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The Rafto Foundation in cooperation with the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (NHH) invites to the open symposium on “Human Rights and Economic Development”. The symposium takes place on Thursday, November 23 from 9:30-16:00 at NHH. (09-NOV-06)

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Rafto Foundation, a declaration was presented by the Rafto Laureates who were present in Bergen: Vo Van Ai on behalf of Tich Quang Do, Lidija Jusupova, Rebiya Kadeer, Paulos Tesfagiorgis, Shirin Ebadi, Ian Hancock, ECPAT, Peter Molnar, Leyla Zana, Trivimi Velliste and Jan Hajek on behalf of late Jiri Hajek. (09-NOV-06)
 

On 26 September Berlin´s Deutsche Oper cancelled the performances of Hans Neuenfels’ production of Mozart´s 1781 opera Idomeneo (pictured right) because of a police tip-off that the show could incur Muslim displeasure. Despite speculation that the opera will be rescheduled with extra security measures the action has led to renewed concern in the West that fundamentalism and the threat of violence has led to increased self censorship and is threatening one of our most valued fundamental rights – freedom of expression. (10-NOV-06)
 

The Norwegian Council for the Rights of the Kurds (RKR) has released another issue of its magazine ´Tema Kurdistan ,´ this time focussing on the dual pressure for democratization and increased respect for human rights that Republic of Turkey is subjected to these days, both from within, most notably over the Kurdish issue, and from outside, where the EU question remains the most dofficult to answer. In this issue, says its editor Liv Kjølseth, right, the authors of many of the articles argue in favour of a stronger emphasis on the Kurdish issue within the EU. (09-NOV-06)
 

As a country that has restricted religious freedom since its Soviet days, Republic of Uzbekistan now plans to increase punishment for those who express their religious beliefs. The proposal released by the Religious Affairs Committee threatens a fine of 200 to 600 times the monthly minimum wage (which is about US $10) for anyone who shares their beliefs outside of their religious communities. Repeat offenders could face three to eight years in prison along with the leader of their religious community. (03-NOV-06)
 

The current series of attacks of Azerbaijani authorities on mass media causes serious alarms not only in the country, but also outside of its borders. The list of forms of pressure, such as assassination of journalists, imprisonment of reporters, huge amounts of fines from independent media outlets, attempts to evict the occupants of Azadlig building , seems to be added one more significant point – ban the BBC from its domestic airwaves, a move that is designed to impose an information blockade on the ex-Soviet state. (30-OCT-06)
 

The building at 33 Khagani street, hosting Azadlig Newspaper, Turan Information Agency, the Institute for Reporter Safety and Freedom, KIV.AZ Internet Newspaper, Bizim Yol Newspaper, Yeni Nesil Journalist Union´s Printing Office, Azerbaijan´s Democracy Development Organization, Popular Front Party of Republic of Azerbaijan is to be released from its occupants according to the #1 Economic Court’s Decision of Republic of Azerbaijan Republic. Remaining the last stronghold of Azerbaijan’s independent media, the eviction of the occupants from the building cannot be curtained under the pretexts of rent contracts. The majority of national and international organizations think that it is a part of the pressure of the authorities on the independent media. (26-OCT-06)
 

The Human Rights House Foundation opens an international branch in the Republic of Azerbaijan, called Human Rights House Baku. The Core Group in Baku, consisting of selected 9 national human rights organizations, signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the 21-st of October. The registration procedures are preceded by the professional law firm in accordance with the legislation of Republic of Azerbaijan Republic and the papers for registration will be submitted to the Ministry of Justice by the end of November 2006. (23-OCT-06)
 

On November, 4th the People’s Unity Day was celebrated in the Russian Federation. Official holiday’s activities were held all over the country. Besides, ultranationalist parties organized rallies and marches in many cities, while anti-Fascist activists were holding counter actions. Despite the ban on the Russian March, it took place in Moscow. On that day several dozens of people were detained in Moscow, including journalists. (07-NOV-06)