Nigeria Declares State of Emergency in Four States Following Christmas Day Attacks

By Zach Waksman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

ABUJA, Nigeria – President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria declared a state of emergency in 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs) located in the Borno, Yobe, Plateau, and Niger states on Saturday.  The announcement comes less than a week after a series of Christmas Day bombings by the radical Islamist sect Boko Haram rocked the country and killed at least 42 people.

President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Nigeria on Saturday in the wake of several Christmas Day bombings. (Photo courtesy of the Times of Nigeria)

The recent round of attacks by Boko Haram was a break from its previous focus government and military targets.  This time, the organization, who took credit for the bombings, destroyed several churches, including one in a suburb of Abuja, the capital, where at least 25 worshipers died.  The campaign is considered to be an effort to exploit long-lasting strife between Christians and Muslims.  Though Nigeria has an approximately even split between the two religions, it is not a homogeneous population, with a largely Muslim north and a heavily Christian south.  Boko Haram, whose name roughly translates as “Western education forbidden,” seeks to impose strict Islamic law throughout the country.

“This is a sign that they’ve decided to try to ignite the Muslim-Christian fault line,” said Darren Kew, a Nigeria expert at the University of Massachusetts-Boston.  “They are trying to expand from their roots,” he said, adding that until now, the group had “largely avoided antagonizing the Christians.  This is a strategic choice on their part to broaden their offensive.”

In a nationally televised address, President Jonathan announced that Nigeria would be closing its borders with Chad, Cameroon, and Niger in order to control activities outside the country.  He also said that he instructed the Chief of Defence Staff to set up a counterterrorism unit as part of his promise to defeat Boko Haram, which he declared to have “grown cancerous” and therefore needed be removed from Nigeria.

“We will crush the terrorists,” Jonathan said.  “If there are institutions…which are harbouring terrorists, we will deal with them.”

The announcement has received mixed reactions within the country.  He received praise from several groups for showing initiative and finally taking a necessary step.  Those organizations, along with leaders in the four states the declaration affects, have pledged to support him in his new efforts, despite acknowledging that success would not be easy.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) President Alhaji Yerimma Shetima said that “Jonathan did well as the number one citizen, and must stand his ground on the issue.  The president has our support and should continue to declare emergencies in any part of the country where the nation’s security is threatened, until terrorism is uprooted from Nigeria.”

Others have not been so charitable.  The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) said that it would accept “whatever reasonable measures” were taken to protect the country and prevent needless loss of life.  At the same time, it expressed concern with whether any action would be of great help, saying that “a State of Emergency can only address the symptoms rather than the root causes of the current security crisis facing the nation.”

House Deputy Minority Leader Suleiman Kawu Sumaila went even further.  He considered the developing crisis proof that Jonathan was unfit to lead Nigeria.  But Sumaila did not consider calling for the President’s removal from office.

“We are waiting for him to furnish us with the details and content or the way the emergency will be shaped,” Sumaila said.  “But, we will support everything possible to bring an end to this national tragedy.”

Jonathan’s declaration reached out all leaders, political and civilian, who had been working to maintain peace following attacks.  He extended their efforts to his own vow to defeat Boko Haram.

“Terrorism is a war against all of us.  I call on all Nigerians to join hands with government to fight these terrorists,” he said.

For more information, please see:

Guardian — Emergency Rule in Four States Divides Citizens — 02 January 2012

Nigerian Tribune — Emergency Rule: Jonathan Receives Knocks, Kudos — 02 January 2012

BBC — Boko Haram Attacks Prompt Nigeria State of Emergency — 01 January 2012

Nigerian Tribune — Boko Haram: Jonathan Declares State of Emergency in 15 LGAs; Closes State Borders — 01 January 2012

Times of Nigeria — Jonathan Declares State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe, Plateau, and Niger — 31 December 2011

New York Times — Nigerian Group Escalates Violence with Church Attacks — 25 December 2011

Yemeni Protesters Demand Trial of Saleh

By Tyler Yates
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

SANA’A, Yemen — Protesters demonstrating outside of the Yemeni capital of Sana’a are demanding that outgoing president Ali Abdullah Saleh, as well as many of his compatriots, face trial for the killings of hundreds of protesters in what has so far been a 10-month uprising.

Yemeni protesters with a sign that reads "You will stand trial!" (Photo courtesy of al-Jazeera).

Similar protests are being held across Yemen in at least 18 other cities. Saleh supporters held a counter-rally near the presidential palace on Monday.

Saleh still holds the position of president, but he transferred his powers to his vice-President last month.  In turn for stepping down, Saleh signed a deal granting him immunity from prosecution once polls are held in February.

Yemeni protesters have objected to this deal, which was brokered by Gulf Arab nations with the support of the United States.  They feel that the deal does not allow for any true broad political changes, or provide any retribution against the crimes committed by Saleh and his loyalists.

“Our message to Ali Abdullah Saleh is there’s no guarantee or immunity for him,” said activist Mohammad Asal.

The government has issued a statement to the Yemeni people asking them to be patient as there will be some turnover time before the people’s demands can be considered by the newly appointed cabinet members.

Part of the deal with Saleh divides up ministerial positions in the government equally between members of Saleh’s government and the opposition.  The presence of any members of the old government is what has many protesters again taking to the streets.

Some members of the opposition still suspect that Saleh is going to sabotage his political transition.  Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, a defected general, who has quickly become one of Saleh’s arch-rivals, notes the “continued bolstering of military units loyal to Saleh,” and the “refusal” by pro-Saleh troops to withdraw from the streets of Sana’a despite orders from the government as evidence of this.

In a statement published by Yemen’s official news agency, Saleh said he would “not allow the collapse of state institutions,” in response to the increased number of protests aimed at unseating his loyalists.

Saleh currently is attempting to travel to the United States for medical treatment on wounds suffered during an assassination attempt in June.  This comes after a request to visit the United States to discuss the upcoming Yemeni election was denied

The United States is evaluating Saleh’s request for a visa.  Washington is trying to ensure that Saleh is just coming to the country for medical aid and has no plans to stay.

Hundreds of people have been killed in Yemen since February.

For more information, please see:

Courier Mail — Yemen leader “plans to keep power” — 03 Jan. 2012

USA Today — Yemenis rally, demand president face trial — 01 Jan. 2012

Al Jazeera — Yemeni protesters demand trial of president — 31 Dec. 2011

AFP — Yemenis rally for Saleh trial despite shootings — 25 Dec. 2011

 

Sexual Assault and Abuse Increase Nearly 60 Percent at Nation’s Leading Military Academies

by Ryan T. Elliott
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America/Oceania

ANNAPOLIS, United States — Sexual assault is one of the most abhorrent violations to human rights, and according to a report released earlier this week by the Pentagon, the number of reported sexual assaults at the nation’s leading military academies rose nearly 60 percent from the previous year.

Pentagon Report Indicates Sharp Increase in Sexual Assaults at Military Academies

The report entitled “Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies” was produced by the Defense Department as part of the 2007 John Warner National Defense Authorization Act. According to CNN, site visits were conducted at the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. The site visits looked at policies, training and procedures, and focus groups were held with cadets and midshipmen.

The major finding of the report conducted by the Department of Defense was that there were 65 reports of sexual assault involving cadets and midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. This number of reported sexual assaults is a marked increase from 41 reports in the previous year. The Air Force Academy saw the largest jump in reports of sexual assault with 33 reports in the latest academic year;  an increase from 20 in the previous year. The Naval Academy had 22 reported incidents, compared to 11 the prior year. West Point reported the same number in both years, 10 in each year.

According to the Washington Post, the Pentagon was unable to pinpoint any exact cause for the increase in sexual assaults at the academies. One possible explanation, however, may be the Defense Department’s encouragement for victims to report sexual assault and abuses. While West Point did not return the Washington Post’s call seeking comment, other academy officials told the Washington Post that they believe the increase in reporting indicates a positive step in making cadets and midshipmen feel more comfortable about reporting incidents.

The Service Women’s Action Network, a national human rights organization founded by women veterans, was slightly more critical of the increase in sexual abuse reports among the nation’s leading military academies. Greg Jacob, a policy director at the Service Women’s Action Network, informed the Washington Post that this report underscored the noncompliance on the part of the academies with Pentagon’s policy. In a statement to the Washington Post, Jacob noted that “[e]nding the widespread issue of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the military starts by ending it at the service academies.”
In response to the increased sexual assaults at military academies, the Pentagon adopted two new policies. The policies aim to support victims, and remove sexual assault and harassment from the military, starting with its academies. The first policy permits victims to request a transfer from their unit after they have filed a report alleging sexual harassment or assault. Further, the Pentagon said that service members must receive a response from the unit commander within three days. In the event a victims request for a transfer is denied, then the victim is entitled to review of the request’s denial within three days.

The other policy mandates that the academies hold sexual assault records for 50 years in unrestricted cases, and five years in restricted cases. According to the Washington Post, the Defense Department said this new holding period for records will “ensure victims have extended access to documents related to the sexual assault.” In short, it will provide victims with access to documents related to sexual assault for a longer period of time.

For more information, please see:

Department of Defense–Department of Defense Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies Academic Program Year 2010-2011 — 27 December 2011

Defense Department–DOD Releases Sexual Assault Report, Announces New Policies–27 December 2011

The Washington Post — Pentagon: Reported Sexual Assaults Rise at 3 Main Military Academies in Latest Academic Year–27 December 2011

Businessweek —Pentagon Says Sexual Assault Reports Rose 58% at Service Schools –27 December 2011

CNN–Sexual Assaults Reported on Rise at U.S. Military Academies–27 December 2011

ABC Radio Online —Sexual Assault Reports Rise at Military Academies –27 December 2011

Time–Sexual-Harassment Reports at Military Academies Jump 59%–27 December 2011

 

 

Eight-Year-Old Sparks Rally Against Religious Extremism

By Carolyn Abdenour
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

BEIT SHEMESH, Israel – After ultra-Orthodox extremists harassed eight-year-old Naama Margolese, rallies erupted against ultra-Orthodox Jewish extremism.  On her way to school, these extremists spat on Naama and called a prostitute for her immodest school uniform of long-sleeved shirts and a long skirt.

Naama and her mother in their home in Beit Shemesh. (Photo Courtesy of The Sydney Morning Herald)

Beit Shemesh borders an ultra-Orthodox area and a modern Orthodox Jewish community with many American immigrants, including Naama’s parents.  Tensions have increased over the years between secular Jews and ultra-Orthodox Jews who want a strict interpretation of religious law.  Naama’s religious school moved to this location in September, and the ultra-Orthodox view the school as a territorial infringement.

Almost daily for months, dozens of ultra-Orthodox men physically confront and verbally harass the 400 school girls asserting the girls’ presence is a provocation.

Naama said, “When I walk to school in the morning I used to get a tummy ache because I was so scared…that they were going to stand and start yelling and spitting…They were scary.  They don’t want us to go to school.”

Israel became enraged when they saw Naama crying on her walk to school during a local news report.  The Israeli leadership issued statement of outrage, nearly 10,000 people joined a Facebook page to protect Naama, and thousands of Israelis demonstrated on Tuesday in her honor.

President Shimon Peres supported the rally.  He stated, “The entire nation must be recruited in order to save the majority from the hands of a small minority.”

Protestor Kinneret Havern added the rally combats “all the extremist elements that are rearing their heads and are trying to impose their worldview on us”.  People held signs staying “Stop Israel from becoming Iran” and “Free Israel from religious coercion”.

As journalists came to Beit Shemesh to report on Naama, extremists jeered and threw eggs at them.  Furthermore, “modesty patrols” required chaste appearance of female by throwing stones at outsiders and violators and calling women whores.  The ultra-Orthodox population has also posted signs for sidewalk segregation of sexes and for a woman’s dress code of closed-necked, long-sleeved blouses and long skirts.

300 ultra-Orthodox men and boys threw eggs and stones at police for requiring the sidewalk segregation sign removed on Monday.  Officers detained several people and one officer sustained injuries.  Although the ultra-Orthodox activists stated they condemned the violence, they claimed the media initiated the violence to make the obedient residents look bad.

On Thursday, Naama returned to school welcomed by Education Minister Gideon Saar and members of the Knesset’s Committee on the Status of Women.  Mr. Saar said Israel will not “back down in the face of bullying and threats.”

For further information, please see:

Haaretz – Israeli 8-Year-Old Returns To School For First Time Since Accosted By Haredi Men – 29 Dec 2011

The Sydney Morning Herald – Fury At Ultra-Orthodox Jews After Girl Abused – 29 Dec 2011

BBC – Israelis Rally Against Ultra-Orthodox Extremism – 27 Dec 2011

USA Today – Israeli Girl’s Plight Highlights Jewish Extremism – 27 Dec 2011

Moscow Protests For Jailed Opposition Leader Pass Peacefully

By Terance Walsh
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

MOSCOW, Russia —  Protests over the jailing of Russian activist Sergei Udaltsov took place in Moscow today.  The protests were not sanctioned but were smaller than expected and passed without incident, perhaps signaling a cooling of political unrest following teeming protests in Russia last month.  About two hundred Russians participated in the protests although two thousand indicated their intention to attend on social media outlets.

A demonstrator raises a picture of Sergei Udaltsov, a jailed opposition leader in Russia. (Photo courtesy of The Guardian)

The jailed activist, Udaltsov, is the leader of the socialist party Left Front.  He has been arrested over a dozen times but has failed to attract any attention outside a small core of supporters.  Udaltsov was arrested on December 5th upon allegations of jaywalking and has been in prison ever since.  Twice during his stay in prison Udaltsov has been admitted to the hospital for health problems caused by his hunger strike.

City officials in Moscow had denied the protestors a permit to gather, but Udaltsov’s wife, Anastasia Udaltsov, encouraged people to show up in Moscow’s Pushkin Square for the rally anyway.

There was a worry that the demonstrations would turn violent.  A source in the Moscow police department said if the protestors did not comply with prescribed meeting formats the police would intervene.  “Any attempts to abuse the format of the meeting will be viewed as violations, which the Moscow police must stop in strict compliance with the law,” he said.

Leaders of the gathering told protestors not to bring placards, chant slogans, or confront the police.  Instead participants brought photographs of Udalstov or simply stood silently on the steps of the monument.  A few people chanted simple phrases like “freedom for political prisoners” or used mega-phones to demand Udaltsov’s release.  Protestors were relieved when the demonstration went off without a single recorded arrest.

The Udalstov protests are the latest in a series of the largest protests Russia has seen since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.  The underlying thrust of the protests has been the perceived election fraud that occurred in the December 5th parliamentary elections.

Authorities’ response to the Udaltsov protests were soft, likely as a result of the lessons they learned after early protests resulted in violence and greater turnout.  The protests on December 5th were broken up and opposition leaders were jailed.  A few days later the crowd swelled to about 40,000 in Bolotnaya Square.  On December 24th the protests surged further to a crowd of 80,000 people.

Prime minister Vladimir Putin denied the protestors’ demands for a re-run of the parliamentary elections, but did take a conciliatory turn and said he would be willing to sit down with opposition.  His offer, however, was without substance as he followed his offer to meet with opposition by remarking that there was no opposition.  “Is there a common platform? No. Who is there to talk to?” he said.

Assistant to a law maker who was behind the demonstration Alexei Sakhnin, 30, said the protests were a statement to authorities that the political unrest was not yet ready to subside.

“The regime wants to clear the movement and divide it up the middle between radicals and moderates — these are their definitions of course — to show that there are people who will never be included at the negotiating table,” said Mr. Sakhnin, who carried his 4½-year-old son to the rally on his shoulders.  “That would of course be the death of the movement.”

Anti-corruption protestor Aleksei Navalny said that if violence broke out and riots took place in the street then it would be the judge that presided over Udaltsov’s case who would be to blame.  Udaltsov also received support from television host Tina Kandelaki, who is known to have connections with the Kremlin.  She wrote an open letter on Thursday calling for his release.

Udaltsov, in a speech delivered from his hospital bed that was projected onto large screens, channeled the Occupy Wall Street Movement.  He dubbed the protestors the “99 percent” who were being ruled and oppressed by the corrupt “1 percent” of bureaucrats and oligarchs.  He remains in the hospital due to health concerns following his hunger strike.

For more information please see:

CBC News — Moscow Anti-government Protests Avoid Crackdown — 29 December 2011

The Guardian — Protests for Jailed Activist Passes Off Peacefully — 29 December 2011

NY Times — Russians Rally for Sergei Udaltsov — 29 December 2011

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty — Opposition Activist Rally in Central Moscow — 29 December 2011

Washington Post — Several Hundred Demonstrators in Moscow Demand Release of Opposition Activist — 29 December 2011

Kyiv Post — Police to Stop Opposition Action in Moscow — 28 December 2011