International News and Developments

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  Tanzania: Authorities instil climate of fear and step up repression ahead of general elections

  Tanzanian authorities have intensified their repression of dissent against the opposition, journalists, civil society and human rights defenders in a…

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  Georgia: Police round up protesters as new restrictions on public rallies take effect

  Reacting to a new wave of arrests in Georgia, where police have detained over a dozen protesters after new restrictions…

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  Canada: Sentencing of land defenders sends ‘chilling message’ about Indigenous rights

  The sentencing of three land defenders criminalized by Canada sends a chilling message about the threats facing people and Nations…

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  PERU: AUTHORITIES MUST STOP DISPROPORTIONATE USE OF FORCE AND PREVENT FURTHER VIOLENCE

  Amnesty International deeply regrets the death of Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz Sanz (32) from a gunshot wound, according to the Public…

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  UN experts urge Germany to halt criminalisation and police violence against Palestinian solidarity activism

  GENEVA – UN experts* today urged Germany to stop criminalising, punishing, and suppressing legitimate Palestinian solidarity activism. “We are alarmed by…

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  Côte d’Ivoire: The authorities must stop stifling peaceful protests ahead of presidential election

  Ivorian authorities must respect and protect the right to protest and allow peaceful rallies to take place, Amnesty International said…

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  IACHR publishes Third Report on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in the Americas

  Washington, DC—The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) published today its Third Report on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders…

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  The Gen-Z Movement: This is why we’re risking our lives to protest

  Across the world, a number of young people – known as the Gen Z movement – are taking to the…

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  IACHR: The Special Rapporteurship publishes its thematic report “The Impact of Digital Surveillance on Freedom of Expression in the Americas.”

  Washington, D.C. — The Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression (SRFOE) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) publishes…

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  Ecuador: Alert over repression of protests, judicial independence and enforced disappearances

  Amnesty International is concerned about the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Ecuador, under the administration of President…

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  Afghanistan: Establishment of accountability mechanism a landmark moment in pursuit of justice

  Reacting to the UN Human Rights Council’s decision to establish an independent investigative mechanism for Afghanistan to collect, consolidate, preserve…

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  UK: ‘New’ police powers to tackle protest yet another attempt to clamp down on human rights

  Responding to news that the Home Secretary is to hand police broader powers to tackle repeat protests, Tom Southerden, Amnesty International…

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  Georgia: Elections marred by severe reprisals and risk of further violence

  Georgia’s 4 October local elections are taking place amid severe political reprisals against opposition figures and civil society, Amnesty International…

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  Morocco: Halt use of excessive force following crackdown on youth protests

  There must be an immediate and independent investigation into the Moroccan security forces’ violent crackdown on youth protests, following credible…

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  Pakistan: Authorities must protect the right to peaceful protest and lift communications blackout amid Jammu & Kashmir protests

  Responding to reports of the deaths of at least nine people, including six protesters and three police officers, and injuries to…

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  El Salvador: Criminal System Used as a Weapon to Punish Human Rights Defenders

  Amnesty International warns that the state of exceptionopens in a new tab extended by the government and reforms to the penal…

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  Madagascar: Authorities must launch investigations into deadly force used against Gen Z protesters

  Reacting to the reported deaths of at least 22 people and injuries to more than 100 others, including children, in…

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  Yemen: Huthis must immediately release prominent human rights lawyer and cease relentless crackdown on civic space

  The Huthi de facto authorities must immediately and unconditionally release human rights lawyer Abdul Majid Sabra, who has been arbitrarily…

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  Iraq: Six years since Tishreen protests, activists persecuted and freedom of expression in peril

  Six years on from the nationwide protests in October 2019, referred to as Tishreen, Iraqi authorities continue to persecute activists…

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  Madagascar: UN Human Rights Chief shocked by violent response to electricity and water protests

  GENEVA – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday expressed shock at the violent response by security forces…

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  Amnesty International USA Reaction to White House Executive Memo to Silence Dissent

  In response to the new Presidential Memorandum on Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence announced last night, Paul O’Brien,…

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  Cameroon: Authorities must release 36 protesters arbitrarily detained for five years amid crackdown on human rights

  The Cameroonian authorities must immediately release 36 opposition supporters arbitrarily detained for five years for exercising their right to peaceful…

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  China: Journalist Zhang Zhan sentenced to prison again on baseless charges

  Responding to reports that Chinese journalist Zhang Zhan has been convicted of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” and sentenced to…

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  Amnesty International USA Raises Alarm at Freedom of Expression Crisis in the U.S.

  Amnesty International USA is deeply concerned about the growing crisis of freedom of expression in the United States. “There is…

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  Egypt: Prisoner of conscience Alaa Abdel Fattah granted presidential pardon after six years of unjust imprisonment

  Responding to the news that President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has issued a pardon for Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, along…

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  Rwanda: Authorities must immediately release Victoire Ingabire

  Rwandan authorities must immediately release opposition politician and president of Development and Liberty for All (DALFA-Umurinzi) political party, Victoire Ingabire,…

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  Nicaragua: Persecution Beyond Borders Exile and Transnational Human Rights Violations

  The Nicaraguan Government is extending its repression of critics far beyond its own borders, UN independent rights experts told journalists…

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  Hong Kong: Rejection of same-sex partnerships bill shows disdain for LGBTI rights

  Responding to the Hong Kong legislature’s rejection of a bill that proposed a new legal framework for registering same-sex partnerships,…

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  Jordan: Activist’s five-year prison sentence for peaceful criticism upheld amid escalating repression

  In response to the ruling by Jordan’s State Security Court to uphold its conviction and five-year prison sentence against political…

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  Türkiye: Crackdown on freedom of expression and assembly exposes troubling pattern of police violence

   Responding to the unlawful three-day blanket ban on all protests issued by the Istanbul governor and reports…

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  UK: Further information: 857 protestors arrested in one day

  On 6 September, 857 protesters were arrested in London, with more than 700 others arrested for similar offences in London…

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  Iran: Authorities unleash wave of oppression after hostilities with Israel

  Iranian authorities are waging a terrifying crackdown under the guise of national security in the aftermath of the June 2025 hostilities with…

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  Nepal: Independent investigation and accountability needed following deadly crackdown on ‘Gen Z’ protesters

  Reacting to emerging reports of at least nineteen dead and over 100 injured during a crackdown on the…

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  Malawi: Elections offer an opportunity to end human rights violations

  Malawi’s presidential and parliamentary candidates must ensure the promotion and protection of human rights before, during and after elections, Amnesty…

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  Syria: New investigation reveals evidence government and affiliated forces extrajudicially executed dozens of Druze people in Suwayda

  Verified videos and eyewitness testimony reveal 46 Druze men and women deliberately and unlawfully killed Extrajudicial executions were carried out…

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  Georgia: Sentencing of protestors reveals abuse of justice system to silence dissent

  Reacting to the sentencing of twenty protesters in Georgia, yesterday and today, to prison terms for participating in anti-government rallies,…

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  Indonesia: Authorities must investigate eight deaths following violent crackdown on protests

  Responding to the Indonesian government’s announcement that at least eight people have been killed since nationwide protests against low wages,…

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  Indonesia: Caning of gay men an act of cruelty

  Responding to today’s caning of two men in the city of Banda Aceh for having consensual same-sex sexual relations, Amnesty…

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  Türk calls on Egypt to end “rotation” practice that facilitates prolonged arbitrary detentions

  GENEVA – UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Tuesday called on Egyptian authorities to put an end to a practice…

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  Viet Nam: UN experts alarmed by ongoing repression of Khmer Krom Indigenous Peoples and Theravada Buddhist monks

  GENEVA – UN experts* today expressed serious concern over reports of escalating repression against Khmer Krom Indigenous Peoples in Viet Nam,…

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  UK: End prosecution of peaceful protestors

  On 9 August, 522 protestors were arrested in London, with more than 200 others arrested for similar offences in London…

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  Georgia: Actor protester jailed, denied justice: Andro Chichinadze

  Georgian actor Andro Chichinadze was detained in December 2024 during pro-European protests. He is accused of throwing an “object” towards…

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  USA/Global: Tech made by Palantir and Babel Street pose surveillance threats to pro-Palestine student protestors & migrants

  The US authorities are using automated artificial intelligence (AI)-powered surveillance tools to deliberately target non-US citizens and pose risks to…

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  Belarus must end ill-treatment of prisoners convicted on terrorism and extremism charges, say UN experts

  A group of UN experts* today called on authorities in Belarus to promptly and efficiently investigate the alleged ill-treatment of…

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  UN says Sri Lanka has ‘historic opportunity’ to end impunity, deliver justice

  Sri Lanka’s Government has a “historic opportunity” to end decades of impunity and deliver justice for victims of past violations,…

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  UN: Myanmar: Rights investigators reveal ‘systematic torture’, sexual violence

  UN-mandated independent investigators have uncovered “systematic torture” in Myanmar’s military-run detention facilities – including beatings, electric shocks, strangulations and gang…

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  UN Special Rapporteur: China must uphold the rights of imprisoned human rights defenders

  China must uphold the rights of imprisoned human rights defenders, including by ensuring that they are not subjected to torture…

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  UK: Arrests of Palestine Action protesters ‘deeply concerning’

  In response to the mass arrests of Palestine Action protesters in Parliament Square today, Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Amnesty…

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  Bangladesh: Dismissal of court case against Shahidul Alam is welcome, but more progress needed on freedom of expression

  Responding to the decision by the Bangladesh High Court to dismiss the case filed in 2018 under the draconian Information…

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  Indonesia: Stop crackdown on One Piece anime flag ahead of Independence Day

  Responding to the recent crackdown against people flying Japanese anime One Piece flag as a symbol of defiance and criticism…

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  Türkiye: 53 Pride March participants must be acquitted and those arbitrarily detained must be released

  Fifty-three people, including three activists who have been arbitrarily detained for more than a month, are due to stand trial…

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  Georgia: Impunity prevails as Mzia Amaghlobeli to be jailed after ill treatment and an unfair trial

  Reacting to the conviction and two-year imprisonment of prominent Georgian journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for…

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  EU: Welcome changes to the EU’s Anti-Torture Regulation should inspire more ambitious global efforts against torture

  On 31 July, the European Union (EU) extended the scope of goods covered by its pioneering Anti-Torture Regulation, strengthening its region-wide…

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  Myanmar: Systematic denial of healthcare leading to alarming number of deaths in custody

  The undersigned organizations are gravely concerned over reports of an increasing number of deaths in custody in Myanmar, especially in…

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  Angola: Authorities must investigate allegations of unlawful use of force that killed 22 people during strike

  Responding to reports that at least 29 people were killed, hundreds more injured and more than 1,200 people arbitrarily…

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  Iran: Officials responsible for finger-amputations must face accountability for torture

  Responding to the Iranian authorities’ use of a guillotine machine to amputate the fingers of three men in Urumieh Central…

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  Tunisia: Mass convictions in ‘Conspiracy Case 2’ deepen rule of law crisis

  The mass conviction of opposition figures in Tunisia’s “Conspiracy Case 2” is a new example of the Tunisian authorities’ ongoing…

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  Syria: Authorities must investigate abductions of Alawite women and girls 

  The Syrian government must urgently step up efforts to prevent gender-based violence and promptly, thoroughly and impartially investigate cases of…

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  CoE Commissioner for Human Rights: Montenegro: Parliament should not adopt legislative amendments that excessively restrict freedom of peaceful assembly

  “I am concerned about the draft amendments to the Law on Public Gatherings and Public Events currently under consideration by…

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  Türkiye: Free arbitrarily detained activists now: Hivda Selen, Sinem Çelebi and Doğan Nur

  Activists Hivda Selen, Sinem Çelebi and Doğan Nur were arbitrarily detained on the day of the Istanbul LGBTI+ Pride march…

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  Joint NGO letter ahead of EU-China Summit

  Ahead of the upcoming EU-China Summit in China on July 24–25, 17 organizations wrote to President Costa and President von…

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  Sri Lanka: Submission to the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances

  In its submission to the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances, Amnesty International reiterates its call on the Government in Sri…

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  African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights published a Joint Press Statement on the Signing of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls by Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Liberia, and The Gambia

  The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), commends the Member States of the African Union (AU) for…

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  Hong Kong: Prison rule changes mark ‘dangerous erosion’ of prisoners’ rights

  Today, the Hong Kong government introduced immediate changes to the Prison Rules, granting the Correctional Services Department broad powers to…

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  Increasing overcrowding in European prisons: Council of Europe’s 2024 annual penal statistics

  Prison overcrowding remains a critical challenge in one-third of European prison administrations, according to the Council of Europe’s 2024 Annual…

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  Angola: Authorities must respect and ensure the right to freedom of peaceful assembly

  Angolan authorities must respect and ensure the right of peaceful assembly and guarantee that nationwide protests planned for 19 and 26 July…

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  Weaponizing Morality: New Report Exposes Sharp Rise in Censorship of LGBTIQ Publications Under Outdated Malaysian Law

  Justice for Sisters, in partnership with Amnesty International Malaysia, launched a groundbreaking report today revealing the alarming scale and scope…

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  Georgia: Jailing of teenage protester raises fair trial concerns

  Reacting to the sentencing yesterday of 19-year-old protester Saba Jikia, to more than four years in prison for allegedly kicking…

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  Kenya: Joint Statement: Update on Saba Saba Anniversary Protests

  NAIROBI, Monday, July 7, 2025: Saba Saba Day symbolises our nation’s enduring struggle for democracy, civil liberties and political reform.

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  Guinea: One year after the enforced disappearance of FNDC activists, abductions increase in a ‘climate of terror’

  Guinean authorities must urgently reveal the fate and whereabouts of National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (Front national…

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  Chinese government impunity for crackdown on lawyers fuels decade of repression

  As Amnesty International signed on to a joint statement ahead of the 10-year anniversary of the ‘709’ crackdown on human…

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  UN: Human Rights Council adopts a strong resolution on safety of journalists

  The UN Human Rights Council adopts a strong resolution (A/HRC/59/L.20) on The safety of journalists, without a vote. Expressing…

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  Serbia: Authorities must end unlawful use of force against protesters and investigate reports of police violence

  Following reports of a widespread violent crackdown on largely peaceful student protesters in Belgrade and other major towns across Serbia…

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  Togo: Testimonies provide glimpse into violent repression of protests

  The Togolese authorities must put an end to unnecessary and excessive use of force against protesters, said Amnesty International, amid…

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  Russia/Azerbaijan: Authorities must investigate alleged abuses against detainees amid tit for tat policing operations

  Reacting to reports of mass detentions, torture and other ill-treatment of dozens of members of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Russia…

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  UK: Banning Palestine Action ‘a disturbing legal overreach’ by UK Government, Amnesty International UK Chief Executive warns

  The House of Commons has voted to proscribe direct action group Palestine Action. ‘Instead of taking draconian measures to [proscribe…

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  Malaysia: Federal Court ruling a powerful step towards restoring the right to peaceful assembly

  On 1 July 2025, the Federal Court of Malaysia ruled that Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 is…

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  Georgia: Amnesty International launches global campaign demanding justice for arrested protestors and accountability for violent suppression of protests by police

  Amnesty International is launching the global campaign Demand accountability and justice for protesters in Georgia on 1 July to…

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  Hong Kong: National Security Law analysis shows vast majority unjustly arrested

  More than 80% of people convicted under Hong Kong’s National Security Law (NSL) have been wrongly criminalized and should never…

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  African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights published a Joint Statement deploring the use of live ammunition by police on unarmed peaceful protestors in the Republic of Kenya

  The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights is deeply concerned by recent events in the Republic of Kenya, as…

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  Hungary: More than 120,000 people from 73 countries speak up for Budapest Pride

  Authorities must allow people to participate safely in Saturday’s Budapest Pride, free from intimidation, harassment or violence, said Amnesty International…

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  Interim measure granted concerning Serbia to prevent the use of sonic weapons in public assemblies

  The European Court of Human Rights has decided to issue an interim measure in the case Đorović and Others v. Serbia.

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  Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association: Impact of the 2023–2025 “super election” cycle on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association

  Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association calls for the increased protection of the rights to freedom of…

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  Hungary: Global fight back begins as anti-Pride law comes into effect

  As discriminatory legislation that could be used to ban Pride marches in Hungary comes into effect today, Amnesty International…

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  DRAFT Study on human and peoples’ rights and artificial intelligence, robotics, and other new and emerging technologies in Africa

  In line with its mandate to promote and protect the rights guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’…

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  Iran: UN expands Fact-Finding Mission’s mandate in landmark development to address human rights crisis

  Responding to today’s adoption of a landmark resolution at the UN Human Rights Council, which extended and broadened the mandate…

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  Nicaragua: UN experts publish groundbreaking report naming 54 officials responsible for systematic repression

  The UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua today released a landmark report which identifies for the first…

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  Türkiye: Unlawful and indiscriminate attacks on peaceful protesters must end and protest bans must be lifted immediately

  Turkish authorities must end the use of unnecessary and indiscriminate force by security forces against peaceful demonstrators and investigate unlawful…

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  Türkiye: Acquittal of Saturday Mothers protesters brings seven year ordeal to an end

  Reacting to the acquittal of 45 members of the Saturday Mothers, prosecuted after their 700th peaceful vigil for their forcibly…

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  Cameroon: Authorities must stop harassment of human rights defender Alice Nkom and attacks on civil society organizations

  On 10th of December 2024, the Committee against Torture issued a damning report on Cameroon, highlighting a wide range of serious…

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  Amnesty’s Guidelines on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly

  Protecting the right to protest: An interview with Dr Anja Bienert Dr Anja Bienert works for Amnesty…

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  Council of Europe: Amnesty International’s Recommendations on the Draft Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law

  Amnesty International welcomes the initiative of the Council of Europe to draft a Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights,…

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  EU’s AI Act fails to set gold standard for human rights

  For the last three years, we have worked in coalition as a broad range of digital, human rights and social…

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  Switzerland: Mohamed Wa Baile Wins Ethnic Profiling Case as the European Court of Human Rights Unanimously Condemns Racial Discrimination

  Years of campaigning for justice and the tireless engagement of activist Mohamed Wa Baile and supporters have paid off, resulting…

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  The Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa releases a Report on the Production, Trade, and use of Tools of Torture in Africa

  This thematic report highlights the trade in the tools of torture in Africa, outlines the existing legal framework, provides…

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  African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights published a Study on the Use of Force by Law Enforcement Officials in Africa

  The current Study is primarily focused on the applicable legal framework, and ways to ensure that domestic legal systems conform…

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  European Court of Human Rights deliveres a judgement on the case of Laurijsen and Others v. the Netherlands

  The European Court of Human Rights (the Court) delivered a judgement on the case of Laurijsen and Others v. the…

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  Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism releases new report (A/78/520)

  In the present report, the Special Rapporteur presents the core analysis and findings of the mandate’s Global Study on the…

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  Report of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances on New technologies and enforced disappearances (A/HRC/54/22/Add.5)

  In the present report, the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances examines how new technologies are being used against…

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  Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment presents new thematic study (A/78/324)

  In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Alice Jill…