News

Sri Lankan Mosque Attacked by Buddhist Mob

By Brian Lanciault

Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — A mob of Buddhists attacked a mosque last night in Sri Lanka’s capital, injuring 12. This is the latest in a string of attacks against the minority Muslim community in the region.

Security forces deployed in mass to quell the violent eruption in the aftermath of the mosque attack. (Photo courtesy of AP)

A mob of Buddhists, who are mainly ethnic Sinhalese in Sri Lanka, threw stones at the three-story mosque and nearby houses in Colombo during evening prayers on Saturday. Hundreds of Muslim residents took to the streets, to prevent further attacks in their community.

“Support the police to maintain the law and order,” Inspector General of Police N.K. Ilangakoon told state media. There has been mounting violence against Muslims in Sri Lanka since last year, closely mirroring events in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, which has seen its own surge of attacks by members of the majority community against Muslims. In Myanmar, extremist Buddhist monks have been at the forefront of these violent campaigns against Muslims.

In Sri Lanka, the group Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), or the “Buddhist power force”, has been trying to win over Buddhists with their anti-Muslim platform. A spokesman for the BBS, Dilantha Vithanage, denied any involvement by his organisation in the latest mosque attack.

Buddhists make up about 70 percent of Sri Lanka’s 20.3 million population, while Muslims make up just 9 percent. The mosque damaged in the attack was only built a month ago after hardline Buddhists forced a nearby mosque to close.

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo said the incident was particularly troubling in light of a number of recent attacks against the Muslim community in Sri Lanka. “Targeting any place of worship should never be permitted and we urge calm from all sides. We call for prosecution of perpetrators in this attack and an end to religious-based violence,” the embassy said in its official statement. N M Ameen, president of Sri Lanka’s Muslim Council, said more than 20 mosques have been attacked since last year.

In a distinct incident, a hand grenade was thrown at a Buddhist temple in the Jaffna peninsula, on the northern tip of the island. There were no injuries reported. Jaffna is largely made of ethnic minority Tamil people, most of whom are Hindu and Christian. The area was fiercely contested in a 26-year war between government forces and Tamil separatists that ended in 2009. The longstanding unrest has left the entire region a powder keg for religious and ethnic tensions.

For more information, please see:

Reuters — Buddhist mob attacks Sri Lankan mosque, 12 injured — 11 August 2013

BBC — Sri Lanka Buddhist mob attacks Colombo mosque — 11 August 2013

Al Jazeera — Colombo mosque attack stirs tensions — 11 August 2013

Hindustan Times — Buddhist mob attacks Colombo mosque, 12 injured — 11 August 2013

Spanish, French Authorities Round Up Ring of Human-Traffickers

By Ben Kopp
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

MADRID, Spain – Spain and France shut down gang operations that trafficked Chinese civilians into Europe and the US. Human-trafficking, especially child-trafficking, is a recognized problem worldwide that generates millions of dollars for ringleaders annually.

Human-trafficking is a global problem that takes an estimated 1.2 million children each year. (Photo courtesy of International Business Times)

Two years ago, investigators began probing the ring, which police described as “intricately structured, divided into independent and virtually isolated cells to avoid detection.”

Spanish authorities say that, for approximately $60,000, trafficking victims are typically offered a better life, and later subjected to prostitution or harsh working conditions in “clandestine factories.” In this instance, the gang gave the migrants instructions on blending in with tourists, and used “travel enforcers” to ensure the migrants’ passage through airports, across borders, and into cities. When security changes endangered their operation, the smugglers changed quickly to a more lenient destination. After delivery, the smugglers returned to China and Malaysia, where they avoided Western police until instructed further.

While the final destination was typically the UK or US, some were also sent to Ireland, Spain, France, Turkey, or Greece.

Barcelona served as the main European hub, where Chinese migrants awaited falsified documents. Raids recovered 81 fake passports from South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan in addition to fake immigration stamps, Chinese and European currencies, and weapons. In Spain, there were 51 arrests; in France, 24. The ringleaders were arrested in Barcelona.

In a statement, police said, “The composition of this perfectly structured, hierarchical organisation, with its kingpin in China and independent cells operating in different countries, completely shut off from each other, complicated the investigation.”

In March 2013, Spanish authorities busted two Romanian human-trafficking rings. While Spain has acted particularly strong to protect women and children, the US and EU consider human-trafficking in and through Spain an increasing problem.

Recently, the EU warned Thailand about its unrelated human-trafficking record, stating that Europe may impose a ban on importing seafood from Thailand if its record did not improve.

“The European Union has an index for nations whose fishing industries are corrupted by human trafficking. Under the system, Q1 is Good, Q2 is Medium and Q3 is Bad,” Marine Police Region 8 Deputy Superintendent Lt Col Prasert Srikunrat explained to his officers. “Right now Thailand qualifies as -Q2, but that might drop to Q3 in the future. That will affect our fishing product exports because Europe will say no to them if the situation worsens.”

In mid-July 2013, British authorities arrested members of yet another human-trafficking ring, which moved people from Eastern Europe into Derby, UK.

Global problems require global solutions, and human-trafficking gives no exemption. While authorities bring traffickers to justice, people from and visiting all countries and cultures must work together carefully and cautiously to prevent the spread of abduction and the centers of abuse.

For further information, please see:

Al Jazeera – Spain and France Bust People-Smuggling Ring – August 10, 2013

BBC – ‘Human Trafficking Ring’ Broken Up – August 10, 2013

CNN – Human Trafficking Roundup Nets 75 in Spain, France – August 10, 2013

International Business Times – Chinese Human Trafficking Ring Busted in Spain and France – August 10, 2013

Phuket Gazette – Phuket Warned Human-Trafficking Record May Result in European Ban on Seafood – August 9, 2013

Derby Telegraph – More Held over Human Trafficking – July 16, 2013

Father of Killed Chechen Comes to America to sue FBI

By Brandon Cottrell
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

WASHINGTON, D.C., United States – Abdulbaki Todashev, whose son Ibragim was shot to death by FBI agents, has arrived in Florida to prepare his case.

Abdulbaki Todashev displaying photographs of his dead son’s body. (Photo Courtesy of US News)

Ibragim, who was friends with Boston Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev, voluntarily submitted to FBI questioning this past May.  The interrogation was based on Ibragim and Tsarnaev’s potential ties to a triple homicide in Massachusetts in 2011.  During the course of this interrogation, FBI agents shot Ibragim.  The circumstances that lead to the shooting remain uncertain as the agents gave conflicting narratives.

Some agents claim they were forced to shoot Ibragim in self-defense because Ibragim lunged at them with a knife; but others say Ibragim was armed only with a broomstick.  Still other agents maintain Ibragim was entirely unarmed throughout the confrontation.  Abdulbaki, meanwhile, claims that Ibragim did not pose a threat to the agents, as he was weakened by a recent knee surgery and was on crutches.

The FBI has yet to issue a clarifying statement as to what actually transpired during the interrogation and it is unlikely that such a statement will ever be released.  The FBI, however, along with the US Department of Justice, launched investigations into the confrontation to determine whether the use of deadly force was reasonable.

The Florida Council on American-Islamic Relations hired a homicide investigator and claims Ibragim was shot seven times.  The investigator’s report claims Ibragim was shot in the back of the head while he was lying on the ground.  However, because the FBI will not release the official autopsy report, the investigator’s claims cannot be confirmed.

The Florida Council on American-Islamic Relations also claims that the FBI, while questioning Ibragim’s friends, “illegally threatened to throw them in jail and take away their green cards if they did not become informants and spy on several members of their faith, their mosques, their restaurants and so on.”

Abdulbaki cannot afford a lawyer and speaks minimal English.  Therefore, the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida promised to aid in the investigation.  Howard Simon, director of the ACLU says the lack of answers is disappointing, and that, “Secrecy fosters suspicion and the people of Florida deserve better than to be left without an explanation from their government about what led to a person being shot to death.”

Abdulbaki will hold at press conference Tuesday at the Florida Council on American-Islamic Relations office, where he plans to update the public on newly discovered information as well as the status of his lawsuit.

 

For further information, please see:

Chicago Tribune – Father of Chechen man shot by FBI after Boston bombings in U.S. to probe killing – 7 August 2013

Orlando Sentinel – Father of Chechen man shot during FBI interrogation to speak out in Florida – 7 August 2013

Russia Today – Killed Chechen’s father arrives in US to sue the FBI – 6 August 2013

Washington Times – Ibragim Todashev’s father to sue FBI; Tsarnaev’s friend was shot in Florida – 6 August 2013

The Guardian – Florida won’t investigate Ibragim Todashev shooting – 31 July 2013

Following Coup, Violence in Central African Republic Escalates

By Dan Krupinsky
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

BANGUI, Central African Republic – The Central African Republic (CAR) remains in turmoil, months after rebels seized the capital Bangi and inserted themselves into power.

In the months since the Seleka rebel forces overtook the government, and Michael Djotodia named himself interim president, there have been accusations by Human Rights Watch and others of serious crimes, including summary executions and rape.

 

Seleka rebels patrol the streets in Bangui (Photo courtesy of Reuters)

With reports of human rights violations remaining a common occurrence, a group of United Nations independent experts recently described the rule of law as “almost non-existent.”

“We are seriously concerned over reported acts of killings, torture, arbitrary detention, gender-based violence, enforced disappearances, ‘mob justice’ and the pervasive climate of insecurity and the absence of the rule of law which have prevailed in the country in the last five months,” the human rights experts said, calling for authorities to take steps to end to the human rights violations and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The International Federation for Human Rights estimates that the rebels have killed more than 400 people since taking power. Locals accuse the Selekas of murdering 15 people last month, after it was discovered that the mini-bus they were riding on contained t-shirts supportive of deposed president Francois Bozize.

Seven bodies, which showed signs of torture, were recovered from the Ubangi River.

Nicolas Tiangage, formerly a human rights lawyer and now inserted by the rebels as the Prime Minister to act as an emissary to the outside world, told The New York Times, “It’s anarchy, a non-state. Looting, arson, rape, massacres of the civilian population – they are sowing terrorism.”

The UN estimates that since December of 2012, 1.2 million people in the CAR have been cut off from what are described as “essential services,” with 37,000 people fleeing the country.

The international community, including Human Rights Watch and African civil society groups, have called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to monitor the ongoing abuses and for investigations of the alleged crimes.

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in late April that the situation is “under close scrutiny,” and that she “will not hesitate to prosecute those responsible” for the violence, according to AllAfrica.com.

Calls for increased criminal prosecution comes amongst reports that only 16 arrest warrants had been issued (as of July), and for primarily minor offenses, providing evidence that the crimes are being committed in near impunity.

The estimated growth of the Seleka forces from 5,000 fighters initially to over 20,000 suggest that the violence will only continue to escalate.

 

For further information, please see:

All Africa — Group of UN Experts Raise Alarm Over Lawlessness in Central African Republic — 6 August 2013

All Africa — In Recent CAR Coup, Echoes of Past Violence — 6 August 2013

New York Times — Violent and Chaotic, Central African Republic Lurches Toward a Crisis — 6 August 2013

Voice of America — Rights Group: CAR Rebels Committing War Crimes — 18 July 2013

Reuters — Central African Republic in chaos, abandoned: MSF — 6 July 2013

Concern Mounts as Central African Republic Heads Towards Crisis

By Erica Smith
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

BANGUI, Central African Republic — There is growing concern among human rights groups that crisis is about to erupt in the Central African Republic (CAR). The country has been increasingly unstable since Seleka rebels ousted president François Bozizé seized power March 24.  The violence began last December, in a country that has been mark with years of instability, when Seleka rebels launched a series of attacks across the country until a peace agreement was reached in January, only to be abandoned in March.

Seleka rebel members stand guard in front of the presidential palace in Bangui. (Photo Courtesy of Alain Amontchi/Reuters)

Rebels have been accused of  looting, raping, and killing indiscriminately since they took over the capital in March. Amnesty International accused the rebels of breaking into an orphanage and taking everything of value.  Residents accuse the rebels of killing 15 people last month because a minibus they were riding in also carried t-shirts in support of Bozizé. The International Federation for Human Rights have said Seleka rebels have killed more than 400 people since March.

The prosecutor for the International Criminal Court issued a statement on Wednesday voicing her deep concern for the security situation in the CAR.  “My office calls upon the international community to assist the Government of CAR in improving the security situation and in protecting civilians in Bangui and throughout the country,” Fatou  Bensouda said in her statement. She went on to note that a recent report by  the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) “seem to confirm that crimes that may fall under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court continue to be committed in CAR, including attacks against civilians, murder, rape, and recruitment of child soldiers.”

Ms. Bensouda’s statement came a day after a group of United Nations independent experts declared the rule of law “almost non-existent”in the CAR. “We are seriously concerned over reported acts of killings, torture, arbitrary detention, gender-based violence, enforced disappearances, ‘mob justice’ and the pervasive climate of insecurity and the absence of the rule of law which have prevailed in the country in the last five months,” the UN experts said.

“There have been a number of killings, sometimes in retaliation for incidents of ‘mob justice’ against members of the Séléka coalition. Some 46 cases are allegedly documented,” said Christof Heyns, the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. “I call for a thorough, transparent and independent investigation of all suspected cases of arbitrary executions to identify and bring to justice those responsible.”

Both statements were made a week after UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Simonovic issued a statement outlining his fears about the mounting violence and lack of any civilian protections.  “Beyond Bangui, there is no police, no justice system and no social services. Security is virtually non-existent and people live in constant fear…I was particularly alarmed by the high number of Seleka members in the streets who do not receive any salary and set up check points, asking for money or just looting houses.” Simonovic stated.

Residents of the CAR told the New York Times (NYT) of the violence and looting that is being carried out by the Seleka rebels. “The feeling is one of terror: this is what haunts the population,” said Faustin Yandergo, a textile worker to the NYT.  “It’s anarchy, a nonstate,”  the prime minister, Nicolas Tiangaye told NYT “Looting, arson, rape, massacres of the civilian population — they are sowing terrorism.”

 

For further information, please see:

UN News Centre — ICC Prosecutor voices concern about ongoing serious crimes in Central African Republic — 7 August 2013

New York Times — Violent and Chaotic, Central African Republic Lurches Toward a Crisis — 6 August 2013

UN News Centre — Group of UN experts raise alarm over lawlessness in Central African Republic — 6 August 2013

Fox News — Central Africans living ‘in constant fear’: UN — 1 August 2013

Human Rights Watch — Central African Republic: Seleka Forces Kill Scores, Burn Villages — 27 June 2013