Disappearances And Abductions

President Kadyrov libel trial reveals danger faced by human rights activists - 7 October 2009

A Moscow court has found in favour of the president's libel suit against human rights activist Oleg Orlov who accused him of "being responsible" for the murder of human rights worker Natalia Estemirova.

Family demands release of 'outspoken' Yemeni journalist - 6 October 2009

Muhammad al-Maqalih was abducted by a group of men in an unmarked van. It is thought  he is being held because of his criticism of the government over the armed clashes in Sa'da.

Crackdown on China's activists escalates ahead of 60th anniversary - 30 September 2009

The government's increased surveillance, harassment and imprisonment of activists is to prevent them from raising human rights concerns that challenge the authorities' image of social harmony.

Sri Lankan army clashes with detainees - 24 September 2009

A detainee was seriously injured and had to be hospitalized as a clash broke out between the Sri Lankan Army and detainees being held at a school in Vavuniya in north-eastern Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

Spain must end incommunicado detention - 15 September 2009

Amnesty International's new report shows how Spain has one of the strictest detention regimes in Europe, which is in breach of the country's obligations under international human rights law.

Sri Lanka's displaced face uncertain future as government begins to unlock the camps - 11 September 2009

Only a fraction of nearly 300,000 people who were displaced by recent fighting in the north east of Sri Lanka have been allowed to leave government camps since the war ended in May.

Chile issues arrest warrants against at least 120 Pinochet agents - 3 September 2009

Chilean Judge Victor Montiglio issued the arrest warrants against the agents in relation to a number of security operations that targeted opponents of Augusto Pinochet during the 1970s.

Nepal 'disappearances' law 'must meet international standards' - 2 September 2009

Prominent human rights organizations request that the latest draft Disappearances bill in Nepal be amended to make it comply with international law and standards.

CIA detention programme: Criminal investigations long overdue - 27 August 2009

US Attorney General Eric Holder has ordered a "preliminary review" into the secret detention programme operated by the CIA after the attacks of 11 September 2001. It's a welcome first step but it's not enough, says Amnesty International.

Arrest of 11-year-old girl latest human rights violation in Manipur - 21 August 2009

Human rights organizations in the Indian state of Manipur, have alleged that the police abducted Bidyarani Devi Salam to make her parents - who were suspected of helping local armed opposition groups – give themselves up.