Stories about Human Rights from July, 2015
Palestinian Baby Burned to Death in West Bank Settler Attack
Israeli settlers have torched two homes in Douma, in the Occupied West Bank, leaving one baby dead and three civilians, including one child, severely injured.
Calls to #StopEvictions as Pakistani Authorities Bulldoze Slums
"Hey CDA: The children’s library in #Islamabad has been occupied by a religious seminary 4 yrs. Would you evict those illegal occupants too?"
“Ethiopians Should Not Wait for Obama to Give Them Democracy”
"The united hands of our people are stronger than that of Western world! Let us do that and reign the democracy we are longing for!"
Azerbaijan's Political Prisoners, the State and its Secret Society
What is with the rows of passive spectators literally taking up space at the trials of the country's most high-profile political prisoners?
Iran's University of Kurdistan Opens Department of Kurdish Language and Literature for the First Time
Bakhtiar Sajjadi, the new chair of the department, announced last week that 40 students have been accepted to start their studies this October.
Ostula and Mexican Army Hold to Clashing Versions of Recent Attack
In Mexico, the independent investigation agency SubVersiones has published a compilation video that chronologically shows what events that took place on July 19, 2015, in the indigenous Nahua community of Santa María de Ostula. That day ended...
#HackingTeam Leaks: Lebanon’s Cybercrime Bureau Exploited Angry Birds to Surveil Citizens’ Mobile Devices
Lebanon's Cybercrime Bureau seems to be conducting surveillance outside the boundaries of local law — and using Hacking Team software to do it.
Saudi Woman Dies After Her Daughter Is Rejected From University
A grief-struck Saudi mother literally dropped dead at The University of Tabuk campus which refused to admit her daughter into its medical school. Netizens react to the news with alarm.
Malaysia Blocks News Website and Suspends Two Local Papers for Reporting on Government Corruption
"Our report is based on evidence corroborated by documents that include bank transfers and statements. How can the work we have done be deemed as a political conspiracy?"
Brazilian Music Legends Caetano and Gil Will Perform in Israel Despite Calls to Cancel
Ex-Pink Floyd member Roger Waters and former apartheid campaigner and Nobel Prize winner Desmond Tutu have publicly asked the duo to boycott Israel over its treatment of Palestinians.
Talking to Iranian Feminist Author Nina Ansary on the Eve of Change in Iran
Mahsa Alimardani talks to the author of Jewels of Allah, a new book that sheds light on feminism in contemporary Iran.
Nicaragua Mourns Three Family Members Killed by Police in High Speed Pursuit
The death of three family members is the latest tragedy staining Nicaragua's National Police force. The country's outrage might be here to stay.
Peaceful Dissent Becomes Religious Sin as Iran’s Hardliners Reassert Their Power
“To oppose the state is the greatest sin,” said Mohammadi Golpayegani, chief of staff to Iran’s Supreme Leader.
The Origins of Anti-Haitian Sentiment in the Dominican Republic
Ruling the Dominican Republic from 1930 until his assassination in 1961, Rafael Trujillo used anti-Haitian ideology to rally Dominicans around his dictatorship.
Myanmar’s Factories Warn of Economic Shutdown If Minimum Wage Hike Goes Ahead
"It is vital to ensure that the first ever minimum wage level doesn't lock workers from one sector into poverty."
Bahrain's Government Accused of ‘Gambling With the Future of Its Youth’ by Refusing Scholarships for Its Brightest Students
Bahraini graduates are complaining about discrimination in the selection process of government scholarships for university education. Instead of their grades, authorities are looking at their sect and allegiance to authorities.
Rewriting the History of Plan Colombia
A five-star general's specious narrative about the program’s success ignores the crimes and impunity of the Colombian military, and excuses the U.S. for fostering systemic human rights violations.
Mexican Army Accused of Shooting Civilians During Operation in Michoacán
Independent media reported that the Mexican Army opened fire against civilians in the indigenous community of Ostula in Michoacán state. One news outlet said a 12-year-old boy was killed.
Top Bahraini Student Goes to Jail Instead of Medical School
A top Bahraini student is in prison instead of pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor. Faten Bushehri updates us on the plight of Mustafa Mohammed Ismael
China Blocks Telegram Messenger for ‘Aiding Rights Advocates’
Chinese state-run newspaper People's Daily accused Telegram of aiding human-rights lawyers and advocates, who allegedly used the app and its "Secret Chat" mode to engage in “anti-government" activity.
A Musician Convicted of Rape Released After He Sings the Praises of Zambia's President
"Clearly, President Lungu is increasingly becoming a danger not only to the nation but more specifically to the welfare of the girl child in Zambia."
