Investigation into Mexican Politician’s Assassination Questioned

By Mark O’Brien
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

MEXICO CITY, Mexico — Activists and politicians questioned the probe of a local politician’s assassination this week, calling the lead investigator too biased to do the job.

Activists and politicians question the alleged motive in the killing of state legislator-elect Eduardo Castro Luque. (Photo Courtesy of Hispanically Speaking News)

Members of the Citizen Movement for Water and politicians in the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) cast doubt on the ability of the top prosecutor in the northern border state of Sonora to be objective.

The prosecutor, Carlos Navarro Sugich, has blamed the killing of Eduardo Castro Luque, a state legislator-elect, entirely on Luque’s designated substitute.

“We don’t trust the investigation is taking in consideration all different motives,” said Alberto Vizcarra, a spokesperson for the water group, which has asked federal prosecutors to take over the case.

The group’s members called Luque a strong opponent of a controversial water project that would move billions of gallons of water from the farming city of Ciudad Obregon to the state capital of Hermosillo.  The aqueduct was a focus during Luque’s campaign, and he criticized the state governor for violating judicial orders in building the project.

“You should never rule out motives, especially in the case of a politician,” Vizcarra said.

Luque was shot six times by outside his home by a motorcyclist on Sept. 14, two days before he was expected to take office.  He was a PRI member, the same party of President-elect Enrique Pena Nieto, who takes office in December.

On Monday, state prosecutors announced the killing was staged by Manual Fernandez Felix, who ran with Luque as the person who would fill the legislative seat if Luque could not fulfill his duties.  They said Felix wanted to take over the seat.  Police had questioned Felix but released him, and he is now considered a fugitive.

But PRI members argued the alleged motive does not make sense.  Local PRI Chairman Adrian Manjarrez said Felix had to be persuaded to replace Luque.

“When this all happened, his parents told us they didn’t want him to take office because they were scared something would happen to him, too,” Manjarrez said.

Luque’s death marked the second killing of a PRI legislator in as many weeks.  On Sept. 16, Jaime Serrano Cedillo died from stab wounds that prosecutors said were inflicted by his wife.

Cedillo represented the Mexico City suburb of Nezahualcoytl.  His killing prompted the Mexican government to send more than 1,000 soldiers and police into Nezahualcoytl for the first time as part of an effort to combat a rise in drug violence.

For further information, please see:

Hispanically Speaking News — Mexican Politician Killed by Fellow PRI Member — 25 September 2012

The Washington Post — Water-rights Activists Question Prosecutor Theory on Slaying of Mexican State Legislator-Elect — 25 September 2012

The Huffington Post — Mexican Legislator Killed by Political Rival — 24 September 2012

Hispanically Speaking News — Mexican PRI Lawmaker Stabbed to Death by Wife — 22 September 2012

Reuters — Mexico Deploys Troops to Outskirts of Mexico City — 20 September 2012

Former Tunisian Presidential Advisor of Media Convicted for his Speech

By Justin Dorman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

TUNIS, Tunisia – This past Friday, the military court in Tunis found former presidential advisor Ayoub Massoudi guilty of “defaming a civil servant” and “undermining the reputation of the army.”

Ayoub Massoudi was found guilty by a military tribunal for his criticisms of two high-ranking army officials. (Photo Courtesy of Amnesty International)

For his remarks, Massoudi was given a DT1 fine. The former presidential advisor of media resigned from his position two days after the extradition of former Libyan Prime Minister Al-Baghdadi al Mahmoudi this past June. On August 15, Massoudi was arrested and charged regarding his public criticism of the extradition.

Tunisian President and Commander-in-Chief Moncef Marzouki never wanted Mahmoudi extradited because he knew Mahmoudi would not get a fair trial in Libya. Despite Marzouki’s opposition, Prime Miniser Hamadi Jebali sent Mahmoudi back to Libya with the help of Rachid Ammar, the Tunisian Armed Forces’ Chief of Staff, and Minister of Defense Abdelkrim Zbidi.

In response to the government’s actions, Massoudi went on the Attounisia television channel and remarked that the extradition was a, “treason against the State” because Ammar and Zibidi “were aware of the extradition, its time, and all of its circumstances…did not utter a word, and did not inform the President who is the Commander-in-Chief.”

He claims his statement was directed specifically at those two officers and did not extend to Tunisia’s military forces in general. Massoudi thus reasoned that his criticism should not violate article 91 of the Military Code.  Massoudi also had some critical words for how the government dealt with the protests in Sidi Bouzid, which he posted on his blog.

Massoudi was not originally notified that charges were being brought against him. He tried to leave the country to visit his family in Paris for the Eid festivities, but was stopped at the Carthage Airport and informed that a travel ban had been imposed on him. Throughout his hearings, Massoudi tried to get it lifted, but he was unsuccessful.

The Deputy Middle East and North Africa Programme Director at Amnesty International, Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, said that, “Friday’s verdict against Ayoub Massoudi is yet another blow to the right to freedom of expression in Tunisia and should be quashed immediately.”

Sahraoui further believes that Massoudi never had a chance at a fair trial because he was tried by a military tribunal. Since he was a civilian and not a military officer, trying him in front of a military tribunal disregards basic international human rights standards. He also tried attempted to transfer his case to a civil court during his hearings, but his requests were denied.

Eric Goldstein, Human Rights Watch’s deputy Middle East and North Africa director, agreed with Sahraoui.

“The right to subject public officials to scrutiny and criticism is one of the most basic elements of freedom of expression, a hallmark of democracy, and essential to promote debate about matter of public interest,” he said.  “These charges and the laws they are based on, should have no place in a democratic Tunisia that respects human rights.”

According to Human Rights Watch, “the charges brought against Massoudi by the military tribunal violate his right to free expression, protected under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Tunisia is a party.”   In its 2011 omments regarding Article 19 and the ICCPR, the United Nations Human Rights Committee placed specific emphasis on states not inhibiting expression pertaining to issues of public debate about public figures.

For further information, please see:

Amnesty International – Tunisia: Former Presidential Adviser Convicted for Criticizing the Army – 24 September 2012.

Tunisialive – Court Case Continues Against Former Presidential Adviser for Remarks Against Military – 30 August 2012

Global Voices – Tunisia: Former Presidential Advisor Faces Military Trial Over Army Criticism – 23 August 2012

Human Rights Watch – Tunisia: Drop Charges for Criticizing Army – 22 August 2012

Tunisialive – Former Presidential Adviser Ayoub Massoudi Faces Military Trial Today – 17 August 2012

Russian Businessman Says Hooliganism Charge is Politically Motivated

By Madeline Schiesser
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

MOSCOW, Russia – Alexander Lebedev, Russian media and banking businessman and critic of the Kremlin, has been charged with hooliganism, which could entail up to a five year sentence.  Last year, Lebedev struck Sergei Polonsky, a property developer, during a televised event.   Lawyers and analysts have suggested that a similar assault would normally carry a fine or very brief incarceration. Yet, after a yearlong investigation, Lebedev questions whether the charges against him are politically motivated.

Lebedev, part owner of opposition paper Novaya Gazeta and a champion of anti-corruption campaigner Alexei Navalny, calls the charges against him politically motivated. (Photo Courtesy of the Independent)

Lebedev has been charged with hooliganism motivated by political hatred, under the same article used to sentence three members of the punk band Pussy Riot last month to two years imprisonment for their anti-government protest in a church.

He was also asked to sign a court document pledging not to travel during the trial, or leave the country.  Lebedev refused to do so.

The Novaya Gazeta, a critical investigative newspaper, is partly owned by Lebedev.  Lebedev has also supported opposition leader and anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny. Lebedev suggests that he is facing trumped-up charges because of his criticism of the Kremlin.

“It’s part of a campaign, and it’s not to do with my businesses . . .” Lebedev claimed.  “This is either to do with Novaya investigations, or it’s because they really think I am some kind of genuine clandestine opposition figure.”

Lebedev, who is worth 1.1 billion according to Forbes, has also suggested that authorities want him out of the country.  His National Reserve Bank is under investigation after being raided by armed masked men, surveillance of his business and home have been raised, and a sex tape was leaked onto the internet recently.

“They are hoping I will leave the country,” Lebedev said. “It’s a standard procedure: first they go against your business, then second is a smear campaign and third is the most threatening weapon – first the threat of prison and then, if you don’t emigrate, you go to trial on some fabricated case.”

Since Putin returned to the office of president in May, he has initiated a widespread crackdown on growing opposition against him, as seen in part by the sentencing of the members of Pussy Riot.

The imprisonment of businessmen for supporting opposition politics is not unprecedented.  In 2003, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, head of the now bankrupted oil company Yukos, was arrested and jailed on charges of fraud and tax evasion in a case critics say was launched funding the opposition without Kremlin approval.

Lebedev knows he faces the threat of a notoriously politicized justice system. When asked if he was ready to go to prison, he said: “I don’t think anyone can be ready for that, especially someone with a family”.

However, Lebedev is determined to fight. “There has been pressure on me to leave Russia, but I am going to stay here and fight it.  Other things against me are also being worked on, and I know about them. But having taken a kind of civic stand, it wouldn’t be right just to leave.”

 For further information, please see:

The Independent –Charges Against me are Politically Motivated, says Alexander Lebedev – 27 September 2012

The Moscow Times –Billionaire Lebedev Charged With Hooliganism – 27 September 2012

Radio Free Europe – Billionaire Kremlin Critic Charged With Hooliganism – 27 September 2012

BBC News – Russian Tycoon Alexander Lebedev Charged over Punch-up – 26 September 2012

The Guardian –Alexander Lebedev Charged with Hooliganism and Battery in Russia– 26 September 2012

The Telegraph – Russian Media Mogul in Talk Show Brawl– 18 September 2011

Syrian Revolution Digest – Wednesday 27 September 2012

Kill Us Maybe!

The killing spree by pro-Assad militias escalates as their sense of insecurity increases. Meanwhile, the global debate on intervention continues. But rockets speak louder than words, and actions count more than intentions.  

Wednesday September 26, 2012

Today’s Death toll: 343. The Breakdown: 162 in Damascus and Suburbs (including 107 martyrs in the massacre in Dhiabieh, 19 in Barzeh, 8 in Hajar Aswad, 6 in Douma, and 4 in Assali), 48 in Deir Ezzor (most field-executed in Jourah), 37 in Hama (most in Masha Al-Arba’een), 34 in Homs (including 18 in the massacre in Bayada), 29 in Aleppo, 27 in Daraa (including 15 in Ibta’a) and 6 in Idlib (LCC).

Highlights (LCC):

Damascus Suburbs: Al- Dhiabieh Reports of 107 martyrs found, most of which women and children who were field executed, including 9 from Al-Rifaie whose throats were slit with knives. 4 bodies were found in front of the Al-Ashra Mosque, 3 bodies in Al-Mashrou Al-Jadid, 5 bodies in Souk Al-Sabet. The number of martyrs will likely increase, but due to continued shelling, activists were unable to recover all bodies.

Damascus City: Barzeh: 15 martyrs were named in a massacre committed by shabbiha in the neighborhood, most victims were children and women. Assali14 bodies of martyrs, who were field-executed, were found near Al-Mustaqbal Swimming Pool.

Daraa: Ibtaa Regime forces launched a barbaric military campaign in the town where they detained and slaughtered dozens of residents. Fifteen bodies were just recovered from the rubble after regime forces shelled civilian homes with heavy artillery stationed in the surrounding areas. In addition, regime forces used warplanes and gunship helicopters to comb areas surrounding Abtaa, Da’el, and Sheikh Miskeen. Intermittent gunfire was also reported by helicopter machine guns across the area which has led to a massive exodus, and the complete destructions of dozens of homes, including underground make-shift shelters.

Deir Ezzor City: Dozens were martyred due to regime shelling using rockets and missiles in Jabalieh, Aarafi, and Hamadieh neighborhoods.

Hama: Hama City Clashes between the Free Syrian Army and regime forces were reported in Aleppo Road neighborhood and sounds of intense gunfire are heard in the vicinity of the neighborhood. Shahshabo Mountain Warplane shelling at Rasha and Moneir villages was reported and 6 explosive barrels landed, which causes a case of panic and fear among residents.

Lattakia: Turkman Mountain Fierce clashes were reported in Soulas village between the Free Syrian Army and regime forces.

News

Special Reports

Meanwhile, exiled activist Ammar Abdulhamid interpreted the attack in a very different way: “Assad’s grip over Damascus has become tenuous at best. Rebels are able to conduct bombings and attacks even in the most secured areas aided by informants embedded within Assad’s own security establishment. The battle of Damascus is set to begin at earnest soon, in what promises to be a very bloody development.”

Ammar Abdulhamid & Khawla Yusuf: The Shredded Tapestry: The State of Syria Today

Video Highlights

Lebanon’s Manar TV broadcasted the following report of a gun battle that reportedly took place in the security headquarters in Omayad Square, Damascus City, that was the target of an attack by local rebels groups earlier in September 26. While rebels report that dozens of pro-Assad militias were killed during the attack. The report here claims that the attack allowed for three “terrorists” to infiltrate the building and were later surrounded by the regular army and killed. The battles we see were obviously staged. This Manar version, which jives with the official version, fails to explain how three terrorists managed to occupy the security headquarters on their own, emptying it out in the process and necessitating an attack by hundreds of soldiers to retake ithttp://youtu.be/oyT5aOkrhaM The view from afar by activist camerashttp://youtu.be/EFD2Bqjw98g , http://youtu.be/aWPc1lgP_yw ,http://youtu.be/Jva_NMOeGN8

Regime propagandists continue to be quite creative. A few days ago, and after rebels in Eastern Ghoutah managed to bring down a helicopter gunship, official media claimed that the pilot flew too high to avoid being shit and ended up colliding with a civilian airplane. No worries though, the plane and its passengers were unharmed.

In Dhiabieh, Damascus City, some of the 107 victims of summary executions by pro-Assad militias http://youtu.be/_SrbJPR7UJE ,http://youtu.be/wWQTLNNT1EA , http://youtu.be/dtR4tCpIp5U ,http://youtu.be/KilOA_b4gOA

In nearby Barzeh, local bury their dead of the day vowing never to kneel but before God http://youtu.be/v2FXKFOWJ50

Deir Ezzor City: pulling bodies of victims from under the rubble http://youtu.be/-VVAOKFqDnA ,  http://youtu.be/H3oX8KpW4uM ,http://youtu.be/X5yEMUAECqg , http://youtu.be/CjER1HwZa80 ,http://youtu.be/NRQqsTN2ZFE , http://youtu.be/qBINWMqRRn4 ,http://youtu.be/2D_kKXspDOw , http://youtu.be/g16APRIxj7s Martyrshttp://youtu.be/oxAFDOx7DYw A local martyr taking his last breathshttp://youtu.be/JhnqAjocSPE Earlier in the day, MIGs took part I pounding the cityhttp://youtu.be/LAHse9ilnPw

MIGs take part in pounding of Alboukamal near the borders of Iraqhttp://youtu.be/yfIo4_KDP1Q , http://youtu.be/D0_Ib_zFYgo ,http://youtu.be/1SBgWUGJM_o , http://youtu.be/RMGrBNWEvuE

Locals in Ibtaa, Daraa Province, try to identify the bodies of the martyrshttp://youtu.be/o5E0_VKfDTs

The pounding of the town of Rastan, Homs Province, continueshttp://youtu.be/QPWD5sf5f8Y , http://youtu.be/DP-n_lOJXGg

Dozens of Saudis Arrested after Prison Protest

By Ali Al-Bassam
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Dozens of men were arrested on Monday by Saudi security forces in the desert around Tarfiya prison in central Qassim province, where more than 100 demonstrators staged a one-day protest to press for the release of relatives.  The arrests happened after the police confined protesters to a desert area outside the prison, where they were kept without food or water for nearly a day.

Saudi police forces detained and transported dozens of protestors to an unknown location on Monday. (Photo Courtesy of the Tehran Times)

Protestors say they ended the demonstration when police forces confronted them with shields and batons, telling them that “their message had been heard and their demands would be looked into.”

Referring to Monday’s arrests, Reema Al-Juraish, who protested her husband’s incarceration, said “[w]hen we left the ‘Emergency Forces’ followed our cars.  They chased us to detain the men.  I saw them grab five and when I tried to intervene they pushed me and hit me with a baton.”

Al-Juraish claimed that she saw the police arrest up to 60 men, who were then taken to an unknown location.  Saudi Arabia says that it is holding protestors’ relatives for reasons of security.  The activists believe that their family members were detained for purely political activity and have never been charged with crimes.

A spokesman for the Interior Ministry claimed that those accused of “terrorism related” activity were undergoing a fair judicial process.  “As for the gathering of a limited number of relatives of the detained people at a prison, they have been stopped according to legal procedures and will be dealt with if they are found in violation of the laws,” the spokesman said in reference to the protestors.

The Interior Ministry says that 5,080 of the nearly 5,700 people it detained last year on security grounds were put on trial.

In Riyadh, a separate protest took place in front of the Saudi Human Rights Commission.  Ever since uprisings took place last year, the country has been criticized for its human rights record regarding prisoners detained for participating in anti-government protests.  Rights activists say hundreds of political prisoners remain incarcerated in harsh conditions without access to a lawyer.  People have even been arrested by police forces for “looking suspicious,” and have been held for many years without ever being formally charged for a crime.

One such prisoner, human rights campaigner Mohammed Al-Bajadi, was arrested and sentenced to four years in prison last April.  He had been accused of forming a human rights association, tarnishing Saudi Arabia’s reputation, questioning the independence of the judiciary, and owning illegal books.

The non-governmental Saudi Civil and Political Rights Association claims that some 30,000 political prisoners are currently being held by Saudi forces.

For further information, please see:

The Daily Star — Dozens Arrested After Prison Protest in Saudi Arabia — 25 September 2012

Tehran Times — Saudi Forces Detain Dozens of Protesters — 25 September 2012

Al Jazeera — Dozens of Saudis ‘Detained’ After Jail Rally — 24 September 2012

Reuters — Dozens Arrested After Saudi Prison Protest — 24 September 2012