Stories about Human Rights from December, 2015
As Russia Insulates Itself from Human Rights Bodies, State Surveillance Decision Looms
The European Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of a free expression advocate's case against Russian government surveillance. But thanks to a new law, Russia officially does not care.
Netizen Report: Tales of Torture from Ethiopia’s Jails
Netizens give chilling account of inhumane treatment in Ethiopia's prison system. Meanwhlie, sedition laws levy strict penalties for netizens in Thailand, Malaysia.
The Liberation of Dhaka and the Whitewashing of Pakistan's History
Pakistan's official account of their Armed Forces' surrender in Dhaka 44 years ago ignores the realities of the bloody conflict that resulted in Bangladesh's secession.
Singapore Couple on Trial for Allegedly Starving Filipina Maid for 15 Months
"...migrant domestic workers in Singapore live and work under state regulations that place them squarely in the position of indentured slaves..."
Indonesia Mourns Scholar Benedict Anderson, Who Helped Expose the 1965 Anti-Communist Purge
Indonesians celebrate the life of Professor Benedict Anderson, author of the book "Imagined Communities" and an expert on Southeast Asia at Cornell University. Anderson died last week.
Treatment of ‘Butch’ Woman at Trinidad Nightclub Feeds Discussion on Gender Identity
With gender suddenly in the mix, an otherwise familiar story of intolerance has become unexpectedly new ground for Trinbagonian netizens.
South Indian Singer Prosecuted for Song Critical of State Government
“A law that is repeatedly used to arrest singers, cartoonists and writers has no place in a democracy – and should be repealed.”
Ethiopian Netizens Defend Themselves in Court After 525 Days of Detention
Left to defend themselves in court, Ethiopian netizens reject charges of anti-government activity and describe torture and ethnic discrimination in prison.
Bangladesh Unblocks All Social Media Services (For Now)
Contradictory statements from authorities have left many Bangladeshis wondering what was behind the ban on Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and other major communications platforms.
Activists Take to the Top of Lviv City Hall to Highlight Human Rights in Ukraine
Ukrainian civic activists climbed to the very top of Lviv City Hall to read aloud the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and raise awareness of International Human Rights Day.
Chhaupadi, the Dwindling Nepalese Tradition That Turns Women Into Outcasts During Their Periods
Even though it's banned, the practice still exists in remote hill villages. Women are forced to sleep outside in huts, exposed to the elements, without warm clothes or blankets.
Nigerian Lawmakers May Criminalize ‘Abusive’ and Anti-Government Messages Online
Nigeria's social media landscape is poised for dramatic changes, if lawmakers get their way with a new bill that would make it possible to sentence Internet bullies to prison time.
Viral Outrage Over the Appropriation of Traditional Mexican Embroidery Is Full of Inaccuracies
Media reported that Santa María Tlahuitoltepec residents would be forced to pay royalties on their traditional embroidery because of a French company's copyright claim. Disturbing—if it were true. It's not.
How Activists in Southeast Asia Celebrated Human Rights Day
The theme of justice resonated across Southeast Asia as activist groups highlighted their governments' human rights violations and other abuses.
Hungary Adds a Flashy Website and a Lawsuit to Its Anti-Refugee Arsenal
Hungary is stepping up efforts to block European Union plans to relocate some 120,000 refugees across the continent.
Syria's Most Vulnerable Live a Hard Life in Jordan's Refugee Camps
Yemeni blogger Noon Arabia visits a few of the camps where some of Jordan's 650,000 Syrian refugees are living under difficult circumstances.
Russia Sentences First Activist to Three Years in Jail for Peaceful Protest
Ildar Dadin, jailed for three years for single-person pickets, pleaded not guilty and called the case against him a "shameful persecution based on an unconstitutional law."
Ecuadorean Political Leader Who Criticized Government Nepotism on Twitter Gets 15 Days in Prison
A few tweets about an alleged case of nepotism in Ecuador's Government earned Sebastian Cevallos a sentence of 15 days in jail.
Cambodians March for Land, Justice and Human Rights Despite Government Restrictions
Protests are now banned at the Phnom Penh freedom park, but Cambodian activists from the provinces continue to march towards the capital in order to celebrate International Human Rights Day.
Four Months Later, Still No Answers About a Shootout with Salvadoran Police and Army That Left Five Dead
The autopsies of the five men reveal that they were shot at close range. Three days later, a woman who witnessed the shootings disappeared.
New Draft Law Enables Russia to Ignore International Human Rights Decisions
A recently passed draft law could allow the Russian Constitutional Court to review any international human rights decision against Russia, allowing the Kremlin to shirk international human rights obligations.