Human Rights Action Update Sept. 17-24

Miriam, human rights defender, 1947-2012

We wish all our Jewish readers a Shana Tova, a Happy New Year, in which human rights will be respected and peace will reign.

BAHRAIN 
The human rights defender Maryam Al-Khawaja was released on bail on 18 September. Her trial before the High Criminal Court has been scheduled for 1 October on a charge of “assaulting police officers”. The charges are trumped up and she is being persecuted for her human rights activity. Please act on her behalf.
 
MOROCCO 
Seven Sahrawi men were severely beaten on 17 September in Laayoune Local Prison, Western Sahara. They have gone on hunger strike in protest. Please join the protests.

MYANMAR FURTHER SENTENCES FOR PROTESTOR
Community leader U Sein Than has received four further sentences for participating in a series of peaceful protests in Myanmar. He now faces two years’ imprisonment merely for the peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. His daughter and four others are also facing charges of protesting without permission. Please call for his release the dropping of charges against him, his daughter and their associates.
 
RUSSIA
Human rights defender under intimidation--please protest.

Human Rights Action Update, Sept. 11-18

Miriam, human rights defender, 1947-2012

MEXICO
Indigenous activist Mario Luna Romero is at risk of unfair trial after being arrested in Sonora State, northwest Mexico. There are concerns that the case against him may be politically motivated due to his leading role in protests against an aqueduct which affects the Yaqui Indigenous community’s access to water. Please act on his behalf.

GAMBIA
STOP GAMBIA’S HOMOPHOBIC BILL
The Gambian President is currently reviewing a proposed amendment to the Criminal Code which will further discriminate against and punish Gambians merely on the basis of their real or perceived sexual orientation.  There are other antidemocratic features in the Criminal Code that require opposition. Please raise your voice.

EL SALVADOR
Ongoing Smear Campaign And Threats Targeting Human Rights Defenders: Since 10 August 2014, several human rights defenders have been threatened and targeted by media groups in El Salvador. It is connected to the public debate on abortion. Please join the protest.
LABOR ISSUES COLOMBIA AND USA 
At IKEA in the USA, workers are demanding that the company play fair.  In Colombia, Ruben Montoya waits for justice. Please join the campaigns. Also good news from our protest in Swaziland. Read the details in the post.

Human Rights Action Update September 4-11

Miriam, human rights defendeer, 1947-2012

KUWAIT
A mother of an activist is being threatened with deportation. Leyla Mohammad Ali al-Darmalalli, 66, who has been living in Kuwait for the past 40 years, is at risk of being deported to Egypt. Her children are Kuwaiti nationals. She is the mother of Abdullah Fairouz, a human rights activist who was unfairly convicted of having insulted the Amir of Kuwait, and initially sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. It is not clear if two years added later to his sentence are to be served concurrently or sequentially. She is a diabetic and confined to a wheelchair. Please act on her behalf.
CHINA
Prisoner of conscience Liu Ping is being denied access to the medical treatment she
needs in detention, and there are serious concerns for her health. She is also at risk of
torture and other ill-treatment. Please join the outcry.

PHILIPPINES

Bruised and battered: Help Alfreda get the justice she deserves © Amnesty International

Alfreda Disbarro has been arrested and tortured to extract a fake confession on trumped up charges. Amnesty has obtained an investigation. Please join the demand for justice for Alfreda.

PERU

Luis Cardenas, a union leader in Peru, was hospitalized after being beaten in the head with a rock.

A union leader was brutally beaten because of his activities. Please click to join the protest and demand for justice.

Human Rights Action Update, August 29-September 4

Miriam, human rights activist, 1947-2012

HONDURAS
Prominent campesino (peasant farmer) leader Margarita Murillo was shot dead in the community of El Planón, north-western Honduras, on 27 August. The safety of other members of her organization and family could be at risk. Please call for an investigation and for protection for others at risk.

ISRAEL/PALESTINE 
Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire on 26 August, ending their conflict after 50 days. The need for justice for civilian victims on both sides is urgent, as is the need for Israel to lift its blockade of the Gaza Strip. Please protest to both sides.

NIGERIA

Moses before his arrest in 2005, aged 16 years © Private

On 27 November, Moses  Akatugba was arrested by the Nigerian army, who allegedly shot him in the hand and beat him during the arrest. Now he faces death by hanging for stealing three mobile phones eight years ago. He maintains his innocence. Please act to save his life.

THAILAND 








British migrant rights activist Andy Hall faces 7 years imprisonment and \$10 million in damages from lawsuits brought by Thai pineapple company Natural Fruit, part of NatGroup. Hall's research for workers' rights NGO Finnwatch found serious abuses at Natural Fruit’'s pineapple factory including child labour, illegally low wages, confiscation of identity documents and violence. He has been beset by fake lawsuits and accusations. Please act on his behalf.