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.