Protests Suppressed by Security Forces in Bahrain and Iran

February 16, 2011

By Eric C. Sigmund
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

MANAMA, Bahrain – Protests in the Middle East continue to spread and escalate as angry citizens test the resolve of their governments in Bahrain and Iran. Energized by the ousting of Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, thousands have flooded the streets in recent days to demand more rights and freedom from government tyranny. Now the situation has turned deadly. Protests in both countries have met fierce resistance by police forces ordered to break up opposition rallies by government officials.

Protests in Bahrain Shifts Attention Towards Middle East (Photo Courtesy of Reuters)

At least 2 people were killed and 50 injured Wednesday in Bahrain as security forces reportedly lobbed tear gas into crowds and attacked groups of protestors in Manama’s Pearl Square. Witnesses also reported that the forces shot rubber bullets at those fleeing the square. Pearl Square has been dubbed the new Tahrir Square and has been the focal point of the growing opposition in the Middle East over the last few days. The protests, which started Monday, proceeded peacefully and thousands remained in the square throughout the nights, sleeping in tents. Thursday morning, the square is nearly empty, the stronghold of the opposition abandoned.

Sheikh Ali Salman, general secretary of the Wefaq party, the main Shi’ite opposition party in the country, stated “We’re not looking for a religious state. We’re looking for a civilian democracy in which people are the source of power, and to do that we need a new constitution.” King Hamad Bin Isa al-Khalifa presented a new constitution a decade ago which guaranteed more political rights to citizens but Salman and others argue that the leadership has not gone far enough and should embrace democracy. The Wefaq party has walked out of parliament.

Clashes also erupted in Iran Wednesday at a funeral being held for a student shot during an opposition rally on Monday. The protests in Iran, which are continuing into their second week, are the longest since those held after the reelection of President Ahmadinejad in 2009. The government however, has not been timid in condemning the opposition. Police forces have been given carte blanch in disrupting protests and dozens of people have been arrested. While the protests in Iran are a clear indication of overwhelming dissatisfaction with the government, analysts fear that the movement will do little to shake up the ranks of government. Only time will tell what may be the result of this latest anti-government moment in Iran but the leadership in Tehran has shown that it is willing to take every step to preserve its power.

A “Day of Rage” is also scheduled to begin in Libya on Thursday to protest the dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Word of the protests spread rapidly through the social media networks Facebook and Twitter. Human rights groups have already warned about the likelihood of a security crackdown to quell and analysts are doubtful that the events which transpired in Egypt will occur again in Libya. Many governments throughout the region feeling pressure from their citizenry have already given concessions and promised further reforms to calm dissent. Gaddafi however, has been defiant and protestors have already faced violent resistance as several hundred people clashed with police forces on Tuesday. Pro-Gaddafi groups have also turned out in large numbers to assist police forces suppressing the opposition.

For a country-by-country breakdown of the situation in the Middle East and North Africa click here.

For more information, please see:

Reuters Africa – Libyan Online Protesters Prepare for “Day of Rage” – Feb. 17, 2011

Agence France Presse – Bahrain Forces Break up Protesters’ Camp: Witnesses – Feb. 16, 2011

BBC – Middle East Protests: Country by Country – Feb. 16, 2011

DiscountVoucers.co.uk – Ahmadinejad Claims Iran Protests are Futile – Feb. 16, 2011

Reuters – Supporters, Opponents of Iran Govt Clash at Funeral – Feb. 16, 2011

Reuters – Two Dead as Bahrain Police Break Up Protests Camp – Feb. 16, 2011

Anti-government protests erupt in Libya

February 16, 2011

By Polly Johnson
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

BENGHAZI, Libya – In the wake of mass protests in Egypt and Tunisia, anti-government demonstrators took to the streets of Libya late Tuesday, clashing with police and government supporters.

Demonstrators gathered Wednesday morning to show support for detained human rights activist, outspoken government critic and lawyer Fathi Terbil, who was released on Wednesday morning. Dozens have already been injured.

Protestors chanted “Down, down to corruption and to the corrupt,” and “No God but Allah, Moammar is the enemy of Allah,” directed at Colonel Moammar el-Qaddafi, who has ruled Libya for four decades.

Demands for Qaddafi’s resignation came in the form of a statement, which was signed by political activists, lawyers, students and government officials. Various prominent Libyans and members of human rights organizations have said that Libyans have the right to express themselves through peaceful demonstrations without retaliation by the ruling regime.

As reported by CNN, one source close to Libya’s government speaking anonymously said, “There is nothing serious here. These are just young people fighting with each other.”

However, police reportedly fired tear gas and used other violent means to disperse protestors.

Amnesty International called on the Libyan government to permit peaceful protests. Malcom Smart, Amnesty International’s director for the Middle East and North Africa, said, “The Libyan authorities must allow peaceful protests, not try to stifle them with heavy-handed repression,” adding, “Libyans have the same rights as Egyptians and Tunisians to express discontent and call for reform in their own country, and it is high time the Libyan government recognized that and respect it.”

“The Libyan authorities have a responsibility to maintain public order, but they also have a responsibility to uphold human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” Smart said.

Other protests have erupted in Bahrain, Yemen, Iran and Algeria, indicating the widespread impact of Egypt’s successful protests.

For more information, please see:

Al Jazeera – Violent protests break out in Libya – 16 February 2011

Amnesty International – Libya urged to end protest crackdown – 16 February 2011

BBC – Libya protests: Second city Benghazi hit by violence – 16 February 2011

Bloomberg – Bahrain, Yemen, Libya Face Protests as Region’s Unrest Spreads – 16 February 2011

CNN – Protests spread to Libya – 16 February 2011

NPR – Fire From Egypt, Tunisia Flares Across Arab World – 16 February 2011

FEDERAL JUDGE ALLOWS KAWAIISU TRIBE CASE TO CONTINUE IN FEDERAL COURT

February 16, 2011

By Erica Laster Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

CALIFORNIA, United States – A federal case filed against the Tejon Ranch Corporation and the County of Kerm by the Kawaiisu Tribe of Southern California has been allowed to go forward. United States District Court Judge Oliver W. Wanger issued a ruling, allowing the Kawaiisu Tribe to file an amendment complain within 15 days, by February 19, 2011.

Kawaiisu Tribe sues over ownership of burial sites. Photo courtesy of aaanativearts.com.

Judge Wanger stated that “Plaintiffs shall be afforded the opportunity to assert a land-based claim for enforcement of aboriginal title in any amended complaint.”

Judge Wanger’s ruling grants the Tribe’s ability to pursue the claim against Tejon and County of Kern in California.

The Kawaiisu Tribe’s Constitution states that the Kawaiisu’s territory extends to “burial sites, geoglyphs, pictographs and petroglyphs” within the boundaries of a December 30, 1949 Treaty forged between the Utahs and the Kawaiisu and a California June 10, 1851 Treaty D which was signed at Camp Persifer Smith.

The Kawaiisu Tribe are attempting to protect the ancestral lands and burial sites of their ancestors from intrusion by the Defendants.

Tejon Ranch Corporation and the County of Kern have plans in place for the construction of a 26 thousand acre resort to be named “Tejon Mountain Village.” The project includes 750 lodging units, a 160,000 foot shopping center, 3,400 homes and golf courses for visitors.

The people of the Kawaiisu Tribe specifically object to language in an Environmental Report that the Corporation submitted to Kern County. The language states that Tejon Mountain Corporation will be “the property owner (who is also the owner of the remains), and of any associated archaeological materials.”

The Tribe argues that the Administrative Procedure Act, federal legislation, protects Native American lands, burial remains and sacred objects from encroachment.

David Laughing Horse Robinson, Chairman of he Kawaiisu Tribe of Tejon, argues that “the unborn and our ancestors are made into slaves and property by that statement.” He believes that these actions on the part of Kern County are indicative of the unequal treatment of Native Americans by those of European descent. Further, he contends that this is a serious infringement on the human rights of his people.

For further information please visit:

Indybay – Kawaiisu Tribe To Continue In Federal Court – 9 February 2011

Angelfire – Kawaiisu Tribe Homepage (Constitution)

The Mountain Enterprise – Second Lawsuit Seeks Injunction – 13 November 2009

Indigenous People’s issues and Resources – Kawaiisu Tribe of Tejon Lawsuit Amended Complaint Filed – 28 August 2010

War Crimes Trial Of Charles Taylor Put On Hold

February 15, 2011

By Christina Berger
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

Charles Taylor on trial for war crimes. Photo Courtesy of AFP.

HAGUE, Netherlands — The judges for the war crimes trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor decided to allow a defense appeal over key documentation. Friday would have been the last day of testimony in the trial which began in 2007.

Charles Taylor, the first African head of state to stand trial for war crimes, has been charged with eleven counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the civil war in Sierra Leone in the 1990s. Taylor is accused of directing the Revolutionary United Front rebels, who became known for hacking off the limbs of their victims, to rape and murder civilians in a campaign of terror in order to control Sierra Leone’s diamond mines, using the “blood diamonds” to arm the rebels. Taylor has denied all the charges.

The Special Court for Sierra Leone refused to accept an almost 600-page case summary from the defense because they filed it 20 days after the deadline. Taylor’s defense lawyer, Courtenay Griffiths, responded to the Court’s refusal by storming out of the courtroom last Tuesday. The judges have demanded an apology from Griffiths, and any possible disciplinary proceedings against him have been deferred until February 25.

Both Griffiths and Taylor boycotted the hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday, and indicated they would continue to boycott until the case summary was accepted. The judges then decided on Friday to allow the defense to appeal the refusal to accept the case summary. Hearings have been postponed for two weeks.

In recent reports, a leaked 2007 U.S. diplomatic cable made available by Wikileaks indicates that Charles Taylor could have as much as $400 million hidden in secret accounts. The cable reported the concerns of the Special Court for Sierra Leone prosecutor at the time, Stephen Rapp. The cable discusses the issue of Charles Taylor making reparations to victims. Rapp noted that the Court could recover about $3 million if Taylor’s funds could be found. The cable said Nigeria was helping to find some of the funds and “[t]he UN Office of Crime and Drugs as well as the World Bank are exploring ways to track the funds and both President Sirleaf of Liberia and Sierra Leone President Koroma are watching with interest.”

Another cable sent in 2009 shows the potential willingness of U.S. officials to try Charles Taylor in the U.S. if he’s acquitted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone. The cable urged that the international community must consider what to do if Taylor is acquitted or given a light sentence. A U.S. official noted that Taylor could not be allowed to return to Sierra Leone and “tip the balance in a fragile peace,” and therefore all legal options should be explored. This could include building a case in the U.S. against Taylor for financial crimes or using child soldiers.

Next month it will be ten years since the beginning of the civil war in Sierra Leone, and victims of the violence and Taylor’s crimes keep watch on the trial, hoping that the law will see justice done to Taylor. Sulaiman Turay, a Sierra Leonan who was forced to flee the rebels and live in the wild for four months in 1998 told the AFP that Charles Taylor’s trial is a “reminder that the world should not forget the atrocities that were waged on the civilian population.” According to the Christian Science Monitor, another Sierra Leonan, Richard Koroma, who was shot in the leg as he fled from rebels in 1997 said, “[t]here’s nothing that we can do to Charles Taylor that will be equal to what he has done to the people of Sierra Leone. But let the law take its course.”

For more information, please see:

AFP — S. Leone keeps watch as theatrics rage in Taylor trial — 12 Feb. 2011

UPI — Cable says Taylor could have millions — 12 Feb. 2011

REUTERS — Charles Taylor allowed to appeal over documents — 11 Feb. 2011

BBC — Charles Taylor war crimes trial extended in The Hague — 11 Feb. 2011

TELEGRAPH — WikiLeaks: Charles Taylor may have $400 million out of reach — 11 Feb. 2011

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR — As Charles Taylor boycotts trial, Sierra Leone’s war-battered residents hope for justice — 9 Feb. 2011

REUTERS — Taylor snubs war crimes trial for second day — 9 Feb. 2011

Ivory Coast President Refusing to Release Bodies from City Morgues

February 15, 2011

by Laura Hirahara
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

People gather around a person killed during clashes between Ouattara and Gbagbo supporters; Photo courtesy of Reuters

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast– Hundreds of people have been killed in Ivory Coast since the mid-December election in which opposition leader Alassane Ouattara beat long-time incumbent Laurent Gbagbo. The results, which have been certified by the U.N. and are internationally recognized, show Ouattara winning with an eight point margin. Despite this, Gbagbo has refused to hand over power and there is strong evidence that he is coordinating military attacks against those who voted for Ouattara.

Since mid-December as many as 300 people have been killed. However, the number of those murdered could be higher. Since the election, Gbagbo has refused to release the bodies of the dead, halting autopsies on bodies with gun-shot wounds. These bodies have remained at the city morgues and continue to come, with another 22 people killed this week alone. Reporters with the Associated Press investigated in the former capital of Abidjan and found as many as 113 bodies at 9 different morgues. The U.N. believes another morgue is holding 80 bodies, calling these cites “mass graves”. Morgue employees told the AP that government officials stand guard at the morgues to monitor all activity. The government is also refusing the release the names of many of the bodies being held and family members have had to physically search through the remains to try and identify their missing loved ones.

Gbagbo, who has been in power for the last ten years, has been suspected of carrying out ‘government death squads’ since 2002. These squads are accused of ‘disappearing’ people and many are still missing. One such individual, Abdoulaye Coulibaly, worked for a non-profit group that was associated with Ouattara during the election. Coulibaly was thrown into a vehicle after soldiers surrounded the café he was at and started shooting. His family has not seen him since and has not been able to find anything that points to his whereabouts.

The victims have been those who either supported Ouattara or those even suspected of supporting his campaign. Many of the killings have occurred in the northern region of the country which is predominately Muslim and supported Outtara who himself is a Muslim from the north. The names obtained by the AP indicate the victims of these killings are Muslim.

The U.N. has repeatedly been denied access to sites of reported mass graves and entrance to the government-run morgues. A report prepared by the human rights division of the U.N. stated:

The fact that we have been prevented twice from conducting a fact-finding mission. . .suggests that there may be some truth in the alleged existence of a mass grave in that area and/or deposit of 60 to 80 corpses at a mortuary in Anyama.

For more information, please see;

Reuters- Nearly 300 Killed in Ivory Coast Violence, UN Says– 10 Feb., 2011

AFP– At Least 296 Killed in Ivory Coast Unrest: UN– 10 FeB., 2011

AP- AP Impact: New Proof of Ivory Coast Vote Killings– 15 FeB., 2011