Human Rights Watch Weekly Digest
Documents for September 20, 2006 - September 26, 2006 
 

-----
+ Iran: Former MP Tortured to 'Repent' for His Criticisms
+ China: Beijing Closes Schools for Migrant Children in Pre-Olympic Clean-Up
+ U.S.: Congress Should Reject Detainee Bill
+ U.S.: Girls Abused in New York's Juvenile Prisons
+ Switzerland: Voters Should Reject Asylum Restrictions
+ Iran: Juvenile Offenders Face the Hangman's Noose
+ Israel: Government Committee Should Probe Lebanon Laws of War Violations 
+ U.S.: Senate Leaders Reject Explicit Redefinition of Geneva Conventions
+ Pakistan: 'Free Kashmir' Far From Free
+ Pakistan: Bush Should Press Musharraf to End Military Rule
-----
 
 
 
Iran: Former MP Tortured to 'Repent' for His Criticisms
 
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamene'i, should immediately order the
unconditional release of Ali Akbar Mousavi Khoini, a former member of
parliament and critic of Iranian detention practices, Human Rights Watch said
today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/09/26/iran14256.htm
 
September 26, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
China: Beijing Closes Schools for Migrant Children in Pre-Olympic Clean-Up
Thousands Left Without Access to Education
 
Over the past two weeks, Beijing municipal authorities have shut down more than
50 schools for children of migrant workers, Human Rights Watch said today. The
schools' closure - part of a campaign to close all unregistered schools for
migrants by the end of September - threatens to leave tens of thousands of
children without access to education, in violation of several of Beijing's
obligations under international law.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/09/26/china14263.htm
 
September 26, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
U.S.: Congress Should Reject Detainee Bill
Denies Right of Habeas Corpus, Defines Enemy Combatant Too Broadly 
 
The U.S. Congress should vote down the draft military commissions and
detainee treatment bill, Human Rights Watch said today. In denying the
fundamental right of habeas corpus to detainees held abroad, defining "unlawful
enemy combatants" in a dangerously broad manner, and limiting protections
against detainee mistreatment, the bill would undermine the rule of law and
America's ability to protect its own citizens from unjust treatment at the hands of
other governments.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/01/26/usdom14266.htm
 
September 26, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
U.S.: Girls Abused in New York's Juvenile Prisons
Violent Restraints, Sexual Abuse Must Stop
 
Girls in New York's juvenile prisons are being abused and neglected by state
authorities, Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union charged
in a report released today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/09/22/usdom14249.htm

Report: http://hrw.org/reports/2006/us0906/

Audio Commentary: http://hrw.org/campaigns/us/2006/prisons0906/audio.htm
 
September 25, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Switzerland: Voters Should Reject Asylum Restrictions
New Law Would Place Unreasonable Barriers on the Right to Seek Asylum
 
Swiss voters should reject proposed changes to the Swiss law on asylum ("LAsi")
in Sunday's referendum (September 24) because the measure runs counter to
the commitments Switzerland has made under international refugee law, Human
Rights Watch said today. Today, Human Rights Watch released a seven-point
analysis of the proposed law's shortcomings as measured against international
legal standards for the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/09/23/switze14252.htm
 
September 23, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Iran: Juvenile Offenders Face the Hangman's Noose
Despite Two Reprieves, Iran Leads the World in Juvenile Executions
 
The scheduled executions in Iran this week of two juvenile offenders - and their
last-minute reprieve - highlight the country's status as the world leader in juvenile
executions, Human Rights Watch said.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/09/22/iran14247.htm
 
September 22, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Israel: Government Committee Should Probe Lebanon Laws of War Violations 
 
The Israeli government committee that will investigate the government's handling
of the recent war in Lebanon should also examine the decisions and policies that
led to the large number of Lebanese civilian casualties, Human Rights Watch
said today. In a report issued on August 3, 2006, Human Rights Watch
documented Israeli forces' systematic failure to distinguish between combatants
and civilians as required by international humanitarian law. Subsequent Human
Rights Watch reporting demonstrated a similar pattern in Israel's use of cluster
munitions.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/09/22/isrlpa14250.htm
 
September 22, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
U.S.: Senate Leaders Reject Explicit Redefinition of Geneva Conventions
 
 
Key Republican Senators have rejected the Bush administration's attempt to
rewrite the humane treatment requirements of the Geneva Conventions, but have
made key parts of the conventions effectively unenforceable, Human Rights
Watch said today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/09/22/usint14253.htm
 
September 22, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Pakistan: 'Free Kashmir' Far From Free
Government Opponents Face Torture, Censorship and Political Repression 
 
In Azad Kashmir, a region largely closed to international scrutiny until a
devastating earthquake hit last year, the Pakistani government represses
democratic freedoms, muzzles the press and practices routine torture, Human
Rights Watch said in a report released today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/09/15/pakist14199.htm

Report: http://www.hrw.org/reports/2006/pakistan0906/
 
 
September 21, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Pakistan: Bush Should Press Musharraf to End Military Rule
U.S. Should Not Turn Blind Eye on Torture, Discrimination Against Women
 
When U.S. President George W. Bush meets with Pakistan's General Pervez
Musharraf on September 22, he should press the Pakistani military ruler to
restore civilian rule, hold free and fair elections, and end legal discrimination
against women, Human Rights Watch said today. 
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/09/20/pakist14220.htm
 
September 20, 2006

Human Rights Watch Weekly Digest
Documents for October 3, 2006 - October 10, 2006 
 
-----
+ U.S.: Attack Dogs Used Against Prisoners
+ North Korea: Ending Food Aid Would Deepen Hunger
+ Netherlands, Sweden: Bar Deportations to Torture in Iran
+ China: Tibetan Intellectual's Blogs Shuttered
+ UN: New Report Says Violence Against Women Is a Human Rights Violation 
+ UAE: End Harassment of Rights Defenders
+ Occupied Palestinian Territories: Factions Must Stop Endangering Civilians 
+ Indonesia: Acquittal Bolsters Impunity for Munir's Murder
+ Iraq: Palestinians Targeted With Death Threats
+ UN: Rights Council Disappoints Again
+ Uzbekistan: Journalist Imprisoned in Widening Crackdown
+ India: Child Labor Law Welcomed, But Needs Enforcing
+ EU Rejects Trade Pact With Turkmenistan Over Rights Abuses
+ UN: New Secretary-General Must Lead on Human Rights 
+ Cambodia: Time for Tangible Progress Instead of Empty Promises
+ Thailand: Coup Leaders Must Restore Fundamental Rights
+ UN: Rights Council Misses Opportunity on Uzbekistan
+ Cambodia: Release Scapegoats for Labor Leader's Murder
-----
 
 
 
U.S.: Attack Dogs Used Against Prisoners
Worst Offenders Are State Prisons in Connecticut and Iowa
 
Five state prison systems in the United States permit the use of aggressive,
unmuzzled dogs to terrify and even attack prisoners in efforts to remove them
from their cells, Human Rights Watch said today in a new report. 
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/06/usdom14362.htm
 
October 10, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
North Korea: Ending Food Aid Would Deepen Hunger
Resume Food Aid to North Korea's Vulnerable Population
 
Emergency food aid to North Korea should not be suspended in response to the
country's alleged nuclear test, Human Rights Watch said today. Since the mid
1990s, North Korea has been dependent on foreign aid to feed up to one third of
its population.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/10/nkorea14381.htm
 
October 10, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
China: Tibetan Intellectual's Blogs Shuttered
 
Chinese authorities' closure of a leading Tibetan intellectual's blogs signals
another online chill, Human Rights Watch said today. Oeser, whose blog at
http://woeser.bokee.com was closed in late September, is the first Tibetan writer
inside the mainland to openly raise in Chinese critical questions about China's
role in Tibet and to urge Beijing to negotiate with the Dalai Lama.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/09/china14364.htm
 
October 9, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Netherlands, Sweden: Bar Deportations to Torture in Iran
Officials Must Not Return Gay and Lesbian Asylum Seekers to Iran
 
As the Netherlands mulls resuming deportations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender asylum seekers back to Iran, and Sweden begins such deportations
again, both European governments must adhere to their international legal
obligations not to send people back to the risk of torture, Human Rights Watch
said today. 
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/06/sweden14361.htm
 
October 9, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
UN: New Report Says Violence Against Women Is a Human Rights Violation 
Classification Obliges States to Punish Perpetrators and Prevent Abuse 
 
Human Rights Watch and the Center for Women's Global Leadership welcomed
a report issued by United Nations today that classifies abuse against women -
whether it happens in the home or elsewhere - as a human rights violation. As
such, states are obliged by international human rights standards to hold
perpetrators accountable.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/09/global14363.htm

Report: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/vaw/
 
October 9, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
UAE: End Harassment of Rights Defenders 
 
The authorities in the United Arab Emirates should end their harassment of some
of the country's most prominent human rights defenders and give their
organizations the legal recognition they have sought, Human Rights Watch said
today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/06/uae14332.htm
 
October 6, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Occupied Palestinian Territories: Factions Must Stop Endangering Civilians 
 
Human Rights Watch called today on the leaders of Palestinian factions and
Palestinian government officials to bring an immediate end to the lawlessness
and vigilante violence that has plagued the Occupied Palestinian Territories and
to hold the perpetrators of this violence accountable. Eleven Palestinians were
killed and more than 100 injured, mostly civilians, in the unrest on Sunday and
Monday. Sporadic clashes and attacks on government institutions have
continued during the week, with reports that three masked men shot dead a local
Hamas leader as he left a mosque in Qalqilya on Wednesday.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/06/isrlpa14337.htm
 
October 6, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Indonesia: Acquittal Bolsters Impunity for Munir's Murder
 
The Indonesian Supreme Court's acquittal of the only person convicted for the
murder of leading human rights activist Munir Said Thalib highlights the failure of
the Indonesian justice system to combat impunity, Human Rights Watch said
today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/06/indone14349.htm
 
October 6, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Iraq: Palestinians Targeted With Death Threats
Iraqi Government Must Protect Besieged Community
 
Shi`a armed groups have threatened to kill Palestinian refugees living in
Baghdad if they do not leave Iraq within 72 hours, Human Rights Watch said
today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/06/iraq14350.htm
 
October 6, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
UN: Rights Council Disappoints Again
Fails to Take Action on Darfur, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan 
 
The UN Human Rights Council adjourned its second regular session today
without taking any effective action to address the world's human rights crises,
Human Rights Watch said today. States with poor human rights records
dominated the council's deliberations and countries more committed to human
rights failed to exercise effective leadership. 
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/06/global14354.htm
 
October 6, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Uzbekistan: Journalist Imprisoned in Widening Crackdown
 
Uzbek authorities should reverse the six-year prison sentence handed down
yesterday to yet another independent journalist following a politically-motivated
trial, Human Rights Watch said today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/06/uzbeki14355.htm
 
October 6, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
India: Child Labor Law Welcomed, But Needs Enforcing
 
The Indian government has taken a step forward by enacting a law to ban
domestic work and some other forms of labor by children under age 14, Human
Rights Watch said today. The law goes into effect on October 10, but to be
effective, the Indian authorities will need to improve upon their weak enforcement
of existing child labor protections. 
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/04/india14264.htm
 
October 5, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
EU Rejects Trade Pact With Turkmenistan Over Rights Abuses
 
The European Parliament yesterday took a principled stand against grossly
abusive governments by voting against a trade agreement with Turkmenistan,
Human Rights Watch said.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/04/turkme14321.htm
 
October 4, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Cambodia: Time for Tangible Progress Instead of Empty Promises
Donors Should Not Let Government Ignore Commitments
 
Cambodia's international donors must hold the country's government to its
commitments to protect human rights, fight corruption, and ensure the protection
of land and natural resources, a group of five leading international organizations
from Asia, Europe and the United States said in a statement today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/04/cambod14311.htm
 
October 4, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Thailand: Coup Leaders Must Restore Fundamental Rights
Rescind Martial Law, Hand Power Back to Civilian Government
 
The newly appointed interim prime minister of Thailand must immediately restore
fundamental rights as the first step toward a return to democracy, Human Rights
Watch said today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/03/thaila14304.htm
 
October 3, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
UN: New Secretary-General Must Lead on Human Rights 
Commitment to Stand Up to Human Rights Violators Required
 
The incoming UN secretary-general must be prepared to speak out publicly
against human rights abusers wherever they are found, however powerful they
are, Human Rights Watch said today. The Security Council late yesterday
afternoon conducted a straw poll which made it all but certain that it would
recommend Ban Ki-moon, South Korea's minister of foreign affairs and trade, to
the General Assembly for election to the post of secretary-general. The General
Assembly has never rejected such a recommendation.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/03/global14306.htm
 
October 3, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
UN: Rights Council Misses Opportunity on Uzbekistan
Absence of Public Scrutiny Following Andijan Deplorable
 
The United Nations Human Rights Council yesterday squandered a crucial
opportunity to mount a principled response to the Uzbek government's abusive
crackdown on human rights following the massacre of hundreds of unarmed
protesters in May 2005, Human Rights Watch said in a briefing paper released
today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/03/uzbeki14309.htm

Briefing Paper: http://www.hrw.org/backgrounder/eca/uzbekistan1006/
 
October 3, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Cambodia: Release Scapegoats for Labor Leader's Murder
Two Men Wrongly Convicted for Killing Must Be Freed for Lack of Evidence
 
At an appeal court hearing on Friday the Cambodian judiciary should release, for
lack of evidence, two men wrongly convicted of murdering labor leader Chea
Vichea, Human Rights Watch said today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/03/cambod14317.htm
 
October 3, 2006
 

Human Rights Watch Weekly Digest
Documents for January 8, 2007 - January 15, 2007 
 
-----
+ Egypt: Bus Driver Raped by Police Faces New Risk of Torture 
+ EU Should Fill Leadership Void on Human Rights
+ Spain: Safeguard Rights of Children Sent Back
+ Chad/Sudan: End Government Support to Militias
+ Iraq: Halt New Dujail Trial Executions 
+ Iraq: US Plan Must Rein in Death Squads
-----
 
 
 
Egypt: Bus Driver Raped by Police Faces New Risk of Torture 
Egyptian Authorities Responsible for Safety of Torture Victim Sentenced to
Prison
 
A criminal court in Giza this week sentenced `Imad al-Kabir, a 21-year-old
microbus driver tortured and raped by police last year, to three months in prison
for resisting authorities and assaulting an officer, Human Rights Watch said
today. Al-Kabir now risks being sent back to the same police station where he
was tortured by police officers who later circulated a video of his rape.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/01/13/egypt15060.htm
 
January 13, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
EU Should Fill Leadership Void on Human Rights
Human Rights Watch Launches World Report 2007 on Guantanamo
Anniversary
 
With US credibility undermined by the Bush administration's use of torture and
detention without trial, the European Union must fill the leadership void on human
rights Human Rights Watch said today in releasing its World Report 2007.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/englishwr2k7/docs/2007/01/10/global15039.htm

Report: http://hrw.org/wr2k7/
 
January 11, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Spain: Safeguard Rights of Children Sent Back
 
Spain must include vital human rights safeguards in its upcoming readmission
agreement with Morocco for unaccompanied children, Human Rights Watch said
in a letter to the Spanish Prime Minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, made
public today. The preliminary document that is the basis for the agreement
includes provisions that do not comply with Spain's human rights obligations
under national and international law. 
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/01/09/spain14988.htm
 
January 9, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Iraq: Halt New Dujail Trial Executions 
More Hangings Would Further Jeopardize Respect for Rule of Law
 
The planned executions of two senior Ba`ath Party officials convicted in the
unfair Dujail trial, coming on the heels of widening international criticism of
Saddam Hussein's hanging, highlight the Iraqi government's disturbing disregard
for human rights and the rule of law, Human Rights Watch said today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/01/08/iraq14978.htm
 
January 8, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Chad/Sudan: End Government Support to Militias
Hundreds of Villagers Killed in Raids and Communal Violence 
 
Chadian and Sudanese militias and other armed groups are committing serious
human rights abuses against civilians in eastern Chad, and the Chadian
government must do more to protect civilians from such abuses, Human Rights
Watch said in a report released today. The UN Security Council will meet on
January 10 to discuss deployment of an international security force to eastern
Chad and the northern Central African Republic.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/01/08/chad14982.htm
 
Report: http://hrw.org/reports/2007/chad0107/

January 8, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Iraq: US Plan Must Rein in Death Squads
Iraqi Government Should Prosecute Security Forces for Abuses 
 
Any new US plan for Iraq will fail to provide security for Iraqis unless it dismantles
militias that have terrorized the civilian population, Human Rights Watch said
today. The militias have operated as quasi-independent security forces under the
protection of the Ministry of Interior, abducting, torturing and killing hundreds of
people every month and dumping mutilated corpses in public areas.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/01/08/iraq14986.htm
 
January 8, 2007

 
-----

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Human Rights Watch Weekly Digest
Documents for January 29, 2007 - February 12, 2007 
 
-----
+ Iraq: Don't Add Death Penalty to Dujail Sentence
+ Bosnia: Local Trials Key as Hague Tribunal Winds Down
+ Iran: Activists Barred From Traveling Abroad
+ Turkmenistan: No Deals Without Rights Reform
+ Saudi Arabia: Free Detained Advocates of Reform
+ Letter to US Treasury Secretary on Blocking Oil Payments to Sudan
+ Iran: Writers Struggle to Uphold Freedom of Expression
+ Vietnam: Dissidents Struggle to Exercise Free Speech
+ Cambodia: Khmer Rouge Prison Survivor Wins Rights Award
+ Banned, Censored, Harassed and Jailed
+ Letter to Fiji's Interim Prime Minister and President
+ Germany: Victims Appeal Decision on Uzbek Ex-Minister
+ Syria: Give Refuge to Palestinians Fleeing Threats in Iraq
+ Saudi Arabia: Mentally Ill Prisoner Put in Solitary 
+ Senegal: New Law Will Permit Habré's Trial
+ Colombia: Murders Undermine Credibility of Paramilitary Demobilization
+ Nigeria: Corruption and Misuse Rob Nigerians of Rights
+ Belarus: Threat to Close Lone Human Rights Group 
+ Bahrain: Activists Face Prison for Political Leaflets 
+ Afghanistan: Slow Progress on Security and Rights
+ United States: Cut Off Cluster Munition Sales to Israel
-----
 
 
 
Iraq: Don't Add Death Penalty to Dujail Sentence
Increased Punishment Would Exacerbate Flawed Judicial Process
 
The Iraqi High Tribunal should not impose the death penalty against former Iraqi
Vice-President Taha Yassin Ramadan, especially given the lack of evidence
linking him to the alleged crimes, Human Rights Watch and the International
Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) said today. The Dujail Trial Chamber is
expected to hold a hearing today to determine whether Ramadan's life sentence
should be increased to death. 
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/12/iraq15295.htm
 
February 12, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Bosnia: Local Trials Key as Hague Tribunal Winds Down
War Crimes Court Makes Progress in Struggle Against Impunity
 
Bosnia's War Crimes Chamber has made considerable progress in bringing
perpetrators to justice, but to increase public confidence it must do more to
explain its work to the people of Bosnia, Human Rights Watch said in a report
issued today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/12/bosher15296.htm
 
February 12, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Iran: Activists Barred From Traveling Abroad
Travel Bans Isolate Activists From International Civil Society
 
The Iranian government should immediately lift foreign travel bans used to
prevent human rights activists and journalists from attending international forums,
Human Rights Watch said today. 
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/08/iran15283.htm
 
February 8, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Turkmenistan: No Deals Without Rights Reform
International Community Should Not Reward Sham Election
 
A new dictatorship will be consolidated in Turkmenistan by the pro forma
presidential election on February 11 unless strong international voices insist on
real human rights reform, Human Rights Watch said today. The election is for the
successor to Saparmurad Niazov, who died in December after two decades of
increasingly tyrannical rule. 
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/08/turkme15285.htm
 
February 8, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Saudi Arabia: Free Detained Advocates of Reform
Secret Police Arrests 7 Prominent Reformers in Replay of Events in 2004
 
Saudi Arabia should immediately release, or formally charge and present the
evidence against, 10 persons arrested by its secret police on February 2, Human
Rights Watch said today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/08/saudia15287.htm
 
February 8, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Letter to US Treasury Secretary on Blocking Oil Payments to Sudan
 
In a letter sent today to the US Secretary of the Treasury, Henry M. Paulson,
Human Rights Watch welcomed the Treasury Department's proposed use of its
regulatory authority to block transfers by US commercial banks of oil payments to
the government of Sudan.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/08/darfur15293.htm
 
February 8, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Iran: Writers Struggle to Uphold Freedom of Expression
Seven Iranian Writers Receive Hellman/Hammett Grants
 
Human Rights Watch announced today that seven Iranians are among the 45
writers from 22 countries who are receiving the prestigious Hellman/Hammett
prize, an award that recognizes writers globally who have been victims of political
persecution. 
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/06/iran15271.htm
 
February 6, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Vietnam: Dissidents Struggle to Exercise Free Speech
Eight Writers Win Prestigious Hellman/Hammett Prize
 
Eight Vietnamese writers are among a diverse group from 22 countries who have
received the prestigious Hellman/Hammett award, which recognizes courage in
the face of political persecution, Human Rights Watch announced today. 
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/06/vietna15277.htm
 
February 6, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Cambodia: Khmer Rouge Prison Survivor Wins Rights Award
Cambodian Artist Vann Nath Honored with Prestigious Hellman/Hammett
Prize
 
Cambodian writer and artist Vann Nath is among a diverse group of writers from
22 countries to receive the prestigious Hellman/Hammett award, which
recognizes courage in the face of political persecution, Human Rights Watch said
today. He is the ninth Cambodian to win the award since 1992.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/06/cambod15272.htm
 
February 6, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Banned, Censored, Harassed and Jailed
45 Writers from 22 Countries Receive Hellman/Hammett Grants
 
Forty-five writers from 22 countries have received Hellman/Hammett grants this
year in recognition of the courage with which they face political persecution,
Human Rights Watch said. 
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/06/global15273.htm
 
February 6, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Letter to Fiji's Interim Prime Minister and President
 
In a letter sent today marking the two-month anniversary of interim Prime
Minister Voreque Bainimarama's military coup in Fiji, Human Rights Watch called
on him and President Ratu Josefa Iloilo to ensure the swift return to an elected
government.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/05/fiji15274.htm
 
February 5, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Germany: Victims Appeal Decision on Uzbek Ex-Minister
Failure to Prosecute Undermines Commitment to International Justice
 
Uzbek survivors of torture and the 2005 massacre of unarmed protesters in
Andijan have appealed a decision by Germany's federal prosecutor not to open
an investigation against former Uzbek Interior Minister Zokir Almatov, Human
Rights Watch said today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/02/german15232.htm
 
February 2, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Syria: Give Refuge to Palestinians Fleeing Threats in Iraq
US and Other Countries Should Help Resettle Refugees
 
Syria should immediately reopen its border to Iraqi Palestinian refugees fleeing
deadly attacks against their community, Human Rights Watch said today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/02/syria15239.htm
 
February 2, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Saudi Arabia: Mentally Ill Prisoner Put in Solitary 
Authorities Fail to Provide Sufficient Care, Supervision for Suicidal Inmate
 
Saudi prison authorities should immediately provide specialized medical care and
supervision for Hadi Al-Mutif, an Isma`ili man sentenced to death in 1996 in an
unfair trial for having allegedly insulted the Prophet Muhammad, Human Rights
Watch said today. Al-Mutif, who has been diagnosed with a psychiatric condition,
attempted suicide twice last month after he was put in solitary confinement. 
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/02/saudia15243.htm
 
February 2, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Senegal: New Law Will Permit Habré's Trial
 
The Senegalese National Assembly's adoption on Wednesday of a law to allow
Senegalese courts to try the exiled former dictator of Chad, Hissène Habré, is an
important step toward justice, Human Rights Watch said today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/02/senega15249.htm
 
February 2, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Colombia: Murders Undermine Credibility of Paramilitary Demobilization
 
The murders of two advocates for victims of paramilitary abuses are a major blow
to the credibility of Colombia's paramilitary demobilization process, Human
Rights Watch said today. 
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/02/01/colomb15246.htm
 
February 1, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
-----
 
Nigeria: Corruption and Misuse Rob Nigerians of Rights
Rivers State Local Governments Squander Oil Revenues Instead of
Funding Health, Education
 
Local government officials in Nigeria's wealthiest oil-producing state have
squandered rising revenues that could provide basic health and education
services for some of Nigeria's poorest people, Human Rights Watch said in a
report released today. Human Rights Watch found that the government's failure
to tackle local-level corruption violates Nigeria's obligation to provide basic health
and education services to its citizens.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/01/28/nigeri15204.htm
 
January 31, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
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Belarus: Threat to Close Lone Human Rights Group 
Government Should Reverse Decision to Evict Helsinki Committee 
 
The Belarusian authorities should immediately reverse a decision to evict the
Belarusian Helsinki Committee (BHC) from its office and instead extend its lease
for another year, Human Rights Watch said today. The government has
arbitrarily cancelled the organization's lease, interfering with its work and trying to
force its closure. The committee's head is expected to make a fresh plea for a
lease extension in a meeting with the Presidential Administration today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/01/31/belaru15229.htm
 
January 31, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
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Bahrain: Activists Face Prison for Political Leaflets 
Police Attack Peaceful Demonstrators Supporting Detainees
 
Two nonviolent political activists in Bahrain face up to seven years in prison for
possession of leaflets calling for peaceful political change, Human Rights Watch
said today. A court in the capital Manama is scheduled to deliver its verdict in the
case tomorrow. 
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/01/30/bahrai15214.htm
 
January 30, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
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Afghanistan: Slow Progress on Security and Rights
Kabul, Donors Should Focus on Accountability and the Rule of Law
 
One year after launching the Afghanistan Compact, President Hamid Karzai's
government and its international backers have largely failed to meet the
compact's benchmarks on improving human rights and basic security, Human
Rights Watch said. Members of the international community and the Afghan
government will meet in Berlin on January 30 and 31 to assess their
implementation of the Afghanistan Compact.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/01/29/afghan15223.htm
 
January 30, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
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United States: Cut Off Cluster Munition Sales to Israel
Compel Israel to Provide Strike Data
 
Preliminary US government findings that Israel violated agreements with the
United States by its use of cluster munitions in Lebanon last summer should lead
to an immediate cutoff of all US cluster munitions sales to Israel, Human Rights
Watch said today.
 
Press Release: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/01/29/usint15212.htm
 
January 29, 2007