colombia - 4 February 2009

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have released former governor Alan Jara, who had been held hostage by the guerrilla group since 2001.

Egyptian court overturns journalists' prison sentences - 2 February 2009

Four Egyptian newspaper editors convicted of publishing offences under a controversial press law have had their one-year prison sentences overturned by a Cairo Appea

Human rights lawyer cleared in Indonesia - 29 January 2009

A prominent human rights lawyer in Indonesia has been cleared of charges relating to a text message he is alleged to have sent to his friends and family contacts.

Mandatory death penalty ruled unconstitutional in Uganda - 22 January 2009

The Supreme Court of Uganda has ruled however, that the death penalty per se remains constitutional.

Turkish LGBT organization wins appeal against closure - 21 January 2009

The Turkish lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender solidarity organization, Lambda Istanbul, has won its appeal against the closure of the association.

Fifty-three death sentences commuted in Zambia - 16 January 2009

The President of Zambia has commuted the death sentences of 53 prisoners to custodial sentences.

Death sentences commuted in Ghana – time for abolition - 9 January 2009

The outgoing President of Ghana, John Kufuor, commuted all death sentences in the country.

Cambodian Supreme Court releases scapegoats of trade unionist's murder - 5 January 2009

Two men wrongfully convicted of the murder of trade union leader Chea Vichea, have been released on bail after nearly five years in prison.

Growing calls for end to executions at UN - 18 December 2008

Over one hundred countries voted overwhelmingly in favour of a second resolution on "Moratorium on the use of the death penalty" at the United Nations on T