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Ikram Jilani, Imam in World Islamic Mission, right, one of the biggest moslem parishes in Norway, made it clear last month that even if violence against women is incompatible with Islam, certain circumstances permits a man to punish his wife, also through beating. In an interview with the national daily Aftenposten 9 November, Jilani exemplified with a situation where a woman leaves the home to meet other men. (04-DEC-05)
 

On 25 November Tatsiana Khoma, fourth-year student of the international economic relations department of Belarusian State Economic University, found out she was expelled for participation in international student movement, the formal reason being trip to France. Ms. Khoma believes this very fact became the real reason for her expulsion from the university: -The political motivation here is evident for me, she said. (3-DEC-05)
 

In the run-up to Ukraine ’s parliamentary elections in March 2006, ARTICLE 19 has issued a statement, emphasising the importance of impariality during elections and calling for problematic clauses of the new Law on Election of People’s Deputies to be withdrawn. Amidst concern that aspects of the law are not in line with international standards of freedom of expression for elections, the organisation also recommended guidelines to be drawn up on election reporting for the broadcast media. (3-DEC-05)
 

In the run-up to Ukraine’s parliamentary elections in March 2006, ARTICLE 19 has issued a statement, emphasising the importance of impartiality during elections and calling for problematic clauses of the new Law on Election of People’s Deputies to be withdrawn. Amidst concern that aspects of the law are not in line with international standards of freedom of expression for elections, the organisation also recommends guidelines to be drawn up on election reporting for the broadcast media. (02-DEC-05)
 

On 28 November 2005, the trial of the so-called “Zvornik Group” commenced before the War Crimes Chamber in Belgrade. Branko Grujic, Branko Popovic, Dragan Slavkovic, Ivan Korac, Sinisa Filipovic, Dragutin Dragicevic, and Dusko Vuckovic, who died in prison last week, have been accused of murder of at least 22 and forceful deportation of 1822 Bosnian Muslim civilians from the Zvornik municipality. (02-DEC-2005)

18 November 2005 International Helsinki Federation (IHF) during its annual meeting of all members distinguished Yevgeniy Zhovtis the 2005 IHF Recognition Award. In previous years Yuri Schmidt, Catherine Fitzpatrick, Talib Yakubov, the Human rights group Memorial (Nazran) and the Society of Russian-Chechen Friendship received the award. (02-DEC-05)

The Norwegian Salvation Army may well be licking its wounds, but it’s all too late now. The damage is done, and the list of artists joining the boycott of the previously so popular organisation is growing by the day after the news broke that the organisation removes gay and lesbian officers from official duties, on the grounds that they are unsuited to wear the uniform and represent the organisation. (02-DEC-05)
 

On 28 November 2005, the trial of the so-called “Zvornik Group” commenced before the War Crimes Chamber in Belgrade. Branko Grujic, Branko Popovic, Dragan Slavkovic, Ivan Korac, Sinisa Filipovic, Dragutin Dragicevic, and Dusko Vuckovic, who died in prison last week, were accused of murdering at least 22 and forcefully deporting 1822 Bosnian Muslim civilians from the Zvornik municipality. (02-DEC-05)
 

Newly elected EC member of ESIB, the National Unions of Students in Europe, Taciana Khoma, right, has been expelled from Republic of Belarus State Economic University and thrown out of her dormitory. The decision is based on accusations that she has not given proper information reagarding her work in ESIB. The Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the Human Rights House Foundation condemn her expulsion which they consider is politically motivated and notify the authorities in a letter that several basic human rights have been violated. Read the letter here. (02-DEC-05)
 

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders, Hina Jilani, right, with whom HRH continues to work closely, will undertake a fact-finding mission to Brazil from 5 to 20 December 2005 at the invitation of the Government. The Special Representative will assess the situation of human rights defenders, and examine in particular both the legal framework as well as any possible limitations on the right to defend human rights in the country. (02-DEC-05)
 

Nizhni Novgorod: Two Russian police officers have been convicted of crimes relating to the torture of Aleksei Mikheev in detention in September 1998.The court sentenced the two police officers to four years´ imprisonment. Amnesty International welcomes the conviction and calls for full redress for Aleksei Mikheev. Photo: Amnesty International (30-NOV-05)
 
 

Nora Sveaas, right, leader of the International Society for Health and Human Rights (ISHHR), one of the in-house member organisations of the Norwegian Human Rights House, was yesterday elected one of five new members of the United nations? Committee on Torturethe Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has lobbied for Sveaas?s candidature, announces. (01-DEC-05)