Justice for Sergei Magnitsky: UK Magnitsky Asset Freezing Legislation Passed the Second Reading in the House of Lords

March 21, 2017

UK Magnitsky Asset Freezing Legislation Passed the Second Reading in the House of Lords

16 March 2017 – The UK House of Lords approved in its second reading the Magnitsky asset freezing legislation, which will allow the British government to freeze the assets of human rights abusers. The bill is now slated for a line-by-line examination in the House of Lords on 28 March 2017.

“I welcome the fact that we have taken action, sending a clear statement that we will not allow human rights abusers to launder their criminal assets through the UK,” said Baroness Williams of Trafford, Minister of State at the Home Office, introducing the proposed Magnitsky legislation.

Under this new legislation, assets of those involved in gross human rights violations abroad will be subject to civil recovery by the British government. The initiative was inspired by the case of Sergei Magnitsky:

“We have amended the Bill … to allow for the civil recovery of any proceeds of gross human rights abuse overseas. This amendment was prompted by the horrific treatment of Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian tax lawyer. …Magnitsky’s treatment was truly shocking, and it is only one example of the many atrocious human rights violations committed globally every year,” said Baroness Williams of Trafford.

Baroness Stern said:

“The victims of grand corruption are too many to count… The Magnitsky amendment represents a huge step forward and I was very glad to hear the Minister talk about human rights abuses around the world in this connection. Some argue that grand corruption should be classified as a human rights abuse; I find that argument convincing.”

Lord Rooker said:

“I salute Mr Browder for his dedication and perseverance in trying to bring those guilty of the murder of his lawyer to justice… Chasing them legally around the world, and now in this Bill, is a must.”

Baroness Hamwee said:

“Corruption and the infringement of human rights go hand in hand. I welcome the Magnitsky amendment.”

In closing the debate, Baroness Williams of Trafford talked about the government ensuring that “the Magnitsky power will be used” in cases where there is evidence “to satisfy a court on the balance of probabilities that property in the UK is the proceeds of gross human rights abuses or violations overseas.”

The events of the Magnitsky case are described in the international best-seller “Red Notice” by William Browder and in a series of Magnitsky justice campaign videos on Youtubechannel “Russian Untouchables.”

For more information, please contact:

Justice for Sergei Magnitsky

+44 207 440 1777

e-mail: info@lawandorderinrussia.org

www.lawandorderinrussia.org

billbrowder.com

twitter.com/Billbrowder

Mapuches Protest Police Brutality

March 21, 2017

By Cintia Garcia

Impunity Watch Reporter, South America

Santiago, Chile—The largest indigenous community in Chile, the Mapuche, took to the streets to protest the brutal use of force by the police. The protest comes after the national prosecutors dropped the charges against police sergeant Cristian Rivera who shot a Mapuche teenager.

Mapuche people are more likely to be killed by the police than non-Mapuche people.

The protest was organized by the parents of Brandon Hernandez, the seventeen-year-old Mapuche that was shot by Cristian Rivera. Brandon Hernandez was shot during an anti-government demonstration and was left in critical condition. Sergeant Rivera was initially arrested and earlier this week it was determined that the incident was an accident. Protestors want “the government to stop the injustices, to stop the criminalization of our youth and to stop killing our kids…We want the government to admit their mistakes and correct them.” Furthermore, according to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, Chile’s Mapuche, are more likely to be killed by police than non-Mapuche people. Both organizations have recommended the authorities to investigate the use of force against the Mapuche.

The Mapuche, who make up ten percent of the population in Chile have been involved in a long ongoing land conflict. The Mapuche have been protesting the encroachment of multinational companies overtaking their lands in the Temuco region. Temuco is an important historical and cultural center for the community. The Mapuche claim that “the capitalist invaders” do not respect their territory and autonomy.

Last week the Mapuche Arauco-Malleco Coordination (CAM), lead an arson attack against the Trans-Cavalieri transport company. The CAM burned nineteen trucks, nine flatbeds, and a warehouse on the route to Temuco. The attack led to a three-million-dollar loss. The CAM stated that, “With this larger action, we pointed out to our oppressed people that there is the will and capacity of the Mapuche to deal decisively with the expressions of the capitalist system and the oppressive colonialist state.”

For more information, please see:

Telesur—Chile’s Indigenous Mapuche Protest Deadly Police Brutality—18 March 2017.

Telesur—Chile’s Indigenous Mapuche Burn Capitalist Invader Trucks—15 March 2017.

El Mostrador—Amnistía Internacional da Cuenta del uso Excesivo de la Fuerza Policial y de Detenciones Arbitrarias a Mapuches—22 February 2017.

United States Revised Travel Ban Challenged in Federal Court

March 20, 2017

By Sarah Lafen
Impunity Watch Desk Reporter, North America

WASHINGTON D.C., United States — On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang heard two hours of arguments challenging and supporting President Trump’s revised executive order banning travel from six Muslim-majority countries. The revised order will suspend the U.S. refugee program for 120 days, prohibit the issuance of visas to those from Yemen, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia and Iran for 90 days, and decrease the number of refugees allowed to enter the U.S. in 2017 from 110,00 to 50,000.

Attorneys for the ACLU, National Immigration Law Center and members of the International Refugee Assistance Project speak outside of the U.S. District Court in Maryland court on Wednesday (Photo Courtesy of The Guardian)

Refugee rights organizations brought suit in federal court in Maryland claiming that the revised travel ban illegally targets a religious group. Among others, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) asked Chuang to halt the order entirely, and argued that it represents a “pretext to discriminate against Muslims.” Justin Cox, lawyer for the National Immigration Law Center, told Chuang that those affected feel the order targets Islam and condemns their religion.

The U.S. government responded to the claims made by refugee groups by saying that all references to religion have been eliminated from the revised order. The government encouraged Chuang to focus on the exact wording of the order, and urged that the words indicate the ban is aimed at preventing terrorism.

The government also argues that people from the countries targeted by the travel ban “warrant additional scrutiny in connection with [the] immigration policies because the conditions in these countries present heightened threats.” However, analysts at the Department of Homeland Security have indicated that citizenship is an “unlikely indicator” of ties to terrorism.

The hearing concluded without a ruling. Chuang told court attendees that he “appreciated[d] everyone’s advocacy” and will issue a ruling as soon as possible. According to ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt, Chuang pressed both the advocacy groups and the government about their respective claims. Chuang asked the government why he should not consider all of President Trump’s comments regarding Muslim immigration, and asked the refugee rights groups whether President Trump is forbidden from limiting immigration from anywhere in the world just because of comments he made during his campaign. Gelernt also said that Chuang asked whether a nationwide ban or a limited halt would be the appropriate remedy.

Hawaii’s challenge to the revised executive order will soon be heard in federal court, and Washington is also requesting a hearing in federal court to challenge the ban.

For more information, please see:

The Guardian — Hawaii Judge to Issue Ruling on Revised Trump Travel Ban Before it Takes Effect — 15 March 2017

Independent — Donald Trump’s Revised ‘Muslim Travel Ban’ Under Scrutiny by US Federal Courts Day Before Introduction — 15 March 2017

USA Today — Clock Ticks as Trump’s Revised Travel Ban Faces Multiple Court Challenges — 15 March 2017

The Washington Post — Federal Judge in Hawaii Freezes President Trump’s New Executive Order — 15 March 2017

Humam Quader Chowdhury Released After 7 Months in Secretive Detention

March 20, 2017

By: Nicole Hoerold
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Humam Quader Chowdhury was released on March 2, 2017 near his family home in Dhaka. Chowdhury was taken by unmarked men on August 4, 2016 and allegedly held in secret detention by Bangladeshi authorities. Chowdhury is one of two other men who were taken in separate incidents last August, though the others have yet to be released.

Bangladesh security officers stand in front of the central jail in Dhaka in 2013. Photo courtesy of Reuters.

All three men are sons of prominent opposition politicians, who were tried and convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal meant to prosecute war crimes as a result of Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence. The men have been denied access to lawyers and communications with their families.

In early March, the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances called on the Bangladesh government to reveal the whereabouts of the men. Though Chowdhury’s release is a step in the right direction, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have both voiced concerns regarding the welfare of those remaining in captivity and urge the government to either charge or release the detainees. The government denies any responsibility, though family members of the victims cite several sources confirming a connection between the takings and Bangladeshi security forces.

Humam Quader Chowdhury cannot remember where he was held, family members have reported. Human rights organizations warn of the government’s practices, as these are not the first allegations of government sponsored disappearances. The international community is keeping an eye on the status of the other two detainees.

For more information, please see:

Human Rights Watch – Bangladesh: Man Released From Long Secret Detention – 2 March, 2017

Amnesty International – Bangladesh: Man Released From Long Secret Detention – 2 March 2017

Dhaka Tribune – Hummam Quader cannot remember anything about abduction – 3 March, 2017

Aljazeera – UN demands Dhaka action on enforced disappearances – 24 February, 2017

Center for Victims of Torture: eNews

March 19, 2017

CVT eNews—March Edition

		CVT International Women’s Day Celebration CVT participated in International Women’s Day on March 8, highlighting this article by Jepkemoi Kibet, physiotherapist/trainer, CVT Nairobi, titled “Helping Women Reconnect to Their Bodies After Torture.” In her post, Jepkemoi comments on the challenges and rewards of her work helping women who have faced sexual violence reconnect to their bodies. She notes, “We must celebrate women’s achievements, especially for those who have gone through the most difficult journeys and overcome the biggest barriers to be where they are in the society.”

		Powerful Star Tribune Article About CVT’s Work “Human beings are amazing. They are so resilient. I am often left speechless by that,” commented Dr. Jean Choe, psychologist and lead clinician for groups, St. Paul Healing Center, in this profile article about CVT, published in the Star Tribune. Photograph by Anthony Souffle

		Every Person on CVT’s Team Contributes to Healing “When I hear the stories of people who have difficulty and find help at CVT, my work is very rewarding,” said Aregawi Kahsay, administration/HR officer, CVT Ethiopia, in this blog post titled “Working as Part of a Team to Help Survivors of Torture.” In his article, Aregawi describes the challenges and rewards of working in an administrative role with the community in the refugee camps.

		Special Care for the Youngest Survivors “Children don’t always understand that help is available for the things they are experiencing, so I work with them individually,” notes Dawit Ermias, psychosocial counselor, CVT Ethiopia, in this blog post titled “Children Survivors – Encouraging Healing in the Very Young.” In his article, Dawit writes about the therapeutic approaches that help child refugees heal from their traumatic experiences.

		Successful Campaign by Activists in Tunisia The Tunisian Forum for Youth Empowerment incorporated New Tactics’ strategies into their new campaign “Put Yourself in My Shoes.” Read about the successful implementation of tactics that helped bring about change in accessibility accommodations in this blog post, “New Tactics Helps Tunisian Youth Advocate for Disabled Commuters.”

		The Ever-Changing Political World What will happen next in Washington? Many are asking that question these days. For information about the work of CVT’s Policy team in DC, read this blog post, “Weathering Uncertain Times Using CVT’s Mission as a Guide.”