Burma: Continued Prosecutions of Human Rights Defenders
The Asian Human Rights Commission has in a number of recent appeals and statements (AHRC-UAC-105-2013, AHRC-UAC-101-2013, AHRC-STM-108-2013) pointed to the persistent pursuit and prosecution by the police and local authorities in Burma, or Myanmar, of human rights defenders under draconian legislation old and new. Despite the country's continued progress...
Indonesia: TNI Surveillance Purchase Triggers Concern in Indonesia
A leading human rights group has called for increased monitoring of Indonesian Military (TNI) surveillance activities after the defense ministry admitted to purchasing sophisticated spying equipment from a company with a history of supplying oppressive regimes.
The Ministry of Defense signed a 4.2 million pound ($6.7 million) deal with the...
Philippines: More Muslim rebels surrender in Philippines’ south
More Muslim rebels have surrendered in the Philippines' south, a day after the UN said the ongoing fighting has resulted in a humanitarian crisis.
The military is believed to have custody of at least 40 members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga city.
The UN said on Wednesday...
Cambodia: Cambodia must ensure National Assembly represents all parties – UN expertHanoi
25 September 2013 – Following the general elections in Cambodia in July, the Government must now ensure that the National Assembly is truly representative to promote a successful transition to democracy, a United Nations independent expert said today.
“Every country that undergoes a transition to democracy faces a moment when...
Indonesia: Indonesia’s Prabowo Turns Ambassador
Indonesian presidential hopeful Prabowo Subianto has just seven months to convincingly reinvent his image as a human rights defender before the 2014 primary election next May.
In keeping with his portrayal as diplomatic and benevolent, Prabowo recently visited a maid on Malaysia's death row who was accused of murdering her...
Myanmar: Letpadaung Villagers Fear Crackdown After Compensation Deadline
Villagers opposed to the Chinese-backed Letpadaung copper mine in northern Myanmar fear a harsh government crackdown after next week’s deadline for them to accept financial compensation for giving up their land for the project, activists said.
Some 400 residents from 10 villages in the Letpadaung area in Sagaing region marched...
Cambodia: Scapegoat ‘killers’ acquitted
The courtroom erupted in applause yesterday as the Supreme Court acquitted two men falsely charged with the murder of unionist Chea Vichea nearly a decade ago.
Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun are set to leave Prey Sar prison free men this morning after spending a total of five years,...
Indonesia: Non-Muslim Ward Chief Stays On
Opposition against a South Jakarta ward chief for being a non-Muslim heated up on Wednesday after protesters delivered a coffin and a yellow flag, a symbol often associated with death, and demanded that she be removed from her position.
Some 600 residents rallied against Susan Jasmine Zulkifli on Wednesday, rejecting...
Indonesia: OEMs Face Human Rights Issues With Indonesian Tin
Pressure is mounting on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to re-examine their supply chains in an effort to stop procuring tin from Bangka Island, Indonesia. Questions about the use of Indonesian tin comes in the wake of recent research that suggests dangerous tin mining practices have caused deaths and environmental...
Malaysia: The most serious assault on human rights
Lawyers for Liberty is extremely shocked and concerned with the rash of proposed criminal law and procedure amendments with far reaching implications that were tabled in Parliament yesterday.
These amendments constitute the most serious assault on human rights and established legal principles since 1988 after the constitutional crisis and Operation...
