Stories about Human Rights from January, 2017
Algerian Blogger Merzoug Touati Could Face 25 Years in Jail for Interviewing an Israeli Official on YouTube
The interview focuses on Algerian government accusations that foreign powers stoked protests against austerity measures in the country. Blogger Merzoug Touati is charged with "exchanging intelligence with a foreign power."
The Executive Order on Immigration Wants You To Think Gaining Legal Entry to the US Is Easy
In reality, it's damned hard.
Protests, Deportations and Uncertainty: Iranians Ensnared by Trump's Immigration Ban
"My timeline is full of stories of people impacted by #Trump’s order. They are in shock & can’t believe it."
Myanmar Activists Say Junta-Era Defamation Law Must Go
"It is not appropriate that a citizen who criticises someone more powerful should face legal action of this kind."
Journalists of Closed Hungarian Newspaper Népszabadság Score ‘Symbolic Posthumous Victory’ in Court
A Hungarian court has ruled that last October's sudden closure of the country's leading opposition daily, Népszabadság, was illegal.
For Jordan's LGBT Community, the Law Books and Reality Send Different Messages
Same-sex relations were decriminalized in Jordan in 1951, but nearly 70 years later the country's LGBT citizens remain the targets of discrimination and mistreatment, with little protection from the law.
Originally Sentenced to Death, a Blogger Goes Before Mauritania's Supreme Court
In 2014, Ould Mkhaitir was arrested and convicted of "apostasy" over an opinion article in which he addressed Mauritania's discriminatory caste system.
United Colors of Persecution: The Struggle of Patagonia's Indigenous People against Benetton
Against a backdrop of legal complexities and state repression, a Mapuche community in Patagonia is fighting against the Italian textile giant Benetton to regain ownership of their ancestral lands.
The Jallikattu Protests in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu Are Not Merely About a Bullfight
"People finally have become bulls to reaffirm their self-respect, determination and identity."
The Difficult Work of Building an Inclusive, Women-Led Coalition to Resist Trump
"If you want to know if you are going the right way follow women of color, brothers and sisters."
The Struggle to End Female Genital Mutilation in Africa
"If I had previously known what I know today, I would never have circumcised a single woman. We have caused much suffering to many daughters and wives."
In Moldova, Civil Society Stands Up to ‘Big Brother’ Law
Pressured by civil society, Moldovan legislators debate whether to amend the flawed surveillance-enabling legal changes, called the "Big Brother" Law, or to demand a completely new proposal by the government.
Puerto Rico Celebrates Political Prisoner Oscar López Rivera's Release
San Juan major Carmen Yulín announced that the city will be preparing a special event for his arrival in May.
Australia Day Ads Promoting Diversity Stir Controversy Before National Holiday
"If you’re not sure how to feel about the ad, why not ask an Aboriginal person who they feel about it. And if you don’t know any Aboriginal people… well…"
Filipino Farmers and Activists March for Justice and ‘La La Land Reform’
'Stop killing peasants who feed the nation,' reads one banner during the January 20 march organized by peasant groups and activists in the Philippines.
“The Human Rights Situation in Burundi Is Deteriorating: We Need a New Approach to Show the World What is Happening”
"Strained relations in Burundi are causing price hikes and making life very difficult for the population. We need an urgent resolution to the Burundi crisis".
Thousands of Women March to Reclaim Public Spaces Across India
Thousands of women across India rally, carrying signs reading, “I will go out,” in a campaign to reclaim their right to public spaces without fear of being attacked.
How the US Marines Spread Fake News About an Afghan ‘Terrorist’ In Okinawa
A long-term Afghan resident of Japan was accused of being a terrorist by an American military unit stationed in Okinawa Prefecture. It has since been debunked as "fake news".
A Persecuted Bangladeshi Writer Gets a New Life in the US. But Exile Isn't Easy.
“I feel that I am in exile not just physically, my mind is also in exile."
With One More Vote, Trinidad and Tobago Could Ban Child Marriage
Child marriage will likely soon be illegal in Trinidad and Tobago, but the country's new legislation isn't likely to end the controversy surrounding the practice.
Health of Detained UAE Academic Nasser Bin Ghaith at Risk, Rights Groups Say
Bin Ghaith was held incommunicado for nine months over and deprived of adequate food and clothing. Supporters are now concerned for his health.
