North Korea Sentences American Citizen to Six Years Hard Labor

By Lyndsey Kelly
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America – North Korea recently sentenced a United States citizen, Matthew Todd Miller, to six years of hard labor for committing hostile acts as a tourist in the country. Miller, a native of Bakersfield, California, entered North Korea in April of this year. The circumstances surrounding his arrest are muddled, however, reports state that Miller tore up his tourist visa and demanded Pyongyang to grant him asylum.

Matthew Miller sits in North Korea before a court to be sentenced to hard labor (Photo Courtesy of Reuters).

In an unexpected CNN interview earlier this month, Miller told reporters that he “prepared to violate the law of DPRK before coming [to North Korea]. And [he] deliberately committed [a] crime.” Miller was tried under Article 64 of the North Korean Criminal Code, which defines the crime of espionage. The prosecutor on Miller’s case argues that Miller’s claim for asylum had been a “ruse”, and that he had falsely claimed to be in the possession of secret U.S. military information on his electronic devices.

Other sources state the Miller’s purpose in tearing up his visa was to get an inside look at North Korean prisons in order to investigate human rights abuses. Miller is the second American currently serving a hard labor sentence. A third U.S. citizen, Jeffrey Fowle, is awaiting trial.

North Korea is currently under heavy United Nations sanctions related to the country’s nuclear and missile programs. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russell states that the detained American citizens are being used as pawns in order for North Korea to extract a high-profile visit from Washington. However, because of the United States’ preoccupation with the Islamic extremist group ISIS in the Middle East, the current situation in North Korea has gained little attention. However, sources state that the U.S. has requested the immediate pardon and release of Miller.

 

For more information, please see the following:

CNN – North Korea: American Matthew Miller Sentenced to 6 Years Hard Labor – 14 Sept. 2014.

NBC NEWS – North Korea Sentences American Matthew Miller To Six Years Hard Labor– 14 Sept. 2o14.

REUTERS – North Kora Sentences U.S. Citizen Matthew Miller to Six Years Hard Labor -14 Sept. 2014.

WASHINGTON POST – North Korea Sentences American Matthew Miller To 6 Years of Hard Labor – 14 Sept. 2014.

 

 

All Eyes on Scotland This Week as Vote for Independence Draws Near

By Kyle Herda

Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

EDINBURGH, Scotland – On Thursday September 18, Scotland will vote for whether to remain a part of the United Kingdom or separate and declare independence. Regardless of the outcome, the results will have a heavy impact throughout Europe.

A look at Scotland’s location within the UK, along with a projected breakdown of how the vote will go. (Photo courtesy of NY Daily News)

If Scotland’s vote for independence results in a vote to stay with the United Kingdom, Scotland will still receive some new benefits, in addition to keeping some old benefits. Britain has promised that in the event of a vote to remain in the UK, Britain would decentralize some power to Scotland. It is entirely possible that Northern Ireland and Wales could also receive similar benefits should Scotland remain united.

The political impact this vote in Britain could be huge, as Scotland has been united with England for 307 years. The loss of Scotland would be disastrous to British Prime Minister David Cameron and would make him appear weak and reckless to the British people for allowing Scotland to leave. Even if Scotland stays, to give Scotland more power and possibly have to give Wales and Northern Ireland more power would have a similar effect. Either way, England’s next elections will focus greatly on this event.

In addition to decentralized powers, Scotland would also continue receiving benefits from the rest of the UK, including, and likely most importantly, European Union membership and use of the euro currency. Should Scotland vote ‘yes’ for independence, Scotland would likely be promptly left outside of the EU and without a currency. While such a scenario would likely be followed with steps on how to apply for EU membership, it would entail time where Scotland is on its own to effectively establish a military and currency, two issues that are no small feat.

An independent Scotland would put the EU into a tough position, as the UK is already one of the more powerful economies in the world and would be weakening some. This move would also cause problems within other member States, as it would encourage independence referendums throughout Europe. Particularly, Italy’s Northern League, Flemish separatists in Belgium, and the Catalans and Basques in Spain would pose an immediate threat to the independence of those nations. The Catalans pose a particularly significant risk that Spain is worried may pan out should Scotland succeed in their movement.

This same threat is also felt in Eastern Europe in nations such as Latvia or Ukraine, where Russian-ethnic citizens could push for independence referendums, perhaps even backed by Russia who has shown it is willing to act militarily to support such movements.

As with most major decisions, while the act itself of Scotland separating from the UK may appear to be a good idea, it could have serious and unplanned impacts that may lead to major changes throughout Europe on the whole, with results that are impossible to foresee. For now, the only thing left to do is wait for Scotland’s vote on Thursday.

For more information, please see:

Daily Times – Europe changing shape whichever way Scotland goes – 15 September 2014

Business Insider – Europe fears Scottish independence contagion – 14 September 2014

The Independent – Scotland independence vote: Everything you ever wanted to know about life after the result – 14 September 2014

The New York Times – Scottish Independence Would Ripple Through Europe – 11 September 2014

Australia Commits to join U.S in Fight Against ISIS

By Max Bartels 

Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania 

 

Canberra, Australia 

In response to a formal request from the United States for specific Australian Defense Force (ADF) capabilities, Australia has committed to send 600 ADF personnel to the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) to contribute to the U.S airstrikes agent Islamic State militants (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria. 400 of the 600 ADF personnel come from the Royal Australian Air force including up to eight F/A 18 Hornet combat aircraft as well as 200 military personnel, including Special Forces.

The Prime Minister of Australia, Tony Abbott was careful to state that Australia is not deploying troops for combat but instead contributing to an international effort to prevent a humanitarian crisis. Tony Abbott also said that Australia is prepared to engage in international operations to disrupt and degrade ISIS, calling ISIS a “murderous death cult”.  Abbott further stated that Obama gave him the impression that these operations would be a lengthy mission.

IW #14 Australia ISIS
The Prime Minister of Australia, Tony Abbott announces the deployment of ADF forces to join the international effort to stem the tide of ISIS.
(Photo curtesy of The Guardian)

There is a great deal of opposition to this deployment in Australia, namely form the Green Party. The Green party leader has said that this deployment is subjecting young Australian to the dangers of an American war in Iraq and that Australia should not be involved. Others in Australia are worried that the deployment has the potential to over extend the ADF. Former ADF officer Dr. Blaxland from the Australian National University stated that a 600 troop deployment requires an 1,800 troop rotation and while that doesn’t sound like that many it raises questions about the ADF’s ability to raise, train and sustain this number of forces abroad for an indefinite amount of time.

Prime Minister Abbott stated that a final decision of whether to commit to combat operations has yet to be made.  In that wake of yet another beheading by ISIS there is significant public support in Australia for involvement in the conflict. Abbott linked the ISIS threat in Iraq and Syria to the domestic threat in Australia, stating that an estimated 60 Australian citizens had gone abroad to Syria and Iraq to fight for ISIS. Abbott made it clear in his statements about the decision to deploy troops, that if left unchecked ISIS would continue to destabilize the Middle East and possibly spread beyond the Middle East to areas where a greater threat will be posed to Australians.

For more information, please see:

ABC News — Islamic State: Australian Military Stretched With Deployment to International Fight Against IS Militants, Experts Say — 14 September 2014

The Guardian — Abbott: Australia to Send Military Force to Fight ISIS “Death Cult” — 13 September 2014

NBC News — Australia Commits Military Forces to Fight ISIS — 13 September 2014

The Independent — Tony Abbott Brands ISIS a “Death Cult” and Says Australia Will Send Military Force to Fight Extremists — 14 September 2014

 

Human Rights Group Calls for “End of Repression” in Thailand

By Hojin Choi

Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

BANGKOK, Thailand – The human rights group Amnesty International (AI) released a 65-page report about situations in Thailand under martial law since the coup on May 22. It criticized the period as a “100 days spiral of repression” and calls for restoration of civil rights.

Richard Bennett, the Asia-Pacific director of AI, commented that “the Thai authorities should end this disturbing pattern of repression, end human rights violations, respect its international human rights obligations and allow open debate and discussion.”

The report pointed out several cases of systematic oppression and human rights violations. According to the report, hundreds of civilians have suffered from arbitrary arrests, detentions, and inhuman treatment as detainees at the hands of the military. Thai courts allegedly discriminated against people depending on their political stance and denied bail in “lese majeste” cases.

A protester insisting on freedom of speech. (Getty Images)

The report included an interview with Kritsuda Khunasen, a “red shirts” member. She claimed that she was illegally arrested by the military and tortured while being detained. “If I was too slow when answering, didn’t speak, didn’t answer the question in a direct manner, or said I didn’t know, I was beaten with a fist to my face, head, stomach and body,” she said. She also reported that she was blindfolded and handcuffed with duct tape. Eventually, she was forced to make statements as interrogators guided her.

The report revealed that at least 665 Thai people, including politicians, academics, journalists, and activists, have been detained or arrested since May 22. Some of them have had no opportunity to contact their families or lawyers. The report also said the military shut down more than 200 websites and closed several television and radio stations. Most of them had held negative views toward the junta. Under the current martial law, people can be arrested when there are more than five individuals gathered together on streets. The report described the country as being in “enforced silence.”

In response to the report, the spokesperson of the junta officially denied the allegations of human rights violations. National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the formal name of the junta, announced through its spokesperson, Colonel Winthai Suvaree, that “We have never violated people with opposing political views. There has been no physical violence or threats.”

He went on to say that the detained or arrested people had been involved in situations that caused social unrest in Thailand. The NCPO also asked human rights groups to “carefully and thoroughly consider this issue so they do not become the tools of those who have hidden agendas.” They denied any discrimination in court summonses.  

Winthai Suvaree, the spokesperson of National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) during his interview with Reuters. (Reuters)

The AI report concluded with several pages of a “recommendation” section. It demanded that the NCPO restore civil liberties, end the martial law, and prevent alleged torture and mistreatment. The report suggested the establishment of a new “independent complaints system” to investigate the alleged torture and mistreatment of detainees. The report also insisted that the military should not have the legal immunity provided by the interim constitution and martial law.

For more information, please see:

Bangkok Post – Regime rejects Amnesty torture, repression claims  – 13 September 2014

Bangkok Post – Amnesty International launches anti-coup report – 11 September 2014

Reuters – Thai junta tells rights group to ‘get its facts straight’ – 11 September 2014

BBC – Thai coup leaders ‘must end repression’ – Amnesty – 11 September 2014

Uganda prevents attack planned by al-Shabab

By: Ashley Repp

News Desk Reporter, Africa

al shabab 2

KAMPALA, Uganda

Ugandan military forces have reportedly foiled an attack planned by al-Shabab, after uncovering a terrorist cell in the city of Kampala.  An imminent attack by the Islamic militant group has been feared in recent days after the death of the leader.  Less than two weeks ago, the United States carried out a mission that targeted and killed the al-Shabab leader, along with two other companions.  This attack left the militant group calling for revenge and retribution for the attack on their organization and the death of group members.  In the wake of the call for revenge, nearby states, including Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda, have remained on high alert, concerned that a terror attack could be likely.

The target of the attack plan foiled by the Ugandan military is unknown, as well as the full scope of the plan.  The Ugandan government has urged citizens to heed the shelter in place warning, issued in the days following the death of the al-Shabab leader, and refrain from leaving the house at night.  The United States Embassy has echoed this warning, cautioning US citizens in Uganda to exercise caution during this time of heightened tensions in the region.  Busy areas and locations that accommodated high volumes of people on a daily basis may be targets, the US Embassy warns.  Such locations may include malls, local transit stations, airports, and movie theaters.

Uganda is not unfamiliar with al-Shabab to say the very least.  The nation has been involved with peace keeping initiatives that have required Ugandan troops having a presence in Somalia.  Indeed, al-Shabab carried out an attack on a sports bar in Uganda during the 2010 World Cup, killing many.  Al-Shabab has warned that all of those who maintain a presence in Somalia may be targets for violence; Uganda and Ugandans are on the list.  Retaliatory measures in the wake of last week’s events are requiring that the Ugandan government exercise vigilance to protect its people and deter attacks directed at the country or citizens.

While a retaliatory act seems likely, Uganda may have enough time to sufficiently brace itself and further explore any terror plot leads.  This is the best time to take advantage of any structural weakness of al-Shabab, as it recovers from internal tragedy and begins to implement new leadership.  Though al-Shabab may aim to carry out an attack in the coming days, it may be operationally incapable of carrying out an organized plan as the new leader attempts to pick up where the former leadership ended.

For more information please visit:

All Africa- Uganda: Government foils ‘imminent’al-Shabab terror plot- 13 Sept 2014

All Africa- Uganda: Kampala Foils Terrorist Attack, U.S. Citizens Urged to take caution– 13 Sept 2014

All Africa- Uganda: New Al-Shabab boss plans to hit Uganda- Gen Katumba– 13 Sept 2014

Aljazeer- Uganda foils ‘terrorist’ attack – 13 Sept 2014