Asia

Terror Suspect Escapes Indian Court

By Kevin M. Mathewson
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

MUMBAI, India — A manhunt has been launched in Mumbai, India after a suspected member of the militant group Indian Mujahideen (IM) escaped from court on Friday.

Afzal Usmani was arrested in September 2008. (Photo courtesy of Mumbai Police)

Afzal Usmani, a Mujahideen operative accused in the 2008 Ahmedabad bombings, escaped from a special Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) court after a major security lapse.

Usmani had erlier tried to escape from a crime branch headquarters after his initial arrest in 2008.

Sometime after lunch on Friday, drama unfolded in the courtroom. As a lawyer began his argument, a police escort rushed in and informed the special judge that Usmani was missing. The court then decided to defer the framing of charges till September 25. Arrest warrants have been issued for Usmani’s arrest.

Along with Usmani, four other suspects accused in the Ahmedabad bombings, who are currently out on bail, also appeared before the court.

Special Judge AL Pansare termed the escape a “serious offense”. “It is negligence on the part of the escort team which brought the accused to court,” the judge said.

Usmani was one of 21 IM members arrested on charges of criminal conspiracy after the 2008 bombings in Ahmedabad and Surat. It’s alleged that Usmani was involved in stealing four cars that were used to transport the explosives to Ahmedabad and Surat. Nearly 50 people died in 17 blasts in Ahmedabad.

Faiz Usmani, Afzal’s brother, died after questioning by police in connection with the Mumbai blasts of 2011. The Usmani family alleges that he had been tortured, but an autopsy determined that he died of a heart attack.

The escape of Afzal Usmani raises serious question about police negligence and the security system in place for transporting inmates to and from jail.

For further information, please see:

BBC News – India hunt as terror suspect Afzal Usmani flees Mumbai court – 20 September 2013

The Indian Express – Indian Mujahideen operative, arrested in Guj blasts case, escapes from Mumbai court – 20 September 2013

The Times of India – Usmani, who fled from court, helped crack IM module in Mahrashtra – 20 September 2013

The Economic Times – Indian Mujahideen operative Afzal Usmani escapes from Mumbai court – 20 September 2013

Hindustan Times – Terror suspect Afzal Usmani escapes from court in Mumbai – 20 September 2013

U.N. Report Calls For International Action Against North Korean Human Rights Abuses

By Brian Lanciault

Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

PYONGYANG, North Korea– United Nations experts investigating human rights conditions in North Korea announced Tuesday that the “shocking” evidence they had collected from defectors and others suggested “large-scale” patterns of abuse. They called for an immediate international response.

Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Michael Kirby presents new findings of human rights abuses in North Korea. (Photo courtesy United Nations)

The Human Rights Council initiated the investigation in an attempt to bring greater attention to allegations of abuse at the North’s infamous gulags. Tales of abuse have been spilling out for years as more people have escaped the brutal police state. Until recently, world leaders, including the United States, had focused on attempts to dismantle the North’s nuclear weapons program, paying little mind to the alleged abuse.

The chairman of the three-member Commission of Inquiry, Michael Donald Kirby, told reporters that the testimony he heard regarding abuses evoked reactions similar to the discovery of concentration camps after World War II.

He cited the statements of a former prisoner who reported seeing another woman forced to drown her baby in a bucket, and the account of one man who said he was forced to collect and burn the bodies of prisoners who died of starvation. Experts say the number of prisoners in these camps has declined in recent years to an estimated 120,000 or fewer from a possible high of 200,000; however that might be partly attributable to high mortality rates in the camps.

“The great value” of the report, said Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, a United States ambassador to the Human Rights Council, is that “it has begun to shed light on the horrifying realities of life in North Korea and raise international awareness of the ongoing tragedy and barbaric conditions there.” She also said the findings demonstrated a “small but significant crack” in the North Korea’s “information blockade.”

The findings of the three-member Commission were part of an interim report to the council; the final report in March is expected to be presented to the United Nations General Assembly.

It is unclear yet what actions the United Nations might take, if any. A referral to the International Criminal Court for human rights abuses would need approval from the Security Council, which includes North Korea’s greatest ally, China.

Although China did not oppose the investigation, a senior Chinese diplomat in criticized the interim findings. “Politicized accusations and pressures are not helpful to improving human rights in any country,” Chen Chuandong said, according to Reuters. “On the contrary, they will only provoke confrontation and undermine the foundation and atmosphere for international human rights cooperation.”

Mr. Kirby said the panel had submitted multiple requests seeking cooperation and access to North Korea, including a letter to the country’s leader, Kim Jong-un. The Pyongyang regime responded that it “totally and categorically rejects the Commission of Inquiry.”

A senior North Korean diplomat in Geneva, Kim Yong-ho, said Tuesday that the evidence suggested by the panel had been “fabricated and invented” by North Korea’ enemies, and dismissed the commission as “a hotbed of confrontation and distrust.”

Mr. Kirby said that he had invited North Korea to provide hard evidence that refuted any of the testimony received, but that none was forthcoming.

For more information, please see:

New York Times — U.N. Panel Urges International Action on North Korean Human Rights Abuses — 17 September 2013

Rappler — UN probe exposes shocking North Korea rights abuses — 18 September 2013

Reuters — North Korea rejects U.N. rights report political — 17 September 2013

ABC News — Michael Kirby delivers scathing assessment of North Korea human rights abuses to UN — 17 September 2013

BBC — North Korea: UN rights probe shows ‘unspeakable atrocities’ –17 September 2013

 

Philippine Security Forces Secure the Release of More Than 80 Hostages

By Brian Lanciault

Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine security forces rescued scores of hostages held by Muslim rebels in the southern city Zamboanga. Rebels struck back, taking the local police chief captive early Tuesday morning. He was released several hours later.

A young hostage is reunited with his family at the Philippine National Police Camp in Zamboanga city. At least 80 other hostages were rescued as well. (Photo courtesy of AP)

Senior Superintendent Jose Chiquito Malayo was engaged in negotiations with the rebels for the release of more civilians Tuesday morning when he was abducted at gunpoint and held hostage by the rebel group.

He was captured in a coastal mangrove area near Zamboanga city, a major trading center that has been paralyzed for the past nine days by the chaotic hostage crisis. “Pursuit operations” were undertaken to rescue him according to a spokesperson for the Philippine National Police, but he was released a few hours later, accompanied by 23 other hostages.

The setback coincided with a pronouncement by Philippine authorities that significant progress was being made against the rebels. Military officials said more than 120 hostages had been freed in the past 24 hours.

It is unclear how many people remain captives.

The Philippine armed forces have been carrying out operations to try to “constrict” the rebels, who came ashore early last week and took some 180 hostages in several coastal districts. Military attack helicopters fired rockets at rebel positions Monday in an effort to curb the rebel offensive.

The recent violence has substantially disrupted life in Zamboanga, a largely Christian city in the southwestern region of Mindanao, the southernmost island in the Philippines.

The crisis has led to increased fears of instability in a region where the Philippine central government has been attempting to pursue a new peace plan after decades of unrest.

President Benigno Aquino III and other top Philippine officials are overseeing authorities’ response. Authorities estimate the violence has left more than 100 people dead, most of them rebels, and displaced more than 80,000 residents. Military officials say they have captured scores of rebels and handed them over to police.

The unrest has also caused schools and businesses to close. Hundreds of houses have been burned during the fighting. Philippine authorities accused the rebels of deliberately setting the fires.

The rebels are believed to be a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), a separatist movement which was founded in 1971 by Nur Misuari. Their goal appears to be establishing an autonomous region for Muslims in the mainly Catholic Philippines. The MNLF signed a peace deal with the central government in Manila in 1996, but some of its members have diverged and continue a violent campaign.

Misuari issued a “declaration of independence” for the Moro nation — referring to Mindanao’s indigenous Muslim population — last month after complaining that the MNLF had been left out of a recent wealth-sharing agreement with another insurgent group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

For more information, please see:

Al Jazeera — Offensive frees hostages in Philippine city — 17 September 2013

Gulf News — Dozens of hostages freed in Philippine city — 17 September 2013

Philippine Star — Captured Zambo police chief released by MNLF — 18 September 2013

CNN — Hostages freed in Philippines; Muslim rebels capture police chief — 17 September 2013

Hikers Savagely Attacked by Robbers Wielding Machetes in PNG

By Kevin M. Mathewson
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — A group of Australian and New Zealand hikers along with their local tour guides were attacked by robbers wielding machetes on Tuesday in Papua New Guinea.

Injured trekkers Nick Bennett (front left), Peter Stevens (center) and Steve Ward (right) arrive at the airport in Cairns, Queensland on Thursday following their brutal attack by bandits in Papua New Guinea. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

The eight tourists were settled in their tents on Black Cat Track, a remote jungle clad, when a mob of six armed men struck around dusk. Two tour guides were hacked to death with machetes, one reportedly partially decapitated. Six others were seriously wounded, including one hiker who was speared through the leg.

“It started to rain and some of us were inside the tents when there was a whole lot of noise, shouting. I thought the boys had found a bush kangaroo, an animal or something like that.” one of the survivors, Nick Bennett told Channel Nine after arriving in the capital Port Moresby.

“Next thing, I thought ‘what’s going on’, I put my head outside the tent and smack – I thought I’d been shot actually. “ Bennett said of being hit with a rifle butt.

“Blood just erupted out of my head and I looked up and I saw this guy with a mask on standing over me, and then the whole thing unfolded. They were laying into the porter boys. I realized they were butchering the porters. It was just appalling and we’re very fortunate.” Bennett added.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the attackers, once captured, would face the death penalty. “These are appalling crimes, and they attract the death penalty under laws passed by the national parliament.” he said.

No arrests have been made in relation to the attack, and the precise motive remains unclear. Papua New Guinea trackers and police are working to the find the group. Some suggest that local rivalries, or resentment at the beneficiaries of the trekking industry, were the cause.

The Australian hikers were transported and treated in Port Moresby where they were expected to meet with Australian high commissioner before flying home on Thursday.

Due to the attack, Australia has issued a warning for hikers wanting to take on Black Cat Track. The Black Cat Track is notorious for its toughness and takes an average of six days for experienced hikers to complete. The Tacks was the scene of vicious fights in 1943 between Australian and U.S. troops against Japanese forces.

For further information, please see:

BBC News – PNG machete attackers should ‘face death penalty’ – 12 September 2013

South China Morning Post – Trekkers attacked by PNG bandits tell of horror – 12 September 2013

IOL News – Tourists tell of PNG machete attack – 12 September 2013

Yahoo! News – Trekkers recount savage attack by PNG bandits – 12 September 2013

The Guardian – PNG prime minister calls for death penalty for trek attack – 12 September 2013

Philippine Government and Rebel Leader Discuss Truce

Kevin M. Mathewson
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines — The leader of a Muslim Rebel group whose members have been locked in a deadly fight with Philippine forces in Zamboanga city has agreed to ceasefire talks, officials say.

Over 15,000 residents have left their homes because of the violence. (Photo courtesy of Reuters)

Roughly 180 gunmen from the Moto National Liberation Front (MNLF) infiltrated six coastal districts of Zamboanga city before dawn on Monday. The siege, lasting for roughly five days, resulted in over 200 people dead and at least 100 residents taken hostage.

It’s been estimated that 15,000 residents of Zamboanga have been displaced by the violence.

Vice-President Jejomar Bonay, who spoke with rebel leader Bur Misuari, says the proposed truce will begin Saturday. No conditions have been set in exchange for the agreed ceasefire.

“The details of a peaceful settlement can be threshed out with a ceasefire in place.” Vice-President Bonay told Associated Press. Vice-President Bonay plans to join President Benigno Aquino in Zamboanga on Saturday.

President Benigna Aquino visited Zamboanga earlier in the week to speak with Philippine troops and the residents displaced by the violent clash. There, he warned in a speech that his government would not hesitate to use force to end the crisis. His administration has faced Muslim Rebel groups since he came into power in 2010.

There are over 1,000 troops currently in Zamboanga city, battling to drive MNLF back after the rebels set fire to resident’s homes.

Fighting broke out as recently as Thursday, where a mortar fired by the rebels landed on a street in front of a government hospital in the village of Santa Catalina. Four members of the Red Cross were reported injured as a result of the attack.

The MNLF was created by Nur Misuari in 1971, with the goal of fighting the Philippine state for an independent Islamic nation.  The MNLF then signed a peace agreement with the Philippine government in 1996.

However, Misuari accused the government of violating the terms of the 1996 agreement by negotiating a separate peace deal with a rival faction, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

For further information, please see:

BBC News – Philippines standoff: Rebels agree to ceasefire talks – 13 September 2013

Bangkok Post – Philippines VP says rebel leader agrees to discuss truce – 13 September 2013

Yahoo! News – Philippines VP says rebel leader agrees to discuss truce – 13 September 2013

South China Morning Post – Muslim rebels in Zamboanga stand-off agree to ceasefire – 13 September 2013

Sky News – Philippines: Fighting Intensifies In Stand-Off – 13 September 2013