Syria Calls for Arab League Meeting to Discuss Political Solution to Unrest

By Tyler Yates
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria is calling for an emergency meeting of the Arab League’s heads of state to discuss the continuing unrest throughout the country.  The request comes a day after the regional organization threatened to suspend its membership if Syria did not stop its deadly crackdown on anti-government protests.

Syrian protesters continue to rally despite the harsh government crackdown (Photo courtesy of the United Nations News Centre).

The Arab League gave Syria three days to end its crackdown or face sanctions.  The action, which is the Arab League’s strongest against Syria since the violence began in mid-March, does not amount to a full suspension of Syria’s membership from the organization.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) recently classified the systematic nature of abuses by Syrian government forces as an indication of crimes against humanity.  It urged the United Nations Security Council to impose an arms embargo and sanctions, as well as referring Syria to the International Criminal Court.

The report released by HRW focused on abuses in the Syrian city of Homs and its surrounding areas. Homs has become the focal point for insurgencies against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and in the period between mid-April to August security forces killed approximately 587 civilians.  Since 2 November at least another 104 people have been killed.

“Homs is a microcosm of the Syrian government’s brutality,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, the Middle East director at HRW.

Security forces have conducted large-scale military operations in the area surrounding Homs.  These operations involve the usage of heavy machine guns and anti-aircraft guns to fire into neighborhoods with the intention of frightening people.  The security forces have also cut off communications, and restricted the movements of people, food, and medicine by establishing checkpoints.

Throughout Syria, people have been subjected to arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and systematic torture in detention.  Most are released after several weeks in detention, but many are still missing.  The detainees are mainly composed of young men in their 20s and 30s, but witnesses report that people in their 60s and 70s have also been detained.

Allegations of torture of detainees are rampant throughout Syria.  Former detainees report the use of heated metal rods to burn various parts of their body, the use of electric shocks, the use of stress positions for hours or even days, and the use of improvised devices such as car tires to force detainees into positions that make it easier to torture specific sensitive body parts.

There are a large number of reported deaths occurring in custody.  HRW was able to confirm around 17 such deaths independently, and in many of the cases it reviewed video or photos of the bodies that revealed signs of torture.

The Syrian government has repeatedly argued that armed terrorist gangs funded from outside countries are carrying out the violence.

The United Nations human rights office reports that the death toll in Syria has surpassed 3,500.

For more information, please see:

Al Jazeera — Syria calls for Arab League meeting — 14 Nov. 2011

CNN — Report says Syrian crackdown amounts to crimes against humanity — 11 Nov. 2011

Human Rights Watch — Syria: Crimes Against Humanity in Homs — 11 Nov. 2011

United Nations — Death toll passes 3,500 as Syrian crackdown continues, says UN human rights office — 08 Nov. 2011

Wilson Ramos’ Abduction Highlights a Pressing Problem in Venezuela

By Paula Buzzi
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

VALENCIA, Venezuela — Five alleged abductors, including a Colombian linked to paramilitary and kidnapping groups, were arrested on Friday in connection to the kidnapping of Washington Nationals’ catcher Wilson Ramos. Ramos, 24, was abducted at gunpoint outside his home on Wednesday night and held for ransom by his abductors until police managed to save him in a violent rescue mission on Friday.

Wilson Ramos abducted in Venezuela. (Photo Courtesy of AP).

Ramos, a Venezuela native, had returned to his homeland to play during the offseason in a Venezuelan league. He was with relatives outside his house, located in a working-class neighborhood in Valencia, when he was thrown into an SUV by the abductors and taken into the mountains. For two days, he was put in a room with a bed and was told that he was going to be ransomed out for “a ton of cash.”

Venezuelan police were able to track down and rescue Ramos on Friday after locating the stolen SUV which was used for the kidnapping. They exchanged heavy gun fire with the kidnappers outside the home where he was being held. President Huge Chavez authorized the aerial search mission.

Ramos, who was unharmed, has been reunited with his family. His mother, Maria Campos de Ramos, thanked God, her country, her neighbors, and her family for all the support on national television.

According to Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami, authorities have arrested five of the captors. They are still searching for four Colombian men who escaped during the rescue.

Ramos’ kidnapping is the first known kidnapping of a Major League Baseball player in Venezuela. His kidnapping ordeal ended happily for him and his family with a successful rescue, but it is not a common ending for many of Venezuela’s hostages who typically die when a large ransom is not paid.

Kidnappings in Venezuela have soared in the recent years and have become a huge problem for the Chavez administration. Government statistics reveal that 859 kidnappings were reported last year; a number 20 times higher since Chavez first came to power 13 years ago.

One of Ramos’ representatives announced on twitter today that, despite the kidnapping ordeal, Ramos still intents to play for the Venezuelan Winter League on Wednesday, November 16.

 

For further information, please see:

NPR – In Venezuela, An Abduction Highlights A Scourge – 13 November 2011

The Boston Globe – Ramos Thankful After Kidnapping Ordeal – 13 November 2011

Yahoo Sports – Kidnapping Ordeal Over, Wilson Ramos Intends to Play in Venezuela – 13 November 2011

Fox News – Venezuelan Police Free Major Leaguer Wilson Ramos – 11 November 2011

 

Serb Sentenced to 18 Years Imprisonment for Crimes During the Balkan War

By Alexandra Halsey-Storch
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina – On Thursday November 10, Bosnia’s War Crimes Court sentenced Bosnian Serb Sasa Baricanin to 18 years imprisonment for the murder of a family, rape and enslavement during the 1990s Balkan War.

Sasa Baricanin was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for rape, murder and enslavement. (Photo Curtesy of BH News)

Baricanin was an accomplice to Beselin Vlahovic’s atrocities. Together, the two broke into a family apartment in the Serb-controlled Grbavica district in July 1992. They removed a husband, wife and son from their apartment, bringing them out, behind their home where the two shot the family, mercilessly, until dead.

According to the verdict, another female was left in the apartment at the time of the invasion that ended in the three innocent deaths. Thereafter, Baricanin “kept her enslaved, raped her for several days and brought another person to rape her.”

Enida Hadziomerovic, chairwoman of the court counsel stated in the verdict that, “Defendant Sasa Baricanin committed war crimes against the civilian non-Serb population in the city of Sarajevo,”

On the outcome of the case, Margot Wallstrom, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict said that “this case is yet another testament to the resilience of Bosnian women who have joined forces in their quest for justice, both within and beyond the courtroom.” Wallstrom went on to say that, “the verdict sent a strong signal that justice must ultimately prevail for victims of sexual violence.”

Despite the truly justice-achieving verdict, this case is only one instance of tens of thousands of rapes that occurred during the War. It is estimated that about 50,000 rapes occurred during the war years yet there have been only 30 convictions for this heinous crime, to date.  “While it is a positive step that the War Crimes Court in Sarajevo has reached this verdict, the pace of justice for sexual violence survivors has been painfully slow.”

Baricanin was a member of the Bosnian Serb Kosevo Battalion which occupied Sarajevo neighborhoods of Grbavica and Vraca—two towns located in Sarajevo. During his time in the battalion, he worked with Veselin Vlahovic, also known as Batko.

Batko is currently on trial for some of the most brutal treatment of civilians in Sarajevo in 1992 and 1993.

In related news, on Thursday, Ratko Mladic, the Bosnian Serb ex- army chief told the former Yugoslav war crimes court, via a signed letter, that he was too ill to attend a scheduled court hearing. The letter stated that he was unable to attend “due to illness” and that he waived his “right to be present”  and gave his “consent for the proceedings to continue” without him.

According to Mladic’s attorney, Branko Lukic, his client’s health was, indeed, “very serious” and that he had to utilize a wheelchair to move about.

The Tribunal Judge Alphons Orie said in response to Mladic’s letter that, “because of the medical issues brought to chamber’s attention during the last few days, it is considering ordering a medical report addressing the medical picture of the accused’s health.”

Mladic is accused of “masterminding the murder of more than 7,000 Muslim men and boys at Screbrenica in July 1995.” Should all go according to plan, his trial will begin sometime in 2012.

AFP – Mladic Says Too Ill to Attend War Crimes Court Hearing – 10 November 2011

The Washington Post – War Crimes Court Send Bosnian Serb to Jail for 18 Years for Murder and Rape – 10 November 2011

Reuters – Serb Given 18 Years For Murder and Rape in Bosnian War – 9 November 2011

United Nations – UN Envoy Welcomes Conviction for Rape and Murder During Bosnian Conflict – 9 November 2011

 

 

Security Forces Violently Disperse Anti-Government Protests in Bahrain

By Carolyn Abdenour
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

MANAMA, Bahrain – On Monday, 8 November, security forces shot rubber bullets and fired tear gas at hundreds of anti-government protesters at Pearl Square in Manama, the nation’s capital.  The protesters advocated for equal rights for the Sunni and Shiite populations.  Although a majority of the population is Shia, the government is Sunni-led.  No protesters sustained injuries during the police action.  On Tuesday, Bahraini pilgrims demonstrated in Mecca to demand the fall of the Al Khalifa regime in support of Monday’s protests.

Bahrainis participating in an anti-government protest. (Photo Courtesy of Voice of Russia)

Also on Monday, Sheikh Eissa Qasim, Bahrain’s top religious leader, asked Bahrainis to maintain their peaceful revolution after he identified the ruling monarchy’s treatment of anti-government demonstrations as a brutal crackdown.  He criticized the government for their alleged torture of detained female protesters.

The Arab Spring inspired the anti-government protests in Bahrain.  Since the protests began in mid-February, thousands of people protested.  Over thirty people have died and several more have sustained injuries.  The government detained and tried hundreds of protesters for anti-state crimes.

On Sunday, people gathered after a massive funeral procession for Ali al-Daihee, the father of the vice president of al-Wefaq – Bahrain’s leading opposition group.  Opposition groups assert al-Daihee died after the police beat the 70-year-old man during a protest in the village of Daih on Wednesday.  However, the authorities state he died of natural causes.  Activists claim al-Daihee is the 45th person the authorities have killed during an uprising against the monarchy.  During the funeral procession in Diah, Saudi-backed Bahraini regime forces attacked the mourners.

The government also released Zulfiqur Naji, a teenage Iraqi soccer player, after seven months of detention on Sunday.  The government detained him under the suspicion of participating in anti-government protests.  Countries such as Iraq and Canada called for Naji’s release.  Naji was one of over 300 prisoners freed after King Hamad bin Isa Al Kahalifa granted a prisoner pardon in honor of Eid al-Adha.

Qasim previously warned the people’s determination to fight for the rights will strengthen after the government harshly cracked down on anti-government protesters.  He added that the government’s refusal to implement demanded changes failed to quiet Bahrainis.

In June, Qasim stated, “We have offered so many sacrifices and cannot back down and end up empty handed. The reactions of the security forces result in damaging the country, but the people are patient and peaceful.”

For more information, please see:

The Australian – Forces Fire on Bahraini Shia Marches – 8 November 2011

Bikya Masr – Bahrain Top Sheikh Condemns Government Violence – 8 November 2011

Press TV – Bahraini Pilgrims Hold Anti-Regime Demo – 8 November 2011

The Voice of Russia – Bahrain’s Police Breaks Up Anti-Governmental Rally – 6 November 2011


 

Youth Leader of South Africa’s Ruling Party Ousted; Appeal Imminent

By Zach Waksman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – After months of disciplinary hearings regarding his speech, Julius Malema, president of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League, part of South Africa’s ruling party, was suspended from participation in party activities for five years on Thursday.  He was also ordered to step down immediately.  He intends to appeal, during which time he would remain in his position.  If his suspension is not reduced, he will be able to return when he is 35, making him too old to lead the Youth League.

Controversial ANC Youth League President Julius Malema was suspended from continued participation in party activities on Thursday, due to a series of incendiary remarks he has made over the past several years. (Photo courtesy of Reuters)

“Ill-discipline is not a cure for frustration,” said Derek Hanekom, who led the disciplinary hearing, in explaining the verdict.  “Such disobedience undermined the effectiveness of the ANC.”

A charismatic populist, the 30-year-old Malema had been president of the group since his election in 2008 and had become a controversial figure in South Africa.  He has made numerous statements that divided the country.  In 2008, he promised to “kill for Zuma,” referring to President Jacob Zuma, who became party leader the year before with help from Malema.  Malema has since become a prominent critic of Zuma.  His suspension stems from comments that urged the overthrow of the government of Botswana, which the ANC has ruled to be conduct that functioned as “sowing discord and bringing the party into disrepute.”

The deposed youth leader was in Polokwane sitting for an exam while the punishment was announced in Johannesburg, but he issued a statement in response to the decision.

“Let the enemy enjoy, but that victory will not last.  We will be liberated by Mangaung 2012,” said Malema, in reference to ANC’s elective and policy making conference to be held next year.  “Real leaders of the ANC must now stand up in defense of the ANC.  What I like about these people who have suspended us is that they are brave, they are not scared.  We must also fight for what we believe in. We must never apologize. The gloves are off.”

According to secretary general Sindiso Maqaga, Youth League has already formally registered its objections to the rulings.  Its primary ground for appeal is that it was not able to present mitigating circumstances prior to the suspensions’ announcement.  This right is normally granted to any person who face charges in any forum.  He has 14 days to file.

Reaction within the country has been mostly positive.  African Christian Democratic Party leader Kenneth Meshoe considered the suspension a strong message to younger members.  The Azanian People’s Organisation Youth (Azapoy) also welcomed the decision.

“We view this as the best thing to have happened to South African politics of young people because the pair have been the worst thing to have ever graced the world of youth activism,” leader Amukelani Ngobeni said, in reference to Malema and Youth League spokesperson Floyd Shivambu, who received a three-year suspension.  “Their dirty politicking has made young people lose confidence in young politicians and, as young activists ourselves, we were painted with the same brush.”

BBC analyst Milton Nkosi, who has been covering the story from Johannesburg, viewed Malema’s removal as a “victory” for Zuma, who will be seeking a second term as ANC leader next year, the party’s hundredth year of existence.  It removes a man who was viewed by some to be a potential opponent for him.  According to Nkosi, Malema once told him that if he were to be kicked out of the ANC, his “blood will remain black, green and gold,” in reference to the party’s colors.

What happens from here remains to be seen.  We will find out over the next five years.

For more information, please see:

BBC — ANC’s Suspension of Julius Malema ‘Victory for Zuma’ — 10 November 2011

BBC — South Africa’s ANC Suspends Youth Leader Julius Malema — 10 November 2011

Cape Argus — Malema Axed — 10 November 2011

Mail & Guardian — ANC Youth League Ready to Appeal Malema Ruling — 10 November 2011

New York Times — Youth Leader is Disciplined in South Africa — 10 November 2011

The Times (Johannesburg) — Malema Says Gloves Off, Will Fight Suspension — 10 November 2011