Latest
Russia: trial of Oleg Orlov, head of Memorial, continues
On 3 March a hearing in the trial of Oleg Orlov took place in Russia. The head of the Russian NGO Human Rights Centre Memorial is charged with slander for saying that Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov was responsible for the death of his colleague, human rights defender Natalia Estemirova, who was abducted and murdered in 2009.
Belarus: Political detainees facing years of prison
The series of criminal trials for the December 19 “mass riots” have opened in Belarus. The brutality of the first sentences was shocking. However, no-one was surprised that despite having no real proof of guilt, the authorities tried to silence the lawyers by all possible means. Long-standing defender of Belarusian political prisoners Pavel Sapelka was disbarred, following his colleagues.
Human Rights House Azerbaijan closed down by Azerbaijani authorities
Human Rights House Azerbaijan, partner of the international Human Rights House Network, is forced to cease all its activities following an order of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan of 10 March 2011.
Statement on the closing of the Human Rights House Azerbaijan
On 10 March 2011, the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan ordered the Human Rights House Azerbaijan, partner of the international Human Rights House Network, to cease all activities immediately. According to the Ministry of Justice, in the future the Human Rights House Azerbaijan will be allowed to carry out activities only upon prior agreement with the State. The Human Rights House Network believes this measure is part of the escalated repression of the civil society in the last few weeks, in connection with the calls for pro-democracy demonstrations in March 2011.
Delegation of South Caucasus Network of HR Defenders and HRHF at the UN Human Rights Council
When: Tuesday, 8. March 2011 To: Friday, 11. March 2011 Where: Geneva, UN Human Rights Council Host: Human Rights House Foundation’s Geneva Office
Parallel event “Shedding Light on Challenges for Human Rights Defenders in the Caucasus”
At the parallel event jointly organised by the South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders and the Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF), key human rights defenders and experts from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the North Caucasus (Russian Federation) will discuss the challenges for human rights defenders in the Caucasus.
Women’s Solidarity March in the streets of Warsaw
The annual demonstration called “Manifa”, took place in Warsaw two days before the International Woman’s Day. “Manifa” is a woman’s solidarity march organized by the feminist group The Women’s Agreement of 8th March. The slogan of this year’s demonstration was “Enough of the exploitation of women! We terminate the domestic service!”.
The Advocates-General in the Court of Justice of the European Union
The Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights appealed to Vassilios Skouris, President of the Court of Justice of the European Union, in reference to the lack of the increase in the number of Advocates-General in the Court. Although a significant amendment of the procedure for altering the number of Advocates-General was introduced, no such change has taken place.
US State Department report: Drugs transit through Georgia to Western Europe
Georgia is becoming a major transit corridor for drugs of abuse produced elsewhere,- says the US State Report published on March 3. The report lists the reasons for is, wich is, geographical situation of Georgia, occupied territories within the country, as well as Georgia’s agreement for visa free travel with the Islamic Republic of Iran is seen as a danger by the US state department.
Youth activists targeted as freedom of expression clampdown continues
Member organisations of the International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan condemn the recent wave of arrests of youth activists and bloggers in connection with planned pro-democracy protests in the country, and call for their immediate release. Reports of restrictions on freedom of expression and pressure by the Azerbaijani authorities have escalated in recent weeks, as calls for pro-democracy protests – inspired by the events in the Middle East and North Africa – have gained momentum in the country.
Палітычным вязням пагражаюць доўгія гады за кратамі
У Беларусі распачалася серыя судоў па крымінальных справах аб “масавых беспарадках” 19 снежня. Першыя прысуды здзіўляюць жорсткасцю. Аднак не здзіўляе тое, што, не маючы доказаў вінаватасці апанентаў, улады ўсяляк затыкаюць рот іх адвакатам. Шматгадовы абаронца беларускіх палітзняволеных Павел Сапелка ўслед за іншымі калегамі страціў ліцэнзію.
Number of Suicides Increases in Georgia
According to the World Health Organization every 40 seconds someone commits suicide. For the last 50 years the cases of suicide have increased by 60%. The number of attempted suicides exceeds the number of actual suicides by 20 times. The research shows that the high occurrence of suicides is particularly observed in developing countries. According to the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, in 2010 the number of suicides has decreased by 2% compared to the year of 2009. However, the number of suicide attempts has increased considerably. 334 cases of suicides and 1,106 attempts of suicide were observed in 2010. As for the year of 2009; 340 people committed suicide and 1,091 made attempts.