Impunity Watch: Asia

UN finds impunity in Uzbekistan days after two Uzbeks are tortured in prison and buried

By Claudia Parker
Impunity Watch Special Reporter, Asia

ANDIZHAN, Uzbekistan – Over the past seven years, claims of Uzbekistan torturing political and religious prisoners have increased.  Just this month, two Uzbek men were buried under police surveillance after their tortured bodies were found lifeless in their prison cells.  Both men had been convicted of membership in Hizb-ut Tahrir – a banned Islamic sect that seeks to establish a pan-Islamic state run by Shariah law.  Takhir Nurmukhammedov, age 42, had served over five years of his eight year sentence, whereas Fitrat Salakhiddinov, age 40, only had a year until his release date. 

According to Human Rights Watch, these two men represent a growing segment of the Uzbek population, namely those who oppose the government and are tortured for their beliefs.  Since 2005, when the government forcibly put down a revolt in Andizhan killing somewhere between 187 and 700 people, fearful authorities have targeted thousands of Muslims.  Strong supporters of Islamic fundamentalists are often imprisoned and tortured both physically and psychologically.  Some rights groups estimate that 20 people have died in jail over the past two months after being tortured; however, most of these groups believe the actual numbers to be much larger.

One of Takhir Nurmukhammedov’s sisters stated that her brother had lost his hearing and had a leg broken as a result of the incessant torture.  The mother of a prisoner killed in 2005 claimed that her son had been boiled in hot water.  In response to these allegations, Human Rights Watch compiled a 90-page report of the incidents of torture wherein victims explained how they were beaten with filled bottles of water, shocked with electricity, humiliated sexually, and compelled to listen to threats against their families.  One prisoner was forced to strip and crawl on the floor naked for hours, while other prisoners were urinated on during their prayer time. 

The Uzbek government denies all of the allegations against them.  Moreover, President Islam Karimov, who is running for a third-term despite a constitutional two term limit, refuses to condemn torture arguing instead that he must be tough to halt militant Islam in his country.  The failure of the government to ban torture and the failure of the Western nations to hold the torturers accountable has seemed to inflame the Hizb-ut Tahrir.  One member of the group stated: “…tell Blaire and Bush that when we build our Islamic state we will hold them accountable for Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq, and for their support of the killing of Muslims in Chechnya and Uzbekistan.”

However, policies and procedures may soon be changing, due to the release of a UN report condemning the widespread torture in Uzbekistan.  The report contains over 20 points of impunity including the failure of authorities to investigate allegations of torture, the routine use of torture by law enforcement officials themselves, and the obstruction of independent human rights organizations trying to monitor the condition of Uzbek prisoners.  As a result of their findings, Uzbekistan must appear before the UN Committee against Torture at regular intervals to report on what steps are being taken to remedy the situation and on how well the new policies are being implemented.

For more information, please see:

Associated Press – Activist: 2 Uzbek Inmates Die of Torture – 22 November 2007

Reuters – Two Uzbek detainees die of torture: relatives – 22 November 2007

Muslim Uzbekistan – Uzbekistan: Torture Rife in Karimov’s “Health Farm” Jail – 1 December 2003 

BBC News – UN Concerned over Uzbek ‘torture’ – 23 November 2007

BBC News – Uzbekistan ‘prison torture’ claim – 7 November 2007

Thailand Denies HIV/AIDS Treatment to Drug Users

By Kristy Tridhavee
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

BANGKOK, Thailand – Human Rights Watch and Thai Aids Treatment Action Group report that the Thai government has denied HIV and AIDS treatment to intravenous drug users.  The Thai government estimates that from forty to fifty percent of drug users within the country are infected, which is virtually the same as the number of HIV and AIDS infected drug users two decades ago.

“An HIV diagnosis is still a death sentence for most drug users in Thailand.  Thailand must stop discrimination against drug users seeking health care services, or it will never meet its promise to ensure access to AIDS treatment to all who need it,” said Paisan Suwannawong, director of the Thai AIDS Treatment Action Group. 

Former Prime Minister Thaksin’s war on drugs has had lasting effects on healthcare providers, police officers, and drug users.  In an aggressive approach to the illegal drug trade, at least 2,275 drug users or dealers died in extrajudicial killings.  In conjunction with its stance against drugs, Thailand enforced a national policy that explicitly excluded intravenous drug users from antiretroviral treatment programs until 2004. 

Although the policy was rescinded, healthcare providers are unaware of the change or unwilling to follow guidelines.  There are also reports that treatment centers discriminate against drug users because of their perceived irresponsibility.  In addition, some healthcare providers continually share information with law enforcement officials as a matter of policy and practice.

Drug users are also prevented from accessing treatment by law enforcement.  In addition to information provided by healthcare providers, police also question clients outside drug treatment centers and use possession of sterile syringes or presence at methadone clinics as basis for drug-related criminal charges. 

As a result, drug users are fearful of disclosing their drug use or seeking help.  When drug users do seek HIV/AIDS treatment, they typically do not disclose their drug use, resulting in possible harmful drug interactions.  Some clinics have gone as far as to implement a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, refusing to ask about patients’ drug use.   

Rebecca Schleifer, advocate with the HIV/AIDS and Human Rights Program at Human Rights Watch, said: “Thailand needs to translate its written commitments on HIV/AIDS into action.  If the authorities don’t immediately address the systematic human rights violations committed against drug users by police and health care providers, the government will be contributing directly to the continued spread of HIV." 

For more information, please see:

Bangkok Post – Breaking News: Government 'Blocks AIDS Treatment' to Addicts – 29 November 2007

Human Rights Watch - Thailand: Denial of HIV Treatment Erodes Success on AIDS – 29 November 2007

Human Rights Watch Report – Deadly Denial: Barriers to HIV/AIDS Treatment for People Who Use Drugs in Thailand

International Herald Tribune - Report: Thailand's Status as Pioneer in War on HIV Imperiled by Attitude Toward Drug Users – 29 November 2007

BRIEF: Musharraf Sworn in as Civilian President

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan- Pervez Musharraf was sworn in for a second term as President of Pakistan today, following his resignation as Army Chief yesterday.

As a civilian President, Musharraf is left with less powers than when he was both President and Army Chief.  Although the military resignation was encouraged by the international community, concerns have been raised over what Musharraf's presidency will struggle with in the future.  Now that he is not in the military, he has less control over their actions, and the likelihood of a coup is much higher given the state of unrest in the country since the imposition of emergency rule.  Musharraf came into power himself after such a coup.  New Army Chief, Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, appears to be loyal to President Musharraf but also stresses his loyalty to Pakistan and the country's interests as a whole.

Musharraf was sworn in amidst extreme pressure to end emergency rule and release the lawyers and activists he placed under house arrest in early November.

For more information, please see:

The New York Times - For Musharraf, Reduced Power as a Civilian - 29 November 2007

Reuters - Musharraf sworn in as civilian after months of unrest - 29 November 2007

Impunity Watch - BRIEF: Musharraf Gives Up Army Command - 28 November 2007

Vietnamese Court Reduces Sentences for Two Human Rights Lawyers

By Kristy Tridhavee
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

HANOI, Vietnam – A Vietnamese court reduced prison sentences for two human rights lawyers convicted last year for disseminating propaganda against the state. Nguyen Van Dai’s prison sentence was reduced from five years to four, and Le Thi Cong Nhan’s sentence was reduced from four years to three.

Prosecutors argued that the two lawyers had violated a broad prohibition on spreading propaganda against the government, and worked with a dissident Catholic priest, Thadeus Nguyen Van Ly, who was sentenced to eight years in prison. The prosecutors also said the two collaborated with overseas pro-democracy advocates, and used the Internet to advance their opinions. During their appeal, the judge also reprimanded the lawyers for promoting their pro-democracy views during interviews with news agencies.

However, the two lawyers argued that they had a right to freedom of expression. Le Cong Dinh, the lawyer for Nguyen Van Dai and Le Thi Cong Nhan, said, “We conclude there is no criminal and no legal foundation. Therefore, they are not guilty and the court should give them freedom.”  He also added, “They are patriots. That is why they bravely and peacefully expressed their political opinions."

Although the Vietnamese government has denied that the lawyers were convicted for their political views, both lawyers reiterated in court that they were convicted for disagreeing with the government. Le Thi Cong Nhan said, “I have always encouraged nonviolence in the struggle for democracy. I just had a different opinion than the Communist Party of Vietnam.”

Before their arrests, Nguyen Van Dai and Le Thi Cong Nhan held discussions on human rights with students, represented minorities who were members of Protestant faiths, and advocated a multiparty political system. Nguyen Van Dai is also the founder of the Vietnam Committee for Human Rights and received the Hellman/Hammett prize for writers facing political prosecution. Le Thi Cong Nhan was a spokewoman for the Vietnam Progression Party.

The United States and the European Union welcomed the reduction in sentences but called for a release of the two lawyers. Angela Aggeler, embassy spokesman, said: "The United States is concerned in instances of individuals being detained for peacefully exercising their legitimate right of peaceful speech. We have raised these cases with the highest levels of the Vietnamese government and will continue to do so.” Sophie Richardson, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, commented: “As a newly elected member of the UN Security Council, Vietnam should uphold its international obligations on human rights. Instead, the Vietnamese government is violating the basic rights of its own citizens.” One of the defense lawyers added, “Vietnam is a member of the World Trade Organization and it is time it should abide by international conventions.”

For more information, please see:

Human Rights Watch - Vietnam: Democracy Activists Should Be Released - 28 November 2007

International Herald Tribune - Vietnamese Court Reduces Sentences of Two Human Rights Lawyers – 26 November 2007

Reuters - Vietnamese Political Activists Appeal for Release – 27 November 2007

Yahoo (AP) - Hanoi Court Hears Appeal of Human Rights Lawyers Sentenced to Prison – 27 November 2007

BRIEF: Musharraf Gives Up Army Command

Photo of Pakistan President Musharraf, AFP

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan- President Pervez Musharraf has officially ended his command as Army Chief, a move that has been long-awaited in Pakistan and the international community.  This brings an end to 8 years of military rule in the country.  Musharraf passed the military command to General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani in a ceremony in Rawalpindi earlier today.

Musharraf will be sworn in for his second term as President on Thursday.  As a civilian President he will still retain extensive powers, including the ability to remove a civilian government.  He also retains the power to enforce emergency rule, such as the one that he has kept in force since November 3rd.  Musharraf maintains that elections will still occur in January, however has not provided a date for the end of emergency rule.

For more information, please see:

BBC News - Musharraf gives up army uniform - 28 November 2007

Impunity Watch - BRIEF: Musharraf Will "Most Probably" Resign As Army Chief - 26 November 2007

Impunity Watch - Emergency Rule in Pakistan - 4 November 2007

Dalai Lama Calls for Referendum

Photo of Dalai Lama

By Juliana Chan
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

AMRITSAR, India - The Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader who has been a symbol of resistance to Chinese rule in Tibet, proposed on Tuesday a fundamental change to the selection of his successor. He said the new incumbent should be chosen by ballot rather than the current system of a series of arbitrary tests.

The Dalai Lama, 72, said serious preparations should be made to find his successor by a referendum among all the traditional Tibetan Buddhists along the Himalayan range and into Mongolia. This comes in defiance to China's claim two months ago that it has the right to select the next spiritual leader of the Tibetans, who must be approved by Beijing.

In response the Chinese Foreign Ministry called the Nobel Peace prize laureate's proposal a "blatant violation of religious practice and historical procedure."

His proposal is said to be a fundamental change to the 600-year old system for picking a Dalai Lama. The current Dalai Lama, born Tenzin Gyatso, is the 14th Dalai Lama. Like his predecessors, he was chosen as a child by monks who identified him as the reincarnation of his recently deceased predecessor.

At a gathering of religious leaders in Amritsar, northern India, the Dalai Lama said to reporters that "if people feel that the institution of the Dalai Lama is still necessary, it will continue."

After the Chinese authorities claimed to have the right to approve all appointments in September, there are fears that the central government will select a pro-Beijing leader when the current Dalai Lama dies. Beijing has already exerted its authority over the choice of the Panchen Lama, the second most senior figure in Tibetan Buddhism.

In 1995, when the Dalai Lama named a successor to the 10th Panchen Lama, China arrested the boy and named its own candidate. The boy's whereabouts are unknown, with human rights groups calling him the "world's youngest political prisoner."

China has ruled Tibet since its communist-led forces invaded in 1951. China has accused the Dalai Lama of defying its sovereignty by advocating for Tibetan independence.

For more information, please see:

BBC News - 'Tibetans' must pick Dalai Lama - 27 November 2007

AP - Vote to Be Held on Next Tibetan Leader - 27 November 2007

AFP - Dalai Lama rankles China with succession warning - 27 November 2007

BRIEF: Indian Monks Protest Myanmar Junta

PATNA, India - At least 1,000 Buddhist monks, nuns, and students marched through the Buddhist holy town of Bodh Gaya, in Bihar state, against Myanmar's military government on Monday. They called on Buddhists around the world to unite against the junta.

A monk-led protest in Myanmar was crushed by the ruling military government in September, where at least 15 people were killed.

The regime is now facing international pressure to improve its human rights record.

India is home to hundreds of Myanmar nationals, many of them pro-democracy activists. The monks in Bodh Gaya will continue to hold marches for three more days and sit indefinitely outside the Bodh Gaya temple.

For more information, please see:

Thaindian News - Buddhist monks in Bodhgaya protest against Myanmar junta - 26 November 2007

Reuters - Indian Buddhist monks protest against Myanmar junta - 26 November 2007

China, France $30 Billion Deal

Photo of French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Chinese President Hu Jintao

By Juliana Chan
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

BEIJING, China - On his second day of a three-day visit to China, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Chinese President Hu Jintao finalized trade deals worth almost 20 billion euros ($30 billion).

The deal includes 160 Airbus passenger planes and two nuclear reactors built by the French energy firm Areva.

The Airbus deal will supply 110 single aisle A320 jets and 50 of the slightly bigger A330 plane.

The reactors are set to start generating power in 2014, taking six years to build in the south of China. It will be operated until 2026 by a new company set up by Areva and a Chinese parter, China Guangdong Nuclear Power Corp.

At their second meeting in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Mr. Sarkozy told Mr. Hu that the "total amount of these contracts has never been matched before."

This is Mr. Sarkozy's first trip to Asia since his election in May. Furthermore, he is set to travel to Shanghai to meet Chinese business leaders.

Some critics say Mr. Sarkozy should be doing more during this trip to pressure China regarding its human rights record and its use of the death penalty. His office has said that Mr. Sarkozy used a state dinner to urge China to employ the death penalty less frequently and to do more to respect human rights.

Mr. Sarkozy took the opportunity to urge China to do more on press freedom, the death penalty, and the rule of law. He did not, however, raise other difficult issues such as China's relationship with Tibet and Iran. Some "observers are calling on China to take a harder line with Iran over its nuclear programme."

For more information, please see:

Reuters - Sarkozy tackles Hu on yuan and human rights - 26 November 2007

BBC News - Sarkozy wins China 20bn euro deal - 26 November 2007

AP - France Gets $29.62 B in Chinese Contracts - 26 November 2007

BRIEF: Musharraf Will "Most Probably" Resign As Army Chief

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan- President General Pervez Musharraf has announced that he will be quitting his position as Army Chief before he is sworn in for his second term as President on Thursday, November 29th.  According to Pakistani spokesman Major General Waheed Arshad, Musharraf will "most probably" resign the day prior to being sworn in.

Musharraf has been under intense pressure from the opposition and the world community to resign as Army Chief and also end the current state of emergency rule.

For more information, please see:

The Canadian Press - Musharraf set to quit army, become civilian president on Thursday: army - 26 November 2007

BBC News - Musharraf to quit army 'in days' - 26 November 2007

Ethnic Indians Protest Discrimination

By Kristy Tridhavee
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysian police broke up a protest by 8,000 ethnic Indians in Kula Lumpur with tear gas. The police used the tear gas to stop the protesters from reaching the British High Commission (embassy). Tensions increased when many protesters threw the tear gas canisters back at the police officers. Some witnesses reported that police beat protesters with batons and dragged into trucks. The Hindu Rights Action Force said the police arrested about 400 protesters and 19 were injured. However, the police reported only 100 persons were detained.  Photo at AFP

The Malaysian government refused a permit for the rally because it feared it would spark violence and security problems. Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, minister in the prime minister's department, supported the use of tear gas and force. He commented, “This protest is illegal. The police have been given permission to use legitimate means to halt the gathering. And this means the use of tear gas and water cannons.”

The ethnic Indians allege in their lawsuit that the British government, Malaysia’s former colonial ruler, brought their ancestors to Malaysia 200 hundred years ago as indentured laborers. In addition, the protesters allege that the British government negligently caused ethnic Indians to remain economically disadvantaged because the rights of the Indian Community were not incorporated, resulting in discrimination and marginalization for the last 200 hundred years. The protest was to deliver a memorandum demanding Queen Elizabeth to appoint counsel in the class action case.

The lawsuit is aimed to highlight the discrimination faced by Indians in the country. Ethnic Indians make up about eight percent of the population. About two-thirds live in poverty. The protesters allege that their plight is a result of the affirmative action policies that favor the Malay Muslim majority. Malay Muslims make up about sixty percent of the Malaysian population.  

On Friday, three ethnic Indian activists were arrested and charged with violating the Sedition Act. The government denied that the arrests were attempts to stop the rally. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said, “They are deemed to have gone against the Sedition Act and we had to take action. We are not drumming up charges against them. For some time now, these three people have been getting carried away saying things that are against the law." Two activists were released on bail and another refused to post bail in gesture of defiance.

For more information, please see:

AFP – Malaysian Police Tear Gas Ethnic Indian Rally: Witnesses – 25 November 2007

International Herald Tribune - Malaysia Brings Sedition Charges Against Planners of Banned Rally for Indians – 23 November 2007

International Herald Tribune - Malaysia's Leaders Warn Ethnic Indian Minority Not to Join Banned Rally – 24 November 2007

Times of India – Ethnic Indians Protest in Malaysia – 25 November 2007

BRIEF: UN Urged to Free Child Soldiers

UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations released a report on Friday urging Myanmar to "release its child soldiers, stop recruiting youths under 18 in its army and allow U.N. officials access to remote areas where armed groups also use child soldiers."

Myanmar's military government said it has strengthened regulations forbidding the recruitment of minors since a report released by Human Rights Watch. Despite an official prohibition of the practice, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said there are credible reports that Myanmar's army continues to recruit children under 18. Poor children are often lured into the army with promises of food and shelter. Other children are picked up for not having identification cards and threatened with arrest unless they join the army.

Mr. Ban said "the government has shown increasing interest in addressing underage recruitment and has engaged the United Nations on the issue," but the U.N. has not been able to verify government claims that recruiters and others responsible for underage recruitment have been disciplined or that children have been released.

For more information, please see:

Reuters - U.N. urges Myanmar to stop using child soldiers - 23 November 2007

AP - UN: Myanmar Must Free All Child Soldiers - 23 November 2007

Exiled Former Prime Minister Sharif Planning Return to Pakistan

By Amy Glasrud
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan-Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is planning on returning to Pakistan some time next week after being exiled to Saudi Arabia by Musharraf in 1999. Sharif went to the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh to have a talks with King Abdullah on Tuesday about his return back to Pakistan before the vote. However, the spokesman of Musharraf is declining to comment on what would happen if Sharif was allowed to return to the country.

Zafar Ali Shah, the former vice president of Sharif’s party stated, “there is no doubt about it Nawaz Sharif will be with us next week, but at this stage we cannot say exactly when and where he will arrive.” Sharif had previously tried to enter back into the country in September, but was quickly deported back to Saudi Arabia upon arrival.

Musharraf has previously said that Sharif will not be allowed back into Pakistan until after the vote. A Musharraf official did tell the Associated Press that the general has “softened” his approach toward Sharif, and that “the hope is that he (Sharif) will not act like Benazzir Bhutto who is following the politics of confrontation. If he agrees to do it, he will be allowed to return home even before the elections.”

However, Sharif’s return is not the only issue arising for Musharraf on Friday. The Commonwealth, a 53-country body, has banished Pakistan from its organization. The banishment came on Friday after Musharraf failed to meet his Thursday deadline to end the state of emergency and resign as head of the military. The government of Pakistan stated that the banishment was “unreasonable and unjustified.” According to the International Herald Tribune, the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad said that the government would be reviewing its ties with the group.

For more information, please see:

International Herald Tribune - Pakistan objects to banishment from Commonwealth - 23 November 2007

CNN - Sharif set to return to Pakistan - 23 November 2007

Associated Press (AP) - Opposition lining up for Pakistan vote - 23 November 2007

BBC -More court backing for Musharraf - 23 November 2007

BRIEF: Afghanistan Techniques Defended by NATO

Photo: NATO's Scheffer with Afghanistan President Karzai, Xinhua

KABUL, Afghanistan- Concern has been growing over the increasing number of civilian casualties killed by international forces in Afghanistan.  In response to the concern, NATO leader Jaap de Hoop Scheffer met with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai today. 

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbor, issued a statement at the end of her mission to Afghanistan on 20 November, and expressed apprehension at the "alarming rates" civilian casualties have reached this year.  President Karzai is also under pressure from the Afghan people.

This issue is being addressed at the same time NATO countries are concerned about their continuing involvement in the country.

Scheffer says that they are doing all that they can to avoid civilian deaths and that NATO has actually changed procedures to avoid a future threat.

For more information, please see:

BBC News - Nato defends Afghanistan tactics - 22 November 2007

United Nations Press Release - High Commissioner for Human Rights Concludes Visit to Afghanistan - 20 November 2007

Khmer Rouge Prison Chief Appears in Court

Photo at The NY Times 

By Kristy Tridhavee
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – On November 20^th, Kaing Guek Eav appeared before the Khmer Rouge Tribunal to appeal his detention. His appeal was televised to 500 persons in a nearby room and on Cambodian television.

Kaing Guek Eav, also known as Duch, has come to symbolize the mass murders of the Khmer Rouge regime. He was in charge of the Tuol Sleng prison where prisoners were interrogated, tortured, and then executed in the killing fields. Kaing Guek Eav oversaw from 14,000-16,000 murders at the Tuol Sleng prison. Only 14 people survived the Tuol Sleng prison. 

After the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979, Kaing Guek Eav was believed to be dead, but in 1999 he was discovered working for a Christian relief organization. American evangelic missionaries had converted him to Christianity in 1996. When journalists discovered he was alive, Kaing Guek Eav openly admitted to his direct role in the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge regime. He also commented, “After my experience in life I decided I must give my spirit to God.”

During his appeal, Kaing Guek Eav sought bail, and his lawyers claimed his detention was a violation of his human rights. Kaing Guek Eav was arrested in 1999 and was transferred to the tribunal’s custody last July. In court, Kaing Guek Eav stated, “The reason I lodged the appeal is because I have been detained without trial for 8 years, 6 months and 10 days already. 

Kaing Guek Eav’s appeal was the first opportunity for Cambodians to see the man in charge of Tuol Sleng prison. Many of those gathered in the courtroom were family members of the Khmer Rouge regime. Sin Knor, a woman who lost her husband and two brothers, commented, "More than three years under their rule were very painful. This makes me feel more confident about seeing justice done.” However, some were still very angry. Oum Pum, a man imprisoned for a month under suspicion for working with the CIA and who also lost 12 relatives, stated that his anger made him want to “punch Duch in the face.”

When the trials begin in September, Kaing Guek Eav’s testimony will be crucial and damaging to his fellow defendants. During his 1999 interview, he confirmed the authenticity of documents recovered at Tuol Sleng. He also admitted to his part in the atrocities but also asserted he did not act alone. Kaing Guek Eav stated, “The decisions to kill were made not by one man, not just Pol Pot, but the entire central committee.”  

For more information, please see:

The NY Times – Khmer Rouge Figure Appears in Court – 21 November 2007

Yahoo (AP) – Hundred of Cambodians Flock to Catch a Glimpse of Khmer Rouge Torture Chief in Court – 21 November 2007

Yahoo (AFP) – Prosecutors Demand KRouge Prison Chief Remains Jailed – 22 November 2007

ASEAN Leaders Sign Landmark Charter

Photo at Reuters

By Juliana Chan
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

SINGAPORE - Ten Southeast Asian leaders signed a landmark charter Tuesday, but some say  their attempt to create a European Union-style bloc faces many hurdles because of controversies over Myanmar, "whose military rulers have defied international calls to restore democracy." It has also exposed the sharp divisions that exist among the countries' leaders.

Philippine President, Gloria Arroyo, has warned that the charter may not be ratified by her country if Myanmar does not release pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and restore democracy in the country. The Philippines is among the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries tougher action to be taken on Myanmar until it improves its human rights record.

Thailand, on the other hand, has chosen to have the Myanmar issue treated as an internal affair by the country itself. The country has been under military rule since a coup last year; its leaders have close ties with Myanmar and depend on Myanmar for natural gas for much of its electricity.

Although criticized for being overly optimistic, Cambodia's foreign minister, Hor Namhong, said that by signing the charter, which calls for the establishment of a human rights body, Myanmar agrees to do more to protect human rights.

Critics said the charter has been watered-down to irrelevance. The director of the Institute of Security and International Studies in Bangkok, Thitinan Pongsudhirak,  said it was diluted "to a point where it doesn't make any new ground" but what they have now is just "the codification of existing norms."

The ASEAN charter was created to bind the region together in a European-style economic community. The signed charter establishes the group as a legal entity, as well as "creating permanent representation for members at its secretariat in Jakarta and committing heads of states to meetings twice a year."  The charter also included plans for economic reforms, designed to create a European-style economic community by 2015.

For more information, please see:

The New York Times - Southeast Asian Pact Exposes Rifts - 21 November 2007

IHT - Asean leaders sign historic charter - 20 November 2007

Reuters - ASEAN leaders sign charter amid Myanmar row - 20 November 2007

BRIEF: Pakistan Releases Prisoners

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan- According to Pakistan Interior Ministry spokesman Javed Iqbal Cheema, 3,416 prisoners of the emergency rule, including lawyers and activists, have been released as of today.  2,000 remain under detention, but Cheema stated that prisoners would continue to be released.

While prisoners were being released, more were also being taken in.  In Karachi, 150 journalists were arrested after clashing with police during a protest, and 23 more journalists were arrested in Hyderabad as they were protesting the current restrictions placed on the press.

This all follows the Monday decision of the reconstituted Supreme Court to throw out the legal challenges to Musharraf's reelection.

For more information, please see:

The Washington Post - Pakistan Frees Jailed Opposition Backers - 20 November 2007

BBC News - 'Thousands released' in Pakistan - 20 November 2007

Third Meeting Between Suu Kyi and Relations Minister

Photo of Myanmar's Prime Minister Lt. Gen. Thein Sein, center, at the ASEAN Summit in Singapore

By Juliana Chan
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

YANGON, Myanmar - Detained pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been taken on Monday from the her villa to a state guest house. She is said to have met with Relations Minister Aung Kyi, the Cabinet minister designated to handle relations with Ms. Suu Kyi.

The two met for an hour at a government guest house near the villa where she has been held under house arrest for 12 of the past 18 years. This meeting comes as Myanmar's military government leaders are in Singapore defending their actions during the suppressed September pro-democracy demonstrations at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting.

Ms. Suu Kyi met Mr. Aung Kyi for the first time on October 25. During their next meeting on November 9, she was also allowed to meet with leaders of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party. This meeting on Monday is their third meeting. Details of what they discussed have not been released.

Mr. Aung Kyi's appointment was the result of international pressure and outrage over the military government's handling of September's anti-government protests in which 15 people were killed. The government detained almost 3,000 people during the crackdown and said most of them have been released, but "many prominent political activists remain in custody."

The junta has ruled Myanmar since 1962. In the 1990 elections, the military government refused to hand over power when Ms. Suu Kyi's NLD party won.

For more information, please see:

The New York Times (Reuters) - Myanmar's Detained Suu Kyi Meets Junta Minister - 19 November 2007

Voice of America - Burma's Detained Opposition Leader Meets With Government Liaison - 19 November 2007

AP - Myanmar's Suu Kyi Meets Liaison Minister - 19 November 2007

BRIEF: Khieu Samphan Arrested

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - Cambodian police arrested Khmer Rouge's former head of state, Khieu Samphan, in Phnom Penh.  He was escorted from the hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment for a stroke, by a heavily guarded convoy. 

Khieu Samphan, as part of the Khmer Rouge regime, sought a utopian communist state in Cambodia, which led to 1.7 million deaths through starvation, overwork, execution, and disease.  Khieu Samphan has denied the allegations, and his personal thoughts of the regime will be announced in his book published this week.  The book is entitled, ''Reflection on Cambodian History Up to the Era of Democratic Kampuchea."  The former Khmer rouge leaders writes, "'There was no policy of starving people. Nor was there any direction set out for carrying out mass killings.  'There was always close consideration of the people's well-being."

He is the fifth leader of the Khmer Rouge regime to be arrested.  Ieng Thirith, Ieng Sary, Nuon Chea, and Kaing Guek Eav were arrested in the prior weeks.

For more information, please see:

The NY Times (AP) - Ex-Khmer Rouge Head of State Arrested - 19 November 2007

Yahoo - Cambodian Police Arrest Khmer Rouge President - 19 November 2007

Update: UN Committee Against Torture Considers Uzbek Torture Record

By Melody Kight
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

GENEVA, Switzerland - As the UN Committee Against Torture enters the final week of its 39th session, the focus continues to be on Uzbekistan. Although one of only six nations under review during this session (Australia's review was postponed), Uzbekistan faces the most questions. The panel received inputs from at least seven different human rights organizations that challenge the country's assertion that they have abandoned their history of torturing prisoners. The panel just completed another two-day session reviewing statements and reports regarding Uzbekistan's record of torture.

Uzbek officials worked to appear cooperative with the panel. They granted exit visas to three Uzbek rights activist, which allowed the activists to attend the hearing. They also admitted to shortcomings, but maintained that they have made improvements, citing new laws and human rights positions. However, they also tried to portray the problem as isolated to a few rogue individuals and groups, while the human rights organizations maintained that the problem is endemic to the entire structure of the country's prison system.

The Uzbek assertions were also weakened by reports of the deaths by torture of two prisoners in Uzbekistan over the past week. On November 12th, the body of Fitrat Salohiddinov was taken to his family in Tashkent. Two days later, the body of Tohir Nurmuhammedov was returned to his family. Both were tortured to death, although Uzbek rights activist Surat Ikramov was only able to provide details regarding the second prisoner:

"Tohir Nurmuhammedov's close relatives say his body bore multiple traces of torture, numerous wounds, grazes, bruises, and blood traces. In addition his relatives said he had never complained about his health, he was healthy, although he always complained about torture."^[1]

The Committee on Torture will spend the next week preparing their conclusions, which will be published later this month.

For more information, please see:

Eurasianet - Uzbekistan: UN Panel Seeks Answers on Uzbek Torture Record - 18 November 2007

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty - Another Uzbek Inmate Reportedly Died Under Torture - 17 November 2007

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty - Uzbek Inmate Reportedly Died Under Torture - 13 November 2007

OHCHR - Committee Against Torture Programme of Work, 39th Session - n.d.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty - Uzbekistan: Was Andijon Uzbekistan's Tiananmen Square? - 05 June 2005

Myanmar Frees 53 Prisoners

By Juliana Chan
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

YANGON, Myanmar - Myanmar's ruling junta released 53 prisoners from Insein prison on Thursday evening. A lawyer for the opposition party National League for Democracy (NLD), Aung Thein, said most of the released prisoners were criminals, while only six were political activists. Five of the political prisoners were NLD members, and the sixth prisoner is a student activist. The six have been in prison for a few years and were not involved in September's pro-democracy demonstrations.

United Nations human rights envoy, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, visited the prison twice on his five-day visit to the country. During his visit to Insein prison, Mr. Pinheiro met with Myanmar's longest serving political prisoner, journalist Win Tin. Mr. Tin is serving a 20-year sentence for his writings, as well as being a member of the NLD.

Mr. Pinheiro was not able to meet with detained democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi on this visit.

During his five-day visit, Mr. Pinheiro was investigating the total deaths and detentions from the junta's crackdown on September's anti-government protests. On Friday, Myanmar officials have acknowledged that 15 people, not 10 as was previously said, were killed during the protests.

In a news conference, Mr. Pinheiro said the government gave him autopsies of the 15 people killed in Yangon. He went on to say that he will release his own estimates of the number of people killed and detained inside and outside of Yangon.

For more information, please see:

IHT - At least 15 died in crackdown, Myanmar tells envoy - 16 November 2007

Forbes - Myanmar frees 53 prisoners after UN envoy visit - 16 November 2007

AP - UN Envoy Gets Myanmar Casualty Evidence - 17 November 2007

Latest Vignette of Child Labor in India

By Claudia Parker
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

NEW DELHI, India – Since 1933, with the signing of the Enactment of Children Act, India has taken an official stance against child labor.  In all it has ratified six International Labor Organization Conventions and has passed federal bans prohibiting employers from hiring children under 14 to work.  The stated strategy of the Indian government related to child labor is “progressive elimination”, which according to the Indian Embassy is a policy that “takes cognizance of the fact that child labor is not an isolated phenomenon that can be tackled without simultaneously taking into account the socio-economic milieu that is at the root of the problem.”

Yet, is this strategy working?  India is an emerging world economic power with a rising middle class and a burgeoning professional community.  However, statistics show that between 12 and 60 million children under 14 still work in a variety of industries including farming, manufacturing, and services.  These children make up 3.6% of India’s labor force and arguably a healthy portion of its economy.  The government attempts to combat the problem through the use of primary education and the enforcement of existing laws.  In 1996 alone, India spent upwards of $10 million in hopes of ending the labor.  Now they have a new ally.

Last month, The Observer reported that the American company, Gap Inc., used child labor in the production of its clothing.  Specifically, the reports claimed that children as young as ten had been working 16 hour days to hand-embroider clothes, some of which contained Gap labels and bar codes.  After a brief investigation, Gap Inc. conceded that a line of its attire was produced by children, and thereafter, it decided to take remedial actions to ensure that a similar situation never occurs in their factories again. 

In fact, Gap Inc. revoked the license of 23 factories which failed to comply with its standards, while at the same time suspending 50% of its orders until procedures at its remaining factories could be implemented to oversee lawful production.  Recognizing that the problem of child labor is far from resolved, Gap Inc. announced it would hold an international conference to help develop solutions related to this problem.  In the meantime, Gap Inc. plans on paying the child workers until they reach working age and then offering them employment; the children involved will also receive back wages and education.  Additionally, Gap Inc. has allocated $200,000 for improving the general working conditions of its factories for all of its employees. 

There is no word yet regarding the steps the Indian government plans to take regarding enforcement.

For more information, please see:

National Geographic News - Child Labor Banned in India - 12 October 2006

Embassy of India - Child Labor and India

Gap Inc. - Press release on child labor - 28 October 2007

New York Times - Gap Campaigns against Child Labor - 15 November 2007

BBC News - Gap acts over Indian child labour - 16 November 2007

BRIEF: Political Tensions Rise in Pakistan

Photo: General President Pervez Musharraf, BBC News/AFP

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan- In a BBC interview on Friday, President General Pervez Musharraf criticized opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.  He stated that Bhutto fears the election polls because she would lose.  He also expressed anger at the way Western media has been portraying him in recent months.

Bhutto was released from house arrest on Friday.  She will be meeting with other opposition leaders to determine if they will boycott the January assembly elections in protest of Musharraf's recent actions.

United States diplomat, John Negroponte, has arrived in Pakistan; he spoke with Bhutto via telephone and will be meeting with Musharraf.  The U.S. is calling for free elections, but has mostly ignored the situation of deposed Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. 

Hundreds of lawyers are still in jail and the emergency rule is still in place.

For more information, please see:

BBC News - Musharraf pours scorn on Bhutto - 17 November 2007

Guardian Unlimited - Bhutto freed as top US aide arrives - 17 November 2007

AFP - Political tensions rise in Pakistan amid US envoy visit - 17 November 2007

Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith Deny Accusations of War Crimes

By Kristy Tridhavee
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia –Ieng Sary and his wife, Ieng Thirith, have denied any involvement in war crimes or crimes against humanity during the Khmer Rouge regime. During the regime’s renign, Ieng Sary was the deputy prime minister and foreign minister, and Ieng Thirith was social affairs minister. Ieng Thirith is also Pol Pot’s sister-in-law.

On Monday, they were arrested by the UN-backed tribunal, and on Wednesday, they came before the tribunal to determine if there was sufficient evidence to hold them until the trials in mid-2008. In the hearing, Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith denied they took part in any wrongdoing. Ieng Thirith said as social affairs minister she helped repair hospitals and produce medicine and added that “the claims of the co-prosecutors are 100 percent false.”

Ieng Sary noted that he was “pleased with the creation of the tribunal, which will be an opportunity to search for the truth. I would like to know the truth during the dark chapter of our history. I still don’t know where the truth is.”

In 1996 after his defection to the Cambodian government, he said Pol Pot "was the sole and supreme architect of the party's line, strategy and tactics." He added, “Do I have remorse? No. I have no regrets because this was not my responsibility."

However, researchers and scholars believe that Ieng Sary was aware of the mass killings of Cambodians because he received numerous internal documents concerning the tortures and executions of suspected internal enemies. Researchers found a cable addressed to Ieng Sary, stating “We have cleaned up the internal traitors and extracted confessions from them. We are gradually continuing to wipe out the remaining enemies, who are opposed to our revolution overtly or covertly.” 

Also during the hearing, Judge Marcel Lemonde and Judge You Bunleng decided to keep the pair in jail until the trials in mid-2008 because of the risk they could flee the country. Ieng Thirith and Ieng Sary both claimed they are too elderly to leave the country. Ieng Sary also stated he feared of dying in the tribunal’s detention. Ieng Sary is 82 years old and his wife is 75.

Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith are believed to be part of the Pol Pot’s inner circle. Nuon Chea, Khmer Rouge ideologue, and prison chief Duch are currently in detainment by the tribunal. Khieu Samphan remains free but has suffered health problems recently. He was moved to a hospital in Cambodia's capital for treatment.

For more information, please see:

International Herald Tribune - Ieng Sary, Former Khmer Rouge Foreign Minister, Led Mass Defection – 12 November 2007

Yahoo (AFP) - Jailed KRouge Pair Reject Atrocity Claims – 15 November 2007

Yahoo (AP) -Khmer Rouge Couple Decry Charges Against Them as False, Unacceptable –16 November 2007 

BRIEF: Khieu Samphan Moved to Capital for Treatment

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered ailing Khmer Rouge leader Khieu Samphan be moved from his home in the former rebel stronghold Pailin to the capital for medical treatment.  Prime Minster Hun Sen commented that he ordered his move because he did not want to be accused to neglecting the health of aging regime leaders.

The hospitalization of Khieu Samphan brings attention to the fact that many of the former Khmer Rouge leaders are in poor health and aging.  At least three other former leaders who have not been arrested yet are in poor health.  Tribunal officials have urged that there is a sense of urgency in the trials because of the health of the leaders. Some Cambodian officials are skeptical, seeing the leaders using their age and healths to delay prosecution. 

The family has also disputed reports that Khieu Samphan suffered a stroke.  His wife, Sor Socheat, said her husband had a panic attack on Tuesday night.  His daughter, Khieu Maly, added that her father "felt normal this morning."

His wife also added that her husband "is not worried about being arrested.  He has been ready to face the tribunal for a long time now."  Khieu Samphan influenced the Khmer Rouge's policies with his Marxist theories.  During the Khmer Rouge regime, about 2 million died from starvation, overwork, or executions.  The Khmer Rouge regime attempted to implement an agrarian utopia, which abolished religion, schools, and money, and resulted in driving most Cambodians onto collective farms.

For more information, please see:

Impunity Watch - BRIEF: Former Khmer Rouge Head of State Has Stroke - 13 November 2007

Yahoo (AFP) - Ailing Khmer Rouge Leader Hospitalized in Cambodia - 15 November 2007

Former Khmer Rouge Officials Arrested for Killing a British National and His Interpreter

By Kristy Tridhavee
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Two former Khmer Rouge officials, Khem Ngun and Loch Mao, have been arrested for the murders of Christopher Howes and Huon Huot. Christopher Howes was a British mine clearance expert, and at the time of his killing, he was in Cambodia to warn the people of deadly landmines throughout the country. Huon Huot aided Christopher Howes as his interpreter.

In 1996, Christopher Howes was leading a group of twenty local Mines Advisory Group helpers to a mine-strewn area near the Angkor Wat temple complex. The group was taken captive, but Christopher Howes persuaded his captors to spare the group’s lives. However, Christopher Howes and Huon Huot were taken in mountain territory and killed soon afterwards. 

Christopher Howes’ father commented he was pleased about the arrests and for the people of Cambodia. He added, “These people have wrecked my family. We have never, ever recovered from this. The pain is permanently with us.”

The deaths of Christopher Howes and Huon Huot were unknown until two years after their disappearances. It was only when a team from the Scotland Yard investigated and found firm evidence that the Khmer Rouge regime was responsible for the murders.

Although Khem Ngun and Loch Mao Khem Ngun were identified years ago in the deaths of Christopher Howes and Huon Huot, they were not arrested because during the time the Cambodian Government was encouraging defections from the last remaining Khmer Rouge strongholds. The Cambodian Government feared it would lose the trust of Khmer Rouge guerrillas who were in the process of defecting. The policy allowed the two to slip through the cracks and instead thrive in Cambodian society. Khem Ngun rose to the ranks of major general in the Cambodian Army, and Loch Mao became a civil servant.

If found guilty, the two face a maximum punishment of twenty years in prison for premeditated murder and ten years for illegal confinement.

For more information, please see:

Yahoo (AP) - Former Khmer Rouge Officers Arrested Over Killing of British Mine Clearance Expert – 15 November 2007

Reuters - Three Khmer Rouge Charged with UK Deminer Murder– 14 November 2007

Times Online - Khmer Rouge Officers Charged with Briton's Murder – 14 November 2007

BRIEF: Activists Arrested in Myanmar

Photo of Su Su Nway at AP

YANGON, Myanmar - Two prominent activists who participated in anti-government demonstrations in September have been arrested, exiled activists said Tuesday. 

Su Su Nway, a leading dissident and labor rights advocate who has been on the run since escaping a crackdown by the military government, was arrested Tuesday in Yangon.  She has been on the run for more than two months. 

U Gambira, a Buddhist monk and a leader of the All-Burma Monks alliance, helped spearhead anti-government protests. He was arrested several days ago.

The news of their arrests come as United Nations human rights investigator Paulo Sergio Pinheiro was on the third day of his five-day mission to investigate human rights conditions in connection to the government's crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations in September.

For more information, please see:

AP - 2 Fugitive Myanmar Dissidents Arrested - 13 November 2007

Guardian Unlimited - Prominent Myanmar Activists Arrested - 13 November 2007

BRIEF: Former Khmer Rouge Head of State Has Stroke

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - Kheiu Samphan, former Khmer Rouge head of state, suffered a stroke Tuesday, November 13th.  His arrest by the UN-backed genocide tribunal was expected in the near future.  The former head of state's stroke comes one day after two of his former colleagues were arrested by the tribunal.  His daughter, Khieu Rattana, commented, "He has been aware all along that he will be arrested. He is not concerned about it and said he is ready to go to the tribunal." Family and doctors have gathered in Pailin at Kheiu Samphan's home.  The area is a former Khmer Rouge guerrilla stronghold in northwestern Cambodia. 

For more information, please see:

Yahoo (AP) - Khmer Rouge Ex-Head of State has Stroke - 12 November 2007

Photo at Yahoo

NHRC Seeks Peace in Nandigram

Map at BBC News

By Juliana Chan
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

NEW DELHI, India - The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India's top human rights group, asked the federal government to help restore peace in the Nandigram area, a cluster of villages south-west of Calcutta. Skirmishes between rival political groups, armed supporters of the ruling communist party and opposition parties, killed at least eight people since last week.

The NHRC has also asked the West Bengal government to submit a report on the area's conditions. 

More than 10,000 people are now homeless because of the political violence. One thousand federal police officers have since entered Nandigram. BBC News reports that hundreds of armed supporters of Bengal's ruling communist party, who were forced out in March, have fought their way back into the area.

Police opened fire on protesters and killed 14 people when protests sprung up in March against the "state government's plan to acquire land to set up a special economic zone."

State Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi accused the state government of failing to protect the people from attacks by communist supporters.

For more information, please see:

Times of India - Red Terror - 13 November 2007

BBC News - Rights group seeks Bengal peace - 13 November 2007

BBC News - Two killed in West Bengal clash - 06 November 2007

BRIEF: Pakistani Police Clash with Activists in Lahore

LAHORE, Pakistan- Opposition leader Benazir Bhutto has been placed under house arrest in Lahore today, while she prepared to begin a "long march" protest to the capital.  The house she was staying in has been surrounded and many of her supporters are being held.

Bhutto has been planning to conduct the protest for the past week, unless President General Pervez Musharraf ends the current emergency rule.  Police sources have been quoted as saying that the protest must be stopped "at any cost".

For more information, please see:

BBC News - Huge Pakistan clampdown on Bhutto - 13 November 2007

Xinhua - Bhutto ordered to stay home for 7 days - 13 November 2007

The Times of India - Benazir Bhutto detained ahead of mass protest - 13 November 2007

UN Envoy Pinheiro Visits Myanmar Prisons and Monasteries

Photo at AP

By Juliana Chan
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

YANGON, Myanmar - United Nations human rights investigator for Myanmar, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, arrived in Myanmar on Sunday after the junta agreed to allow him to enter the country.  Mr. Pinheiro is set to begin a five-day trip, investigating human rights abuses and the military government's September suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations that were led by Buddhist monks and students.

After a four-year ban, this is Mr. Pinheiro's first trip to Myanmar since 2003.  He has made plans of visiting prisons and monasteries. He has already visited Buddhist monasteries raided by the authorities following the protests. On Monday, he visited the country's notorious Insein prison where the ruling military holds political prisoners.  Mr. Pinheiro is investigating how many people were killed in September's pro-democracy demonstrations.  While the military says 10 people died, diplomats and human rights groups estimate the true figure to be more than 100.

Inmates have described Insein prison's torture, abysmal conditions, and long stretches in solitary confinement. It is unclear who Mr. Pinheiro met at the jail, but he has said, before arriving in Myanmar, that he "would leave immediately if he does not get the military government's full support," recalling his visit to Myanmar, in March 2003, when he abruptly left the country after finding a listening device planted in a room where he was interviewing political prisoners.  He is determined to gain access to the prisons and other sites to assess allegations of abuse by the ruling junta.

Mr. Pinheiro's visit comes shortly after U.N. envoy Ibrahim Gambari's visit to Myanmar, meeting with ministers and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. A BBC correspondent says that there is evidence that external and internal pressure is beginning to have an impact on the generals and Mr. Pinheiro's visit is a concession of sorts.  Amnesty International calls on the military government to cooperate with Mr. Pinheiro.

For more information, please see:

AFP - UN rights envoy visits Myanmar jail, monasteries - 12 November 2007

AP - UN Rights Envoy Visits Myanmar Prison - 12 November 2007

The New York Times - U.N. Envoy in Myanmar to Try to Tally Dead - 12 November 2007

Jurist - UN rights envoy visits Myanmar prison as investigation gets underway - 12 November 2007

BRIEF: Ex-Khmer Rouge Officials Arrested

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia- Two former officials of the Cambodian Khmer Rouge government were arrested today and brought before the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).  Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith, husband and wife Khmer Rouge officials in the 1970s, were charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The two had lived in Phnom Penh since 1996 under government-granted amnesty, an agreement that is expected to complicate their prosecution.

The charges were brought by a special United Nations court, created in 2001 to investigate former Khmer Rouge officials who were estimated to kill over 1.7 million Cambodians under the rule of Pol Pot.

For more information, please see:

Impunity Watch - Khmer Rouge Tribunal Prepares for Trial - 31 October 2007

The Jurist - Cambodia ex-officials arrested on Khmer Rouge war crimes charges - 12 November 2007

New York Times - Ex-Officials of Khmer Rouge Arrested - 12 November 2007

BRIEF: Musharraf Sets Date for Election But Not for End of Emergency Rule

Picture: Musharraf Press Conference, Tomas Munita for NY Times/IHT

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan- President General Pervez Musharraf held a press conference on Sunday where he announced that national elections would take place on January 9.  However he refused to set a date for the end of emergency rule, stating that it will last indefinitely and could continue through the January elections.

United States President George Bush declared his support for Musharraf on Saturday, stating that the two share a common goal in the fight against terrorism.  Musharraf used this support and the fight against terrorism to justify his emergency rule in the press conference Sunday.

He stated that he plans to step down from the position of army chief and become the civilian president as soon as the Supreme Court validates his election.

As the press conference was conducted, opposition leader Benazir Bhutto flew to the city of Lahore where she plans to still hold a "long march" protest to Islamabad starting Tuesday unless Musharraf ends emergency rule.

Observers have claimed that Bhutto is conducting the protests primarily to obtain sympathy with the voters.  She is likely wary that the protests could cause a larger movement, eventually leading to the end of Musharraf's regime.  According to BBC News, "this, some observers say, would divert attention from the threat of militancy and regional instability- something Ms. Bhutto will have to contend with if she becomes prime minister, and for which she will need Gen Musharraf and a willing army."

For more information, please see:

International Herald Tribune - Pakistan's Musharraf declines to give date for end of emergency rule - 11 November 2007

BBC News - Musharraf calls for January poll - 11 November 2007

BBC News - Is Musharraf-Bhutto conflict all it seems? - 11 November 2007

United Nations Committee Against Torture Begins Review of Uzbekistan

By Melody Kight
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

GENEVA, Switzerland – Yesterday, the Deputy Minister of Justice of Uzbekistan, Esemurat Kanyazov, presented to the UN Committee on Torture a report on Uzbek efforts to reduce or eliminate the practice of torture in the country. '

This is the third periodic report given by Uzbekistan to the UN committee, and has been accompanied by calls from human rights groups that the UN condemn the practice of torture in Uzbek prisons, as well as the recent announcement that the President of neighboring Afghanistan ordered his police forces to clearly and unequivocally stop the practice of torture.

Kanyzov cited several promising statistics while introducing the support, including the reduction of detentions, several attempts to abolish the death penalty, and the requirement of a judicial decision to imprison anyone.

However, he was unable to satisfactorily answer questions regarding the closing of more than 200 various non-governmental agencies and groups, including the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The committee also asked other questions of Kanyzov, including whether health workers were trained in human rights or whether cases with evidence gained through torture were dismissed. Kanyzov and his delegation will return on Monday to answer those and other questions posed by the Committee.

For more information, please see:

United Nations Human Rights Commission – Committee Against Torture Begins Review of Report of Uzbekistan – 09 November 2007

RadioFreeEurope/Radio Liberty - Rights Group Urges UN To Condemn Torture In Uzbekistan – 07 November 2007

Human Rights Watch - Uzbekistan: Torture Endemic to Criminal Justice System – 07 November 2007

BBC News – Uzbekistan 'prison torture' claim – 07 November 2007

Agente France-Presse – Afghanistan’s Karzai orders end to torture – 06 November 2007

Opposition Leader Bhutto Freed from House Arrest

By Amy Glasrud
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – After being under house arrest all day on Friday, the barbed wire and blockades were removed and the hundreds of police that were stationed outside Bhutto’s home left after the order was dropped.  Only a few police officers remain in order to provide the necessary security.  The order was confirmed by Aamir Ail Ahmed, acting deputy commissioner of Islamabad, who stated “the detention order has been withdrawn.” 

Bhutto had an armored car approach the barrier, where she tried to leave her home several times, but was unable to break through.  When she was unable to brake through she spoke to her supporters through a megaphone stating, “we are not the enemy; give us way.”  According to the BBC, more than 5,000 of Bhutto’s supporters were rounded up and arrested since the weekend, with 100 people outside her residence on Friday.  Those who were not arrested were faced with tear gas and batons in order to disperse Bhutto’s supporters.  Her supporters included Naheed Shazhad, a candidate for parliament who stated “It’s a nation’s historical moment; it’s to change history in our country.”  After her statements to the cameras, she was quickly apprehended and arrested by the police. 

According to the BBC, officials commented by saying “that it was a temporary measure because of a fear of suicide bombers attacking the planned rally, and that it would be lifted by Saturday.”  However, pressures for peace are mounting from the Western allies, including the United States.  The US State Department spokesman, Sean McCormick stated “as we have said for the past week, we believe it’s important for those moderate forces…within the Pakistan political system to work together to get Pakistan back on the road to democracy and constitutional rule.” 

Bhutto continues in her attempts to have Gen. Musharrah lift the state of emergency, resign as army chief, and hold elections by mid-January, and will continue to rally until these requests are satisfied.

For more information, please see:

CNN - Bhutto released from house arrest – 9 November 2007

Reuters – Pakistan's Bhutto released from house arrest – 9 November 2007

BBC – Bhutto house arrest order lifted – 9 November 2007

CBS News – Bhutto: House Arrest Ended, But Not Free – 9 November 2007