News

U.S. Concludes Assad Used Chemical Weapons Against Rebels

By Thomas Murphy
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

DAMASCUS, Syria – The Obama administration has confirmed that the Syrian government has used chemical weapons against the rebel opposition. The administration also acknowledged that Syria has crossed the “red line”, commonly referred to by President Obama, that would trigger more significant U.S. involvement in the conflict.

U.S. intelligence analysts have determined that chemical weapons have been used against Syrian rebels on a small scale several times. (Photo Courtesy of Reuters)

American intelligence analysts used physical evidence to conclusively determine that the Assad regime attacked Syrian rebels with the nerve agent sarin. According to a C.I.A. report, hair, blood, and urine samples of two Syrian rebels, one dead and one wounded, tested positive for the toxin after being involved in firefight northeast of Damascus in mid-March.

Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communication Ben Rhodes addressed the media regarding the conclusion.

“Following a deliberative review, our intelligence community assesses that the Assad regime has used chemical weapons, including the nerve agent sarin, on a small scale against the opposition multiple times in the last year,” Rhodes, said in a statement released by the White House on Thursday afternoon. “Our intelligence community has high confidence in that assessment given multiple, independent streams of information.”

“The president has made a decision about providing more support to the opposition that will involve providing direct support to the Supreme Military Council. That includes military support,” said Rhodes.

Despite acknowledging the U.S. will provide the rebels increased support, the level of support remains unclear. However, President Obama has recently come under fire for approaching the conflict cautiously and this news will undoubtedly lead to more calls for action.

Sen. John McCain, who has been highly critical of the president’s Syria policy, urged the president to implement a no-fly zone and provide the rebels with anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons. However, McCain was pleased that the administration’s acknowledged the Syrian government’s use of chemical weapons, but still he pushed for further action.

“I thank the president for acknowledging that Syrians are using chemical weapons,” McCain said. “Just to provide additional weapons to the Syrian National Army is not enough. We have got to change the equation on the battleground.”

Earlier this week former President Bill Clinton agreed with Senator McCain. Clinton said, “Sometimes it’s best to get caught trying, as long as you don’t overcommit.”

“Some people say, ‘O.K., see what a big mess this is? Stay out!’” Mr. Clinton said. “I think that’s a big mistake.”

President Obama will attend a G-8 meeting next week in Northern Ireland, where the conflict in Syria is expected to be one of the main talking points. Russia, also a G-8 member country, has supported the Syrian government throughout the conflict.

For further information, please see:

Al Arabiya – Obama decides to arm Syrian rebels after chemical weapons proof – 13 June 2013

CBS – U.S.: Syria used chemical weapons, crossing “red line” – 13 June 2013

CNN – White House: Syria crosses ‘red line’ with use of chemical weapons on its people – 13 June 2013

New York Times – Syria Has Used Chemical Arms on Rebels, U.S. and Allies Find – 13 June 2013

USA Today – U.S. has determined Syria used chemical weapons – 13 June 2013

Seven Killed by U.S. Drone Strike in Pakistan

By Kevin M. Mathewson

Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia          

NORTH WAZIRISTAN, Pakistan – Two missiles, from suspected US drones, have killed seven people in a village in the North Waziristan tribal area, close to the Afghan border on Friday. The troubled border region is known as a stronghold of Taliban and Al-Qaeda linked militants.

“The U.S. drone fired two missiles targeting a militant compound and killing at least seven militants.” a senior local security official said.

The drone attack came just days after Nawaz Sharif took over as Pakistan’s prime minister for an unprecedented third term and asked the United States to end its drone attacks against militants.

“We respect the sovereignty of others and they should also respect our sovereignty and independence. This campaign should come to an end.” Sharif stated in regards to the U.S. campaign.

Last month President Obama announced stricter targeting rules for the drone campaign against militant suspects.

It is unclear who the target of the attack was, though several militant groups have camps in the area. Pakistan Taliban, whose deputy leader Waliur Rehman was killed in a drone strike on May 29, is said to be stationed there. Rehman was the number two in the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction and had a $5 million U.S. government bounty on his head.

On Thursday the families of Pakistani victims of U.S. drone strikes wrote to Sharif urging him to stop the U.S. campaign, even by shooting the U.S. drone’s down if necessary.

Drone attacks are incredibly controversial in Pakistan, where parts of the government and military have been accused of ignoring or even condoning some of the strikes. It has been claimed that between 2004 and 2013, U.S. drone attacks in Pakistan have killed up to 3,460 people.

It has been estimated by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, that of those 3,460 deaths, 890 of them were civilians with a vast majority of strikes being carried out under the Obama administration.

In May, President Obama said the drone strikes were part of a legitimate campaign against terrorism, calling them “legal” and “just.” However, on May 9th the high court in the northwestern city of Peshawar declared the U.S. drone strikes targeting suspected militants a “war crime.”

For further information, please see:

BBC News – Pakistan drone strike kills seven in North Waziristan – 8 June 2013

4 News – Pakistan summons US diplomat over drone strike – 8 June 2013

The Daily Star – US drone strike kills 7 in Pakistan – 8 June 2013

The Voice of Russia – Pakistan protests to US over drone strikes that kill nine – 8 June 2013

Reuters – Pakistan summons envoy after U.S. drone strike kills nine – 8 June 2013

Edward Snowden to Remain in Hong Kong

By Michael Yoakum
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

WASHINGTON D.C., United States – Former CIA employee Edward Snowden exploded into news headlines Sunday after the Guardian revealed him to be the party responsible for declassifying the NSA program code-named PRISM.  Snowden, who more recently worked as a contractor for the NSA, revealed that the NSA obtained phone meta data from Verizon customers and has “direct access” to the server contents of service providers like Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Facebook.

Snowden, 29, worked as a contractor for the NSA for three months before leaking classified materials. (Photo Courtesy of the South China Morning Post and EPA)

Snowden worked at Booz Allen Hamilton where he contracted with the NSA as a system administrator. After three months, Snowden left his position, and, on May 20, traveled to Hong Kong to seek asylum.  It was there that, on June 6, Snowden contacted the Washington Post and the UK-based Guardian to provide details about PRISM as well as general information about US espionage operations.

Since releasing the classified materials, Snowden has remained in Hong Kong to give interviews to a select group of media outlets.  Fox News reported that Snowden chose to travel to Hong Kong because of its “strong tradition of free speech.”  While Hong Kong does have an extradition treaty with the US, it makes exceptions for political asylum seekers.

If Snowden is returned the US, however, he may not face the long prison sentence one might expect.  According to a Reuters article, only nine people have been tried for crimes similar to those of which Snowden is accused (six of which were prosecuted under the Obama administration).  Of the six who have been sentenced, the maximum jail sentence was approximately two years, with two receiving no jail sentences at all. The remaining three still have legal action pending.

In an interview given Wednesday to The South China Morning Post (“SCMP”), Snowden said he would not flee Hong Kong, opting instead to leave his fate to the semi-autonomous city’s justice system.  Snowden went on to state that he believed the NSA to be responsible for 61,000 hacking operations worldwide, including many in China and Hong Kong.

Snowden went on to explain that by using “network backbones – [which are] like huge internet routers,” the NSA was able to access communications between hundreds of thousands of computers without having to hack them individually.  According to the SCMP, Snowden said, “‘Last week the American government happily operated in the shadows with no respect for the consent of the governed, but no longer.'”

Since Snowden leaked classified NSA materials, members of Congress have been split into two camps: those angry at Snowden for leaking information, and those angry at the Obama administration for allowing the NSA to conduct such a sweeping surveillance program.

 

For further information, please see:

ABC News – Edward Snowden Claims NSA Documents Show U.S. Hacks China: Report – 12 June 2013

CBS News – Edward Snowden: “I am not here to hide” – 12 June 2013

Fox News – I’m ‘not a traitor,’ NSA leaker Edward Snowden tells Hong Kong newspaper – 12 June 2013

South China Morning Post – Edward Snowden: US government has been hacking Hong Kong and China for years – 12 June 2013

The Washington Post – Here’s everything we know about PRISM to date – 12 June 2013

Reuters – If past is indicator, ex-NSA contractor may escape long jail term – 10 June 2013

The Guardian – Edward Snowden’s explosive NSA leaks have US in damage control mode – 10 June 2013

Kuwaiti Twitter user convicted to eleven years for criticizing emir

by Darrin Simmons
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait-Twitter is a social media network which has become popular in recent years for allowing people to post what they think online.  However, the ability to voice one’s opinion via the internet is not always met without repercussions.

Kuwaiti court convicts Twitters users for criticisms against the emir, Sheikh Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah (Photo courtesy of Aljazeera)

Huda al-Ajmi, a 37-year-old Kuwaiti teacher, was sentenced to eleven years in jail after posting on twitter comments that were reasoned to be insulting to the emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah.

Along with insulting Sheikh Sabah, Huda al-Ajmi was convicted of inciting the overthrow of the regime and misuses of her mobile phone.  She was sentenced to two consecutive five year terms for insulting the emir and one year for insulting an unspecified religious group.

Despite the rarity for woman to serve jail time for political crimes, several Kuwaiti courts have sentenced two female activists to shorter periods in jail for their criticism of the emir.  However, the implementation of the terms was suspended.

Sheikh Sabah, who is “immune and inviolable” under Kuwait’s constitution, has received criticisms from others as well.  Mussallam al-Barrak, a prominent opposition figure, was convicted in April of “undermining” the emir.  He was arrested for remarks he made regarding the emir’s “autocratic” rule.  In May, an appeals court overturned his five-year sentence.

Although Kuwait has not yet experienced the same degree of pro-democracy as has been seen in other Arab states, tensions have been escalating between the ruling Sabah family and the members of parliament.

Kuwait, which allows more freedom of speech than most other Gulf Arab states, has tightened control over its citizens’ use of social media.  Convictions of several other Twitter uses over the past few months have caused anger and protests between police and activists.

U.S. based Human Rights Watch issued a statement in February saying that at least twenty five people have been charged with offending Sheikh Sabah by Kuwaiti prosecutors since October.  Of those twenty five people, at least six were sentenced to time in jail.

Being allies with Kuwait, the United States has considerable interest in these matters.  Due to the rising tension, the United States has urged Kuwait to consider its actions and respect their peoples’ right to freedom of expression.

Huda al-Ajmi’s has become the first woman convicted for criticizing Kuwait’s ruler, and her sentence is the longest sentence of jail time for political crimes issued in Kuwait.  She has yet to be taken into custody and will have the opportunity to appeal the Kuwaiti court’s decision.

For further information, please see: 

Aljazeera – Kuwait to jail woman for tweets against emir – 10 June 2013

BBC – Kuwaiti woman jailed for ‘insulting’ emir tweets – 10 June 2013

Gulf News – Woman gets 11 years in jail for insulting Kuwait emir – 10 June 2013

Reuters – Kuwaiti court gives woman 11 years in jail for insulting emir – 10 June 2013

 

Russian Journalist Investigating Corruption Uncovered by Sergei Magnitsky Awarded Top Journalist Award

Press Release

12 June 2013 – Roman Anin, Russian journalist for an independentNovaya Gazeta, has won the prestigious international journalism award for his investigative reporting oа the high-level Russian corruption uncovered by Hermitage lawyer Sergei Magnitsky who was in retribution arrested andkilled in Russian police custody.

“The award to Roman Anin is a testament to his bravery and integrity in the fact of massive corruption in Russia and a tribute to the legacy of Sergei Magnitsky who gave his life for exposing the same crimes and standing up to the same principles and belief for the rule of law and accountability of government officials,” said Hermitage Capital representative.

The 2013 Knight International Journalism Award recognizes excellent reporting that makes a difference in the lives of people around the world, said the International Center for Journalists, making the announcement.

In 2007-2008, Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky uncovered how Russian officials and organised criminals stole $230 million from the Russian budget of the tax revenue paid by his client, Russian companies of the Hermitage Fund. After he reported and gave evidence of the crime, he himself was arrested on trumped-up charges, tortured to retract his testimony, and killed in the Russian Interior Ministry custody at the age of 37. Since his death, Russian authorities have exonerated all officials he named from any wrong-doing.

In 2011, Russian journalist for Novaya Gazeta, Roman Anin, began a series of explosive reports describing how the criminal conspiracy protected by government officials stole budget funds both before the $230 million theft uncovered by Sergei Magnitsky and after, and that these thefts continued even after Sergei Magnitsky’s death and their public exposure, using the same modus operandi. In an article called “Makhaon, Parfenion and He,” published on 28 September 2011, Roman Anin described links from the thefts to senior tax officials subsequently moved to senior positions with the Russian Defence Ministry (http://www.novayagazeta.ru/inquests/48714.html).

In an article published on 1 April 2012, called “VAT”, Roman Anin described how the same officials were involved in even more fraudulent VAT rebates, with the total amount of stolen funds reaching $800 million, and the role of Interior Ministry in abetting them(http://www.novayagazeta.ru/inquests/51924.html).

Roman Anin further uncovered how millions of dollars stolen by the corrupt criminal conspiracy exposed by Sergei Magnitsky were laundered via Russian banks and numerous European jurisdictions, including Austria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and others (http://www.novayagazeta.ru/inquests/53950.html).

In the article called “Beneficiaries” published on 13 August 2012,  RomanAnin wrote:

“This crime stopped to be an internal affairs for Russia at the momentwhen the first stolen dollar crossed the Russian border and appeared onaccounts of Western banks for legalisation.”(http://www.novayagazeta.ru/inquests/53950.html)

Roman Anin majored in journalism at Moscow State University (MSU) and graduated in 2010. After graduating, he studied at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Science as a Ph.D. candidate in global economics. In 2012, he received three of the most prestigious awards in Russian investigative journalism: the Artem Borovik award, the Youlian Semenov award and the Andrey Sakharov award (http://www.icfj.org/roman-anin).

The 2013 Knight International Journalism Award award is supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation which advances transformational ideas that promote quality journalism following the belief that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged.

For further information, please see:

Law and Order in Russia