Government’s Crackdown on Critics Sparks Condemnation

By Ryan Aliman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

 HARARE, Zimbabwe – On Friday, several Zimbabwean rights groups condemned what they suspect is a crackdown against President Robert Mugabe’s critics. In a joint statement, around 58 civic organizations said that human rights activists and journalists, especially those known for criticizing the incumbent administration, have been experiencing a “well-calculated and intensified” harassment through “slander, intimidation, raids, arrests, prosecutions and persecution.” The statement was released a few days after the Chairperson of Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition and Director of Zimrights, Okay Machisa, was arrested.

According to local news, human rights activist and Director for the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (Zimrights), Okay Machisa has long been a target of President Mugabe’s camp. (Photo courtesy of Front Line Defenders)

Machisa was charged with publishing false statements prejudicial to the State, as well as fraud and forgery, after allegedly conducting illegal voter registration. On Monday, he handed himself to the police and has not been released since.

Last month ZimRights Education Programmes Manager Leo Chamahwinya and ZimRights Local Chapter Chairperson Dorcas Shereni, who are known critics of President Mugabe’s party, Zanu-PPF, were likewise arrested for the same charges.

All three were denied bail last week based on two grounds: that the case is a matter of national interest; and that the investigations are so complex that the prosecution needs more time to complete them.

Local media and civil society groups see these series of arrests as an affront to freedom of expression, justice and democracy. They suggest that these are among the administration’s tactics “to intimidate civil society in the run-up to this year’s elections”. According to them, such measures taken by President Mugabe’s camp are meant to keep NGO’s from influencing the masses on the voting process for the upcoming elections.

These alleged attacks on the press and civil society groups come despite President’s Mugabe’s call for free, fair and peaceful elections last year.

“We condemn this calculated assault on activists that is meant to cow civil society organizations that are fighting for democratic reforms before the next election,” NGO Crisis Coalition stated in a recent press release . “We reiterate our position that the political environment in Zimbabwe is not yet conducive for a free and fair election.”

Crisis Coalition also appealed for regional and international pressure on the Zimbabwe government to respect the rule of law. “Such action is important to militate against a possible surge in the harassment and detention of activists especially as we head toward the general election,” urged the organization.

On January 19, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) issued a statement condemning the arrests of Machisa and other human rights activists.  “We condemn recent attacks against human rights defenders in Zimbabwe, including arbitrary arrests, intimidation and harassment. . . We are concerned about the crackdown on non-governmental organisations and dissenting voices seen as critical of President Robert Mugabe’s rule and apparently politically motivated prosecutions,” said Rupert Colville, spokesperson for the OHCHR.

 

For further information, please see:

Stabroek News – Zimbabwe groups condemn crackdown on Mugabe critics – 19 January 2013

UN News Centre – Zimbabwe: UN condemns attacks on human rights defenders ahead of elections – 18 January 2013

Nehanda Radio – Persecution of human rights defenders unacceptable – 17 January 2013

All Africa – Zimbabwe: Activist Detained for 16 Days – 16 January 2013

Expected Confrontation Between Ecuadorian Tribe And Oil Company Delayed

By Brendan Oliver Bergh
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America 

QUITO, Ecuador – On January 15th, the state sponsored Oil Company Petroamazona was set to begin excavating the small island of Sani Isla, a tropical rain forest attached to the nearby Yasuni National Park. However the inhabitants of this bio-diverse forest announced their intentions to fight the oil company to the death. The indigenous Kichwa tribe stated they defend their territory and “stand should to shoulder to prevent anyone from passing.” Human rights activists feared a slaughter as the oil-company has the backing of a private security force and the might of Ecuadorian army. However January 15th, came and went with the Oil Company refraining from landing on the island and beginning their exploration.

Yasuni National Park sits on top of $7.2 billion dollars worth of oil and is the target of oil expansionists. (Photo Courtesy of the Guardian)

The Kichwa Indians one of the last isolated and nomadic tribes left in Ecuador backed up their promise by arming themselves. While only decades ago still using blow guns to fight illegal loggers, they indigenous tribe has since assorted a cache of machetes and machine guns with the intent on using them against anyone they deem to be trespassing illegally on their land. They promised that while they would not initiate the hostilities, they would defend their ancestral home from the oil company’s’ expansion.

Petroamazona claims that they have a legitimate claim on the land. According to the Guardian early offers from the oil company included a new school, increased healthcare and university spots for the villages children. But it seems a vocal minority within the tribe pushed the deal through, with 80% of the 400 villagers resisting the deal. The deal that Petroamazona is relying on was a contract signed by the chief of the village, despite having no authorization to grant the rights. In 2009 the Kichwa community delivered a document to Petroamazonas stating they would never hand over the Sani Isla land for development, a document that would be legitimate under indigenous law. However the Ecuadorian government has claimed that due to changes in the national constitution has rendered it invalid.

Kildar Gualinga, the community’s secretary has stated that “People think its dishonest and the oil company is treating them like dogs. It does not respect the land or the planet. There is no deal, nothing is agreed. The people do not want the oil company. They’re very upset and worried”

While Petroamazonas did not press their confrontation on Tuesday, they are still trying to secure exploration rights to $7.2 billion dollar oil reserves hidden under the rain forest.

For further information, please see:

First Peoples – Kichwa Community’s Fight To The Death On Hold, For Now – 18 January 2013

The Guardian – Ecuadorian Tribe Gets Reprieve From Oil Intrusion – 17 January 2013

Digital Journal – Kichwa Amazon Tribe Fights Big Oil To Keep Rainforest Safe – 16 January 2013

The Guardian – Ecuadorean Tribe Will ‘Die Fighting’ To Defend Rainforest – 13 January 2013

Activist Al-Muhafda Released on Bail in Bahrain

By Justin Dorman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

MANAMA, Bahrain – Sayed Yousif Al- Muhafda, who was being held in detention, has recently been released on bail. He has been arrested for allegedly spreading false news to harm security. Muhafda is a human rights activist who happens to be the head of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights.

Bahraini activist, Sayed Yousif Al-Muhafda was been released on bail and awaits trial on January 29th. (Photo Courtesy of Ahlul Bayt News Agency)

Muhafda was first arrested in November for partaking in an unauthorized protest. Shortly after he was arrested again in December during a protest in Manama where he took pictures of the clashes and posted them on Twitter. The public prosecution claimed that the photographs were old and not from the recent demonstration and stated that tweeting it caused “protests and acts of sabotage that disrupted security and order.”

Unauthorized demonstrations are prohibited in Bahrain. When a protest arises, often individuals are arrested for organizing or partaking in these demonstrations. Such actions are the authorities attempt to bring an end to the unrest. Amnesty International would just prefer that Bahrain met its obligations to promote human rights.

Amnesty International believes that Muhafda actually was arrested for his role as a defender of human rights. They view his detention as unjust and cite to international law, specifically the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders which grants individuals freedom of expression.

Instead of being put in prison, Muhafda was detained in a police station with migrant workers. This action was taken to further isolate Muhafda from other prisoners who may actually speak the same language as him.

Just a day after his release, Muhafda got right back to work, promoting human rights as an anti-government protest in Manama was suppressed by stun grenades, tear gas and pepper spray. Muhafda would not be deterred as he took to Twitter to tweet a picture of a young bleeding girl who was being arrested. This was the same type of action that got Muhafda arrested to begin with.

Muhafda is not the only individual to be punished by Bahraini authorities for promoting human rights. Just a week ago, Bahrain’s highest appellate court upheld the convictions of thirteen pro-democracy protestors who were convicted for “plotting to overthrow the monarchy.” A few weeks before that in December, two protesters were sentenced to death when they could have been sentenced to life imprisonment. Similar sanctions have been upheld against teachers and medics who organized a teacher strike and treated injured protestors, respectively.

Muhafda will be back in court on January 29th, when witnesses will begin to testify. Muhafda said that he could bring the injured man from his initial tweeted photograph into court, however, he believes that “our responsibility as human rights activists is to protect the victims.”

For further information, please see:

Gulf in the Media – Bahraini Court Releases Muhafda on Bail, Sets new Hearing – 19 January 2013

Ahlul Bayt News Agency – Bahraini Activist Released on Bail – 18 January 2013

Al Akhbar – Police Attack Bahrain Protest, Leading Activist Released – 18 January 2013

Jurist – Bahrain Court Releases Human Rights Activist on Bail Pending Trial – 18 January 2013

Comedian gets 2 years in prison for insulting the king of thailand

By Irving Feng
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai comedian, Yossawaris Chuklom, was sentenced to two years in prison by a local judge after making insulting remarks against the Thai Monarchy in a political demonstration speech from 2010.

King Bhumibol Adulyade (Left) and the “red-shirt” group protests (Right). (Photo Courtesy of The Telegraph)

Yossawaris Chuklom, age 54, who uses the stage name Jeng Dokchik, made the insulting remarks during a mass political rally in Bangkok.  He is a key member of the “red-shirt” political movement which supported exiled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted by a military coup in 2006 during a period of extreme political upheaval.  The “red-shirt” group occupied different parts of the Thai capital of Bangkok in March of 2010 to support the exiled Thaksin Shinawatra and demanded the resignation of then Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

During the political unrest staged by the “red-shirt” group where Yossawaris Chuklom made his allegedly insulting remarks against the Thai Monarchy, roughly 90 people, both civilian and government soldiers were killed.  The ordeal lasted about two months.

Yossawaris Chuklom was convicted for his crimes under Thailand’s strict lese majeste laws which punish any person who defames the Thai king, queen, heirs, or regents.  The maximum penalty under these laws is up to 15 years in prison.

Chuklom was originally sentenced to three years in prison; however, the judge reduced the sentence from three years to the current sentence of two after Chuklom gave up useful evidence.  Yossawaris Chuklom also faces separate state terrorism charges for his role in the 2010 “red-shirt” group street protests in Bangkok.

Chuklom’s lawyer, Thamrong Lakdaen, says that his client intends to post bail and appeal the unfair sentence.  Pundits and critics say that Thailand’s lese majeste laws are only in place to suppress freedom of speech and have no legitimate legal purpose.

Yossawaris Chuklom also currently serves as an advisor to Thailand’s deputy minister of commerce.  The deputy minister serves under a government led by exiled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s sister who came into power after elections in 2011.

Chuklom’s ties to Thaksin’s sister and his ties to the “red-shirt” group have all been cited as possible activities that have led to his unfair sentencing and incarceration.  This has been used as further fuel by critics to question the legitimacy of the lese majeste laws.

The Thai Monarchy however is highly revered in the country by a vast amount of the population.  The lese majeste laws are intended to provide Bhumibol Adjulyadej, the 85 year old king and head of the Thai Monarchy, protection.

For further information, please see:

BBC – Thai comedian and ‘red-shirt’ leader jailed for royal insult – 17 January 2013

The Telegraph – Thai comedian sentenced for insulting monarchy – 17 January 2013

The Star – Comedian gets 2 years’ jail for insulting Thai royals – 17 January 2013

The Southern Illinoisan – Thai Red Shirt gets jail term for anti-king speech – 16 January 2013

Ivory Coast Youth Leader Arrested in Connection to Crimes Against Humanity

By Hannah Stewart
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — Ghanian authorities have arrested Charles Ble Goude, the former leader of Young Patriots, an Ivory Coast nationalist youth movement.  Ble Goude is wanted in connection the postelection violence that ensued in 2010 when Former President Laurent Gbagbo refused to accept defeat to current president, Alassane Ouattara.  Some 3,000 people lost their lives in the four-month crisis.

Charles Ble Goude, Ivory Coast’s former youth minister and ally of former President Laurent Gbagbo. (Photo Courtesy of Reuters)

Ble Goude has been in hiding since April 2011, when Gbagbo was arrested on charges of crimes against humanity.  The former president, who governed Ivory Coast for a decade, is now awaiting trial at The Hague.

Most top military and political officials from Gbagbo’s regime were killed, are in jail in Ivory Coast or now living in exile.  While Ghanaian police last year arrested former budget minister Justin Kone Katinan, Ivory Coast’s request for his extradition has been stuck in the courts for months.  Ghana has previously stated it considers the exiles to be refugees and has yet to extradite any Gbagbo supporters.  Ble Goude currently faces extradition to Ivory Coast.

Ble Goude is wanted by Ivorian authorities for alleged kidnappings, illegal detentions, torture, incitement of hatred and economic crimes while a member of Gbagbo’s inner circle.   Moreover, he is currently subject to United Nations sanctions including a travel ban and asset freeze.  The UN first instated sanctions against Ble Goude in 2006 when he was accused of inciting attacks against UN personnel.

Ble Goude has denied leading pro-Gbagbo militias that attacked foreigners and northerners during the 2010 upheaval.  He claims that he only organized Young Patriot rallies and meetings.  Likewise, Ble Goude has denied purchasing weapons or arming Ivorian youth.  Ble Goude further denies holding regular rallies where he used increasingly xenophobic rhetoric until Gbagbo was forced from power.

In 2010, the Young Patriots reportedly played a decisive role in creating a climate of terror, erecting barricades and checkpoints where they attempted to identify “enemies of Ivory Coast.”  Young Patriots killed countless West African nationals at these checkpoints, often by “necklacing” individuals with tires, which were then set on fire.  As President Ouattara is from northern Ivory Coast and has familial ties to Burkina Faso, pro-Gbagbo groups targeted Ouattara’s supporters: anyone with a northern name, immigrants and foreigners.

Netherlands-based attorney Nick Kaufman says he has been in contact with Ghanaian officials seeking the legal grounds for the arrest and has petitioned the International Criminal Court in The Hague to indicate whether Ble Goude was the subject of a warrant from the court.

For further information, please see:

BBC – Charles Ble Goude: Ghana Extradites Ivory Coast Gbagbo Ally – 18 January 2013

Fox News – Lawyer: Authorities in Ghana Arrest Charles Ble Goude – 17 January 2013

Reuters – Fugitive Ivorian Youth Leader Ble Goude Arrested in Ghana – 17 January 2013

The Washington Post – Ghana Arrests Ble Goude – 17 January 2013