The Middle East

Dubai: Norwegian Woman Who Reported Rape Sentenced to 16 Months in Prison

By Thomas Murphy
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – In March, Marte Deborah Dalelv, a 24-year-old Norwegian woman, was on a business trip when she reported to Dubai police that she was raped by a colleague.  This week, she was sentenced to sixteen months imprisonment after a United Arab Emirates court convicted her of extra marital sex, drinking alcohol, and perjury.  The ruling was immediately appealed, which means the sentence is delayed until after her appeal is heard on September 5th.

The beautiful city of Dubai has proven unkind to female sex crime victims. (Photo Courtesy of Alamy)

When she reported the rape, police did not believe her and instead threw her in jail and confiscated her passport.  It wasn’t until four days later that she was allowed to call home and alert her parents to the situation.

“She called after four days in jail and told me that she had been raped and was in jail. I was totally shocked,”  said Stefar Toregier Furesund, the woman’s father, who has visited his daughter several times since the arrest.

Dalelv’s employer, The ONE Total Home Experience, was aware that she was imprisoned in Dubai, but neglected to inform the her parents.  Then, the company terminated her employment because of what it deemed “unacceptable behavior”.  The ONE has refused to comment on the matter despite harsh criticism.

The victim’s parents notified Norwegian authorities of their daughter’s arrest and their foreign consulate was able to secure her release to the Norwegian Seamen’s Church in Dubai.  Dalelv has lived with the Church for the past six months while she awaited trial.

“This verdict flies in the face of our notion of justice,” said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. “It appears very odd that a person who reports rape is convicted for crimes that in our part of the world are not considered crimes.”

Under UAE law, a rape conviction requires either a confession or four adult, male witnesses to the attack.  The alleged rapist has been sentenced to only thirteen months in prison for having sex outside of wedlock.

The UAE has seen similar cases arise over the past few years.

In December, a 28-year-old British woman who was reportedly kidnapped and raped by three men was found guilty of drinking alcohol without a license.

In 2010, an 18-year-old Emirati woman reported that she was gang-raped by six men, but she was sentenced to one year in prison for having sex outside of marriage.

In 2008, an Australian woman reported that she was drugged and gang-raped, but was sentenced to a year in prison for having sex outside of marriage and drinking alcohol.  Her sentence was pardoned after eight months, but so were the men that raped her.

Human Rights Watch has called for the UAE to reform its rape laws and has accused the country of condoning sexual violence.

For further information, please see:

Local – Norway slams Dubai jailing of rape victim – 18 July 2013

NRK –There is no forgiveness for such behavior  – 18 July 2013

USA Today –Dubai imprisons Norwegian woman who reported rape – 18 July 2013

Daily Mail – Norwegian woman who reported being raped in Dubai is jailed for 16 months – 17 July 2013

NRK – Reported rape – was sentenced to prison in Dubai – 17 July 2013

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry returns to the Middle East to discuss Israeli Palestinian peace

By Darrin Simmons
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

AMMAN, Jordan – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry made his sixth trip to the Middle East yesterday in order to resume peace talks between Israel and Palestine.  Since taking office on February 1st, Kerry has made it his mission to negotiate peace in the Middle East.

U.S. Secretary John Kerry discussing negotiations with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (photo courtesy of Gulf Today)

It has been unofficially reported that countries represented at the peace negotiating meeting include Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.  Kerry met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday and today planned to meet Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

Jen Psaki, the U.S. State Department spokeswoman, said that Kerry scheduled the meetings to “provide an update on Middle East peace” and that “the Secretary would not be going back to the region if he did not feel there was an opportunity to keep making steps forward.”

Kerry has repeatedly stated that a point is nearing where Israeli and Palestinian officials will need “to make hard decisions about jump-starting the moribund peace talks.” The necessity of such a meeting is pressing as the United Nations General Assembly will address Palestinian statehood issues in September.

In June, Kerry spent nearly four days involved in extensive diplomacy working to end a three-year impasse between Israel and Palestine stating, “with a little more work, the start of final status negotiations could be within reach.”

Two advisers, Frank Lowenstein and Jonathan Schwartz, have been in the Middle East for the past couple of weeks to consult with both Israel and Palestine.  Remaining gaps to be resolved appear to be Israel’s failure to release Palestinian prisoners and refusal to agree to preconditions.

Kerry stated, “Through hard and deliberate, patient work, and most importantly through quiet work we have been able to narrow those gaps very significantly. We continue to get closer and I continue to remain hopeful that the sides will soon be able to come to sit at the same table.”

Palestine, who obtained “nonmember observer state” status in the U.N. last year, has made it clear that they will seek further recognition as a state and membership in the International Criminal Court if diplomatic progress is not made.

After the meeting, the Arab delegates issued a statement saying, “The Arab delegates believe Kerry’s ideas proposed to the committee today constitute a good ground and suitable environment for restarting the negotiations, especially the new and important political, economic and security elements.”

However, U.S. officials have reduced expectations that any sudden breakthrough or announcement on resuming direct Israel Palestine communication will occur as Kerry did not plan to visit Israel or Palestine on this trip.

For more information, please see the following: 

Aljazeera – Kerry to hold secret Middle East peace talks – July 17, 2013

Gulf Today – Kerry wins AL support for bid to restart ME peace talks – July 17, 2013

National – Kerry returns to Jordan for Mideast peace talks – July 17, 2013

New York Times – Kerry Returns to Middle East in Bid for Peace Talks – July 16, 2013

Egyptian Military Falls Short of Its Agreement to Allow Morsi Supporters to Peacefully Protest the Ousting of President Mohamed Morsi

By Kathryn Maureen Ryan
Impunity Watch Desk Reporter, Middle East

CAIRO, Egypt – Thousands of supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi have rallied in the streets of Cairo and across the country, largely following Friday prayers beginning on July 6. Prior to the breakout of pro-Morsi protests, the Egyptian military had said that it will guarantee supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood and the overthrown president the right to peacefully protest and the right to free expression. However, this announcement came as the military had been rounding up Muslim Brotherhood officials.

Egyptian military forces clash with protesters. (Photo courtesy of Al Jazeera)

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, the nation’s first democratically elected leader, was forcibly removed from office on Tuesday July 2. In the two weeks since his ouster, the streets of Egypt have been filled with both pro-Morsi and anti-Morsi protests. President Morsi’s removal from office followed days of mass protests, largely organized by the Tamarod [Rebel] movement. Protesters accused President Morsi and the Brotherhood of failing to address the country’s economic concerns, which were a catalyst to the 2011 revolution, as well as consolidating political power and supporting an overwhelmingly Islamist agenda without the support of the majority of the Egyptian people.

Egyptian judicial authorities have opened up and an investigation into accusations that former President Morsi and 15 other Islamists that had allegedly had insulted the judiciary. The investigating Judge Tharwat Hammad has imposed a travel banned on them all. Many of the senior leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood have been arrested are being held in Torah Prison in Cairo, the same prison housing deposed President Hosni Mubarak. Hundreds of Muslim Brotherhood officials have reportedly been arrested in since the coup.

While the ousting of Morsi was met with cheers of support from protesters in Tahrir Square and across Egypt, many of whom participated in the uprising that led to the resignation of Hosni Mubarak, the coup is a reminder of the historic power of the Egyptian military complex, which has at the heart of the Mubarak regime. The Coup has left many Egyptian holding their breath as Egypt’s future hangs in the balance.

The Military issued statements promising to allow for a peaceful transition to democracy after the establishment of a transitional government. Chief Justice Adly Mansour was sworn in as Egypt’s interim president, just hours after Mohamed Morsi was forced out of office in a military coup that occurred as a result of massive protests against his presidency.Under the transitional government, the nation’s constitution will be temporarily suspended, a “strong and competent” civilian Technocratic government will be installed though the transition processes and the Supreme Court is expected to pass a law setting standards for a parliamentary election and to prepare for both parliamentary and presidential elections.

Despite the military’s roundup of Muslim Brotherhood officials the interim president has promised to preserve the right to free expression in Egypt. He has said that the freedom to protest and to publicly express political beliefs is at the heart of the new Egypt, a right won on the streets of Cairo in 2011. However, in the weeks since that statement was made, Egyptian police forces have clashed on the streets with pro-Morsi demonstrators leaving several demonstrators dead, including seven protesters who were killed overnight in Cairo during a pro-Morsi rally that resulted in clashes with police forces. The killings came as US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns visited Egypt, marking the first time a high ranking US official to visit the region since the Coup.

For further information, please see:

Al Jazeera – Seven Dead in Cairo Clashes – 16 July 2013

CNN International – Deadly Clashes Strike Egypt as New Government Takes Shape – 16 July 2013

Al Jazeera – Living in Denial: US Policy & Egypt’s Military Coup – July 15, 2013

Al Jazeera – Pro-Morsi Supporters Stage Cairo Protest – 5 July 2013

Al Jazzera – Top Judge Sworn In as Egypt’s Interim President –5 July 2013

BBC – Egypt Army Permits ‘Peaceful Protest’ Amid Morsi Anger – 5 July 2013

CNN International – Morsy Supporters to Protest His Ouster, Arrests of His Allies – July 5, 2013

CNN International – Coup Highlights Egyptian’s Military Role – July 3, 2013

Dozens Killed and More Wounded in Series of Attacks Across Iraq

By Thomas Murphy
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Militants attacked in multiple locations across the country on Thursday, killing a number of people with reports as high as sixty-two dead.  The militants included bombers and gunmen appearing to target law enforcement personnel.  Most of the attacks occurred in the Anbar province, a stronghold of the anti-government Sunni population.

The remnants of a car bomb that injured a number of people in Kirkuk. (Photo Courtesy of BBC)

Gunmen shot and killed three soldiers at an army checkpoint near Barwana, a small Anbar town 140 miles northwest of Baghdad.  The gunmen then continued down the road and opened fire on a nearby trailer used by Iraqi security forces protecting oil facilities.  After killing the eleven officers inside, the gunmen proceeded to set the trailer ablaze.  The men inside the trailer were likely sitting down to break Ramadan fast at sunset when they were attacked.

A suicide car bomb in Fallujah, also in Anbar, killed two people and wounded five, according to local security officials. Additionally, the police headquarters there were reportedly attacked by gunmen killing seven officers.  Similarly, in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar, provincial officials stated that two officers were killed during an assault on a police station.

In the Anbar towns of Kirkuk, Tikrit, and Khaldia there were additional reports of attacks that employed car and roadside bombs to injure and kill a number of people including some soldiers.

Iraqi security forces were not the only target of the day as at least two attacks occurred in civilian settings.

In the town of Muqdadiya, 80 km northeast of Baghdad, a car bomb exploded at a funeral and a suicide bomber detonated himself as people began evacuating the wounded.  The attacks killed at least eleven people, police said.

“I was sitting inside the tent…when I heard a huge explosion. I rushed out (and) saw a car burning. While we were busy evacuating the injured, a suicide bomber took us by surprise,” said 47-year-old teacher Kadhim Hassan, who was taken to hospital with injuries to his leg.

Also, 85 km north of Baghadad, in Yathrib at least ten people were killed and eighteen others wounded when two car bombs occurred near a coffee shop.

The killings are only the continuation of violent turmoil that has seen more than 2,600 people killed since the beginning of April.  As a result, fear is spreading across the country that a civil war between the Sunnis and Shiites is becoming more and more likely.  Thus far, there has been no sign of a political comprise between the two sides.

For further information, please see:

People’s Daily – At least 62 killed, 139 wounded in wave of attacks across Iraq – 12 July 2013

Al Jazeera – Series of deadly attacks strike Iraq – 11 July 2013

BBC –Iraq violence: Dozens killed and wounded in new attacks  – 11 July 2013

Reuters –Bomb, gun attacks across Iraq kill at least 44 – 11 July 2013

Washington Post –Iraq attacks leave 31 dead, mostly security forces  – 11 July 2013

Deadly Shooting Results From Protest in Support of Ousted Egyptian President Morsi

By Darrin Simmons
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

CAIRO, Egypt – In the wake of former Egypt President Mohamed Morsi being overthrown, turmoil has spread throughout Egypt and the Middle East.  Early Monday morning, outside of the barracks holding President Morsi, a deadly shooting ensued between the army and protesters.

Dozens were killed and hundreds injured during a protest in support of President Morsi (photo courtesy of BBC News)

Reports of up to fifty one people killed and more than three hundred injured during what has been termed a “massacre,” have flooded newsstands and human rights organizations.  Many have called upon the rest of the world to intervene and prevent Egypt from becoming the next Syria.

Great Britain has been insisting for an investigation into the shooting, in support of a democratic constitution in Egypt to provide free and fair elections.  The European Union has heavily regulated its funds pledged to carry out aid in Egypt while also condemning the killings.

The United States has issued a statement asking the Egyptian army to exercise “maximum restraint” and extreme caution when condemning the uprisings along with condolences for those who were killed and injured.

“We remain deeply concerned about the increasing violence across Egypt.  We strongly condemn any violence or any incitement to violence,” stated Jen Psaki, a U.S. State Department spokeswoman.

Protesters outside of the barracks were members of the Muslim Brotherhood, who were staging a “peaceful” protest in support of President Morsi.  However, the army claimed that a “terrorist group” attempted to storm the barracks, attacking first with “heavy gunfire.”

“The Republican Guard fired tear gas, but the thugs came for the side.  We were the target,” stated Mahmud al Shili, a protestor member of the Muslim Brotherhood.

“Every police force in the world understands how to disperse a sit-in.  This is just a criminal activity targeting protesters,” claimed a Muslim Brotherhood spokesman, Gehad Haddad.

Daily protests by the Muslim Brotherhood have been held since the ousting of President Morsi last Wednesday.  The Brotherhood has denounced his overthrow as a military coup and has been expressing their resistance against the “usurper authorities.”

Footage has been released contradicting the army’s claim that the gates of the barracks were attacked by protestors.  However, the army has also released footage of the protestors attacking and shooting at the troops.

Army Colonel Ahmed Mohammed Ali reported that they suffered deaths and injuries as well.  Two policemen and an army officer were killed along with another forty two troop members injured in the shooting.

“Deep sorrow” over the loss of lives and a call for restraint has been voiced by Egypt’s office of the interim president Adly Mansour.

For more information, please see the following: 

Aljazeera – Massacre in Cairo deepens Egypt crisis – 08 July 2013

BBC News – Egypt unrest: Tensions soar amid Cairo killings – 08 July 2013

Guardian – Dozens killed in Cairo after gunmen open fire on pro-Morsi protesters – 08 July 2013

Sky News – Egypt: Brotherhood calls for further protests – 08 July 2013