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The ECHR questions Poland because of pre-trial detentions
The European Court of Human Rights intends to thoroughly examine the problem of applying pre-trial detention in the Republic of Poland. The Court approached the government inquiring whether it is true that a “system of groundless excessive detention of individuals suspected of committing a crime” is commonly applied in the Republic of Poland. This case is unprecedented, as until now the Strasbourg Court has never approached a state with an inquiry regarding the entirety of an issue. (04-JAN-08)
ECHR questions Poland’s practice of pre-trial detention
The European Court of Human Rights intends to thoroughly examine the problem of applying pre-trial detention in the Republic of Poland. The Court approached the government inquiring whether it is true that a “system of groundless excessive detention of individuals suspected of committing a crime” is commonly applied in the Republic of Poland. This case is unprecedented, as until now the Strasbourg Court has never approached a state with an inquiry regarding the entirety of an issue. (04-JAN-08)
-I acted under pressure, says Electoral Commission Chairman Kivuitu
On Tuesday night, Samuel Kivuitu, right, made a damning admission that he announced results of the fiercely contested presidential election under pressure. The magnitude of the Electoral Commission chairman’s admission and the further dent on the credibility of the election was captured in his answer when asked if indeed President Kibaki won the elections: “I do not know whether Kibaki won the election”. (02-JAN-07)
Raid on church leaves 35 dead as chaos spreads across Kenya
At least 35 people, most of them women and children, died on Tuesday in Eldoret in the most grotesque killing yet in the ongoing post-election violence. They were killed when more than 200 youths burnt down a church where residents of two villages in Eldoret South constituency had sought refuge. Right, a woman weeps outside the burned church. (01-JAN-08)
Members of Electoral Commission of Kenya express concern over result
Five members of the Electoral Commission of Republic of Kenya (ECK) have broken ranks with their colleagues over the disputed election result. -We cannot remain silent under the circumstances. Like all Kenyans, we are deeply affected, the commissioners said in a statement. Right, police and soldiers taking cover behind ballot boxes in Ngong town, outside Nairobi. (01-JAN-08)
Violent protests, more than 100 killed, as Kenya’s election result is rigged
In 48 constituencies, all in President Mwai Kibaki´s support base areas of the country, the results as declared locally do not correspond with those announced by the Nairobi headquarters of the Election Commission of Republic of Kenya (ECK). Within ten minutes of releasing the results, Kibaki was sworn in. Violent protests immediately broke out and continue in large parts of the country. Houses have been set ablaze, looting is out of control and the death toll, according to Kenya´s national broadcaster KTN, currently stands at 124. (31-DEC-07)
Kenya Human Rights Commission cites election flaws
Electoral malpractices and human rights violations in campaigns are likely to impact negatively on the General Election today, says the Republic of Kenya Human Rights Commission. -Although concerns have been raised over rampant human rights violations and electoral malpractices, little has been done by relevant State institutions to address them. This has cast doubt on the fairness of the 2007 polls, the human rights NGO warns. (27-DEC-07)
Too many Cases of war crimes unsolved
In his speach to the media, few days ago, the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH Ambassador Douglas Davidson (right) is of the opinion that 12 years past the end of war in BiH, there are too many unsolved cases of war crimes. (26-DEC-07)
Landmark victory on call for halt to executions
The global campaign against the death penalty secured a landmark victory yesterday when the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the call for a worldwide moratorium (suspension) on executions. In a landslide result, 104 UN member states voted in favour of the ground-breaking resolution. 54 countries voted against, while there were 25 abstentions. (19-DEC-07)