repression

India: Violent police repression and on-going intimidation of anti-dam activists

Front Line is seriously concerned by reports received of violent police repression and intimidation of members of the Mapithel Dam Affected Ching-Tam Organization (MDACTO) following a peaceful demonstration in Manipur State on 3 November 2008 . The demonstration was organised by Meira Paibi, the women´s group of MDACTO, an organisation which defends the rights of communities affected by the dam project. Front Line previously issued an appeal concerning the arbitrary detention and intimidation of anti-dam activists in Manipur on 19 September 2008.  Read More

Western Sahara: Systematic repression of human rights defenders

Following its recent visit to Western Sahara from 15 to 22 September 2008, Front Line expresses its serious concern in relation to repressive practices against human rights defenders in Western Sahara. These include intrusive surveillance of defenders, the imposition of obstacles to registration of non-governmental organisations, physical attacks and arbitrary detentions, such as the wave of arrests carried out on 21 September following a peaceful demonstration in the town of Smara.  Read More

Ethiopia: Human rights defenders at risk

The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint programme of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), has published a report of an international fact-finding mission to Ethiopia titled Human Rights Defenders Under Pressure. The report details how defending human rights in Ethiopia today comes down to facing constant risks of clashes with federal, regional and local authorities, who show a blatant will to control and neutralise independent civil society, while the ruling power and State agents continue to subject human rights defenders to repression, harassment and retaliation.

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