News

Life imprisonment for homosexuals in The Gambia

By Ashley Rep

News Desk Reporter, Africa

 

Banjul, The Gambia-

The Gambia, a small, landlocked country in Africa, has long had some of the strictest anti-gay laws on the books. This fall though, the already oppressive laws that loom over the gay community in The Gambia, worsened.   A new law, signed by President Yahya Jammeh, provides that ‘aggravated homosexuality,’ is now an offense that carries a sentence of life imprisonment.

Senegal Gays In Exile
Alhaji, 21 (last name withheld), fled to Senegal to escape persecution (photo courtesy of Huffington Post)

The law is targeted at repeat offenders and those who are suspected of being homosexuals and have HIV/AIDS. The language of the law is vague and broad, which compounds the problem of the law’s already expansive reach and devastating effect. In addition to repeat offenders and HIV/AIDS positive individuals suspected of homosexuality, the term ‘aggravated homosexuality,’ appears to also apply to those who are suspected of engaging sexually with a minor, as well as those who are suspected of homosexuality and have a minor in their care. The homosexual community in The Gambia already lives in fear of hate crimes, exclusion, and punishment for their sexual orientation, but with this law now in effect, there is life imprisonment to worry about.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have condemned the new law and the treatment of homosexuals in The Gambia generally, contending that this law exacerbates the oppression the community faces. President Barak Obama has called the law ‘odious,’ and urged President Jammeh to reassess these actions taken against homosexuals. No level of urging seems to sway President Jammeh, an autocratic ruler, who, just this past February, publicly announced “We will fight these vermins called homosexuals or gays the same way we are fighting malaria-causing mosquitoes, if not more aggressively” and in 2008 suggested that all homosexuals should leave the country or risk being beheaded.

Since November 7, state forces have stepped up efforts to crack down on homosexuality. Many individuals have been detained for questioning, and report having been threatened with a device to be inserted into the anus or vagina to determine sexuality. Torture is also a concern of rights groups, as many of the suspected are detained for extended periods of time. The state is also reportedly compiling a list of names for future questioning and detention.

The language of the new law almost exactly mirrors the anti-gay laws enacted in Uganda this past year, another extremely oppressive country in Africa for homosexuals and those suspected of homosexuality. The laws in Uganda were widely criticized, and were overturned on a technicality.

For more information, please visit:

BBC News- Gambia’s President Jammeh asked to reject anti-gay law– 10 Sept, 2014

The Guardian- The Gambia passes bill imposing life sentences for some homosexual acts– 8 Sept, 2014

Amnesty International- Gambia’s latest anti-gay bill– 18 Nov, 2014

Huffington Post- Gambia passes anti-gay bill imposing life imprisonment for some same-sex acts– 8 Sept, 2014

Southern Europe Still Struggles with How to Handle Syrian Refugees

By Kyle Herda

Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

ATHENS, Greece – Over 200 Syrian refugees in Greece have had enough of the lack of rights given to refugees, and so a hunger strike has begun in the capital. Overcrowding of refugees in Greece, as well as in other nations, has led to decreases in space and care for refugees, leading many of them to struggle in Europe.

Syrian refugees in Athens take part in a hunger strike, demanding more aid and benefits to Syrian refugees coming into Greece. (Photo courtesy of The Wall Street Journal)

The number of Syrian refugees has recently skyrocketed in Greece. In 2013, Greece saw 8,500 Syrian refugees, while just 10 months into 2014 there has already been around 29,000 refugees from Syria. Overall, roughly 165,000 Syrian refugees have come into Europe since the start of the Syrian war.

An EU regulation, “Dublin II”, requires refugees to apply for asylum in the EU country they first “step foot in”. This prevents Syrian refugees from applying for asylum in harder to reach countries like Germany that would grant more rights along with asylum. Instead, the refugees must settle for nations like Greece, Albania, or Bulgaria that offer less rights to refugees.

The issue is certainly pressing as more and more Syrian refugees attempt to make their way into southern Europe. One such country that has seen its fair share of refugees is Italy, which began rescuing refugees stranded in the Mediterranean Sea earlier this year after one tragedy led Pope Francis to ask Italy to intervene. These sea missions are still very recent, with another 270 Syrian refugees being rescued today off the North Cypriot coast. The High Refugee Commission has stated that over 2,500 migrants have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea already this year while trying to cross into Europe.

Another big problem facing the Syrian refugees in Europe is the lack of jobs in the easier to reach countries like Greece. The economies in these nations are struggling even with their own citizens, and their own citizens seem to be taking priority in the eyes of locals and the governments. So Syrian refugees are left with a tough decision: apply for asylum in the first nation they can make it to and try to make due with the little out there and the few rights given, or attempt to make it to a country like Germany that has more to offer, but risk the consequences of getting caught along the way by another nation, like Albania, that has shot at Syrian refugees trying to cross the border.

For more information, please see:

The Wall Street Journal – Syrian Refugees in Greece Launch Hunger Strike for Asylum, Aid – 24 November 2014

Irish Times – Syrian refugees seek fresh start from Greek destitution – 24 November 2014

Middle East Monitor – 270 Syrian refugees rescued off North Cypriot coast – 24 November 2014

Global Post – For Syrian refugees fleeing to Europe, Bulgaria isn’t enough – 18 November 2014

BBC – Syria’s refugees yearning for the lost ‘old life’ – 17 November 2014

Bangladesh: Continuous Death Sentences for Islamist Leaders for War Crimes

By Hojin Choi

Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

DHAKA, Bangladesh – A controversial war crimes court in Bangladesh upheld its rigorous rulings on the nation’s war crimes cases originating from the country’s 1971 breakaway from Pakistan. The court was set up as a special war crimes tribunal in 2010 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime. Within the last few weeks, three Islamist Party leaders were sentenced to death.

The top leader of Bangladesh’s largest Islamist Party, Motiur Rahman Nizami, was sentenced to death last month, and few days later another high official of the party Mir Quasem Ali was sentenced to death. In early November, Mohammad Kamaruzzaman, the Assistant Secretary-General of the party, was sentenced to death for conviction of genocide and torture of civilians in 1971.

The incident at issue in 1971 was a civil war that the West and East Pakistan armies fought for the autonomy and independence of East Pakistanis. East Pakistan became the independent country of Bangladesh in December 1971. During the nine months of civil war, over 10 million people fled to a neighboring country, India. According to the government, three million people died and 200,000 women were raped during the incident.

Since 2010, the court has convicted 12 people for the war crimes. Most of them were senior officials of the Islamist Party. Last year, Bangladesh people in support of the party had massive protests where tens of thousands protesters clashed with police. Reportedly, over 500 people died in the protests. The recent convictions of party leaders seem to be bringing more social unrest. After the decisions, party supporters called a nationwide strike. No violence or casualties were yet seen, but many schools and businesses closed with worry of possible dangers.

Mir Quashem Ali after being sentenced to death (AP)

According to an Al Jazeera, “under Bangladesh jail code, the execution of an accused could be carried out within 21 days and before 28 days of the Supreme Court’s latest upholding of a death sentence.” Defendants’ review petitions only “buy a little more time, or hope for presidential clemency, which is unlikely to be granted under the present government.” The government argues that it should keep running the tribunal to rebuild social justice systems in Bangladesh by punishing the war criminals, but people, especially party supporters, suspect that the government is using the power to oppress the opposition party.

Human rights groups also called for attention to the continuous death sentences in Bangladesh. Human Rights Watch showed deep concern regarding the use of the death penalty and its quick process. According to the organization’s report, Kamaruzzamn was transferred to Dhaka Central Jail, which is a signal of his impending execution, even though he has not received the full text of the final verdict, which is necessary to file a petition for review. The group also argued that several cases, including the most recent cases, did not meet the fair trial standards because they did not fully grant defendants’ rights. It also pointed out that the past executions of the death penalty, such as hanging, after alleged unfair trials were against international law.

Brad Adams, the Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, said that “Human Rights Watch has long supported justice and accountability for the horrific crimes that occurred in 1971, but we have also stated repeatedly that these trials must meet international fair trial standards in order to properly deliver on those promises for the victims.” Adams added that “delivering justice requires adhering to the highest standards, particularly when a life is at stake. The death penalty is irreversible and cruel, and Bangladesh needs to get rid of it once and for all.”

For more information please see:

ALJAZEERA – Bangladesh party official faces death penalty – 3 November 2014

BBC – Death for Bangladesh Islamist leader Mir Quasem Ali – 2 November 2014

The Guardian – Islamist party member in Bangladesh sentenced to death for 1971 war crimes – 2 November 2014

Human Rights Watch – Bangladesh: Halt Execution of War Crimes Accused – 9 November 2014

 

 

50 Arrested in Pakistan for Lynching and Killing a Christian Couple

Hojin Choi

Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Fifty Pakistani people were arrested for torturing and killing a Christian couple last week in the Punjab province, where religious conflicts have recently intensified, according to local police.

Before the murder, the Christian couple was accused of desecrating the Quran, and a local mullah announced that the couple was guilty of blasphemy. Allegedly, burned pages of the Quran had been found in trash of the couple’s house. A man who had financial conflicts with the couple accused them of blasphemy when the couple refused to pay back some money they owed to him.

The police reported that hundreds of people marched to the couple’s house, some of them broke the door and beat them hard after dragging them out of their home. Then, the crowd threw the couple into brick kiln. When police arrived, they were already burned to death. The local police chief, Jawad Qamar, said that “their bodies were totally burned.” He added that 48 people were arrested, while at least 460 were under investigation for criminal charges.

Relatives of the victims (EPA)

Police later identified the burned bodies as Shahzad Masih and Shama Masih, who had four children. They were in their mid-20s. The province’s chief minister says that their remaining family members will receive for compensation about $49,000 in U.S. dollars.

In Pakistan, a person charged with blasphemy can receive, at maximum, the death penalty. The law is problematic since it does not specifically and clearly define what words or behaviors will violate the law. Rather, the law is often used to oppress minority religions in Pakistan. About 4% of people in Pakistan are Christians, and Sunni Muslim militants often target them for terror attacks, such as bombing. Moreover, according to human rights groups, the controversial law is often used for personal revenge or hatred since the accused will be targeted by mob violence. The religious minorities in Pakistan have long been complaining about the government’s failure to protect them.

Whenever victims of the blasphemy law appear in Pakistan, the incidents have called for the world’s attention. Recently, Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman, was sentenced to death, and human rights activists of the world have been requesting her release. Pakistani government officials who tried to save her were assassinated by people in support of maintaining the blasphemy law. In 2013, a Pakistani Taliban splinter group allegedly attacked a Christian church in Pakistan where 85 people died by the attack.

For more information please see:

CNN – 50 arrested in slaying of Christian Pakistani couple 6 November 2014

New York Times – Pakistani Christian Couple Are Tortured and Burned to Death by Angry Mob – 4 November 2014

The Guardian – Pakistan arrests dozens over Christian lynchings – 5 November 2014

ALJAZEERA – Taliban splinter group claims Pakistan-India border attack – 3 November 2014

5 Years After Magnitsky’s Death, Russia Still Trying to get Browder

By Kyle Herda

Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

MOSCOW, Russia – It’s been five years since Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky died in a Russian prison at the age of 37 and under suspicious circumstances. Even so, Russia is still looking to bring self-claimed “justice” over Bill Browder, a former associate of Magnitsky.

Sergei Magnitsky died in Russian captivity 5 years ago this week. (Photo courtesy of Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty)

Browder was the leader of the largest Russia-only investment firm in the world, Hermitage Capital Management. Browder’s company was worth over $4.5 billion by the early 2000’s. Magnitsky worked as a lawyer for Browder back when things were good.

As Browder became more and more successful, he began pushing for more transparency in Russian capitalism. In addition, Browder also pushed to expose corruption in Russian companies, hoping ultimately to have Russian capitalism come closer to Western models and encourage more mixing between the markets. When Vladimir Putin came to power, however, Browder’s goals were frustrated.

In 2005, Browder made a trip to Britain, but was refused re-entry into Russia after. Shortly thereafter, Browder’s company was declared to have $1 billion in “liabilities,” claimed by Browder to have come from fictitious documents. Quickly, Russia had other officials step in and attempt to clean up the mess Browder allegedly created.

Browder tried to have Magnitsky also flee, fearing what would happen if Russia decided to go after Magnitsky too. Instead, Magnitsky stayed behind and investigated very openly and expressly the fraud that Russia had committed on Brower and his company. He even testified against a group of Interior Ministry officers who allegedly stole over 5 billion rubles, or $230 million, from Russia’s Treasury. Magnitsky was imprisoned by these same officers on bogus charges, and he remained in prison until his physical condition worsened. Doctors were denied to Magnitsky, and under debated circumstances he passed away.

For the 5th anniversary of Magnitsky’s death, Browder has come out with a statement regarding circumstances surrounding Magnitsky. Browder calls into question the “natural causes” that led to Magnitsky’s death. Browder questions why Magnitsky was alleged to have been guilty of crimes but never uncovered any in his investigation. And Browder questions how the Russian state officials involved in the case were all exonerated. Finally, Browder discussed one success in the search for justice that has come since Magnitsky’s death. The United States passed the Magnitsky Act, banning certain Russian officials implicated in the case from entering the US.

After a trial in 2013 posthumously found Magnitsky guilty and Browder guilty in a trial in absentia, Browder was sentenced by a Russian court to 9 years in prison. Russia has repeatedly tried to get Interpol, the international police force, to retrieve Browder from Britain and bring him to Russia, and Russia has repeatedly been denied. However, Interpol has recently decided to give Russia another chance to make their case.

For more information, please see:

Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty – Interpol Said To Eye New Russian Bid For Browder’s Arrest – 17 November 2014

The New York Times – Putin Plays Hardball – 17 November 2014

Law and Order in Russia – Statement by Bill Browder on 5th Anniversary of Sergei Magnitsky’s Killing in Russia – 16 November 2014

The Moscow Times – From the Archive: Magnitsky’s Death Was No Accident – 14 November 2014