RFE/RL Watchdog
1/26/2012 6:52:14 PM
A blog of human rights, media freedom, and democracy developments from RFE/RL's broadcast region.
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Belarus Inmate 'Asks' For Freedom
The wife of the jailed Belarusian presidential candidate Andrey Sannikau says Sannikau was "forced" to author a letter to authoritarian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka, asking for his freedom. More 
Another Iranian Journalist Jailed
Reformist Iranian journalist and former student activist Saeed Razavi Faqih has been reportedly arrested upon returning to Tehran from Paris where he was residing. More 
Jail Time Confirmed For Belarus Activist
A Belarusian court has upheld the conviction and 4 1/2-year jail sentence for human rights activist Ales Byalyatski. More 
EU Widens Belarus Sanctions
The move allows Brussels to freeze assets and impose visa bans on individuals who are responsible for serious human rights violations. More 
Tajik Problem With Underage Brides
Tajik lawmaker Saodat Amirshoeva told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that some parents forge the documents of their daughters in order to make it appear that the girls are 18 years old and eligible for marriage. More 
Kazakh Police Raid Party Office
Kazakh security services have searched the Almaty office of the unregistered Algha (Forward) party, as well as the homes of the opposition party's leader and several activists. More 
Iraq 'Headed Toward Police State'
Human Rights Watch has warned that Iraq is falling back into authoritarianism and headed towards becoming a police state. More 
Belarusian Activist Faces Eviction
An opposition activist in eastern Belarus is facing eviction from her home and could also be divested of her parental rights. More 
Wounded Kazakh Oil Worker Describes Being Shot During Protests
In an interview with RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, a former oil worker in troubled western Kazakhstan, Nurlybek Nurgalyev, talks about being wounded after police and security forces fired on striking oil workers in the city of Zhanaozen. More 
Belarus Activist Being 'Forcibly Fed'
Medical personnel have begun forcibly feeding a jailed political activist on hunger strike in eastern Belarus. More 
Kyrgyz Ombudsman: Inmate Abused
Kyrgyz Ombudsman Tursunbek Akun said in parliament on January 18 that the body of an inmate who died in a Bishkek detention center shows signs of violence. More 
Supporters Pay Jailed Activist's Fine
Millions of Belarusian rubles raised by supporters of a jailed Belarusian human rights activist have been wired to the state treasury to pay a court-ordered fine. More |
