Belarus
Censorship and Freedom of Expression
Belarusian authorities have adopted a new law which introduces the death penalty for “attempts to carry out acts of terrorism.” Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said: “Belarus is the only state in Europe and Central Asia which still uses the...
May 19, 2022
Algeria
Censorship and Freedom of Expression
#NotACrime: Online campaign calls on Algerian authorities to stop their assault on civic space and fundamental freedoms A year ago, Algerian authorities shut down the “Hirak” pro-democracy protests in most of the country. Since then, the number of unfounded terrorism prosecutions...
May 19, 2022
Iran
Death Penalty
There is mounting evidence to indicate that Iranian authorities are committing the crime of hostage-taking against Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish-Iranian academic who is at risk of imminent execution in Tehran’s Evin prison, Amnesty International said today. Detailed research and analysis by the...
May 19, 2022
Qatar
Labour Exploitation
FIFA should earmark at least $440m to provide remedy for the hundreds of thousands of migrant workers who have suffered human rights abuses in Qatar during preparations for the 2022 World Cup, Amnesty International said in a new report today, six months ahead of the tournament’s opening game....
May 19, 2022
Kazakhstan
Censorship and Freedom of Expression
Zhanbolat Mamay, journalist and leader of the unregistered opposition Democratic Party of Kazakhstan will remain in custody for yet another month, until 12 June, as a criminal suspect accused of insulting a government representative (Criminal Code, Article 378.2) and spreading false information...
May 19, 2022
Middle East and North Africa
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
When FIFA awarded the 2022 World Cup to Qatar in 2010, the existence of widespread labour rights abuses was well-documented. FIFA knew, or ought to have known, that the monumental construction work and other services required to host the tournament would rest on the shoulders of vulnerable migrant...
May 19, 2022
China
Detention
#MeToo activist Sophia Huang Xueqin and labour activist Wang Jianbing went missing on 19 September 2021. Detained under “inciting subversion of state power”, both of their cases are now with Guangzhou City People’s Procuratorate. They were charged for joining weekly private gatherings held at...
May 19, 2022
Egypt
Censorship and Freedom of Expression
Egyptian human rights defender and prisoner of conscience Ibrahim Ezz el-Din was released on 26 April 2022 after 34 months of arbitrary detention, stemming solely from his peaceful human rights work.
May 19, 2022
Iran
Death Penalty
سازمان عفو بینالملل امروز اعلام کرد شواهد فزاینده قویا تأکید دارند بر این که مقامات ایرانی، احمدرضا جلالی، شهروند دوتابعیتی سوئدی- ایرانی، را گروگان گرفته و تهدید به اعدامش کردهاند تا اشخاص ثالث را وادار به مبادلهی او با مسئولان ایرانی که هماکنون در خارج از ایران تحت پیگرد قضایی هستند، کنند و...
May 19, 2022
Iran
Death Penalty
Mounting evidence strongly indicates that the Iranian authorities are holding Swedish-Iranian national Ahmadreza Djalali hostage and threatening to execute him to compel third parties to swap him for former Iranian officials convicted and/or on trial abroad as well as to refrain from future...
May 19, 2022
Africa
Armed Conflict
Following the military coup of 25 October 2021, the UN Human Rights Council took urgent action by holding a special session, on 5 November 2021, and adopting a resolution re¬ques¬ting the High Commis¬sioner to designate an Expert on Human Rights in the Sudan.
May 19, 2022