THE WEEK IN RIGHTS - Human Rights Watch

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here THE WEEK IN RIGHTS April 25, 2013 Follow us on: Russia Tightens Screws on Activists Photo © 2011 James Hill/ Contact Press Images  In the year since Vladimir Putin was re-elected president, Russia’s government has passed numerous laws – often at breakneck speed – to lock down civil society. It’s the worst crackdown on rights in Russia in the post-Soviet era.  Several of the new laws aim to limit, or even end, independent advocacy. One restricts foreign funding and contact with foreigners. Another essentially bans funding that originates in the United States for “political” groups and bans groups that work “against Russia’s interests. ” The laws go so far as to label these groups “foreign agents” – synonymous with spy and traitor in Russia. More laws restrict Internet content and public demonstrations.  Meanwhile, pro-government media runs propaganda depicting critics of the government as dangerous enemies.  Read more >> How quickly did the laws pass? View the timeline >> share on:   Burma Should End ‘Ethnic Cleansing’ of Rohingya Muslims The Burmese government engaged in a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya that continues today through the denial of aid and restrictions on movement.  See the Latest News in Asia >> share on:   In Turkey, Justice Central to Kurdish Peace Process Justice for the thousands of state-perpetrated killings and disappearances of Kurdish civilians in the 1990s should be an essential part of Turkey’s peace process. The country’s 20-year time limit on criminal investigations for murder means that without urgent action there may soon be obstacles to pursuing justice.  See the Latest News in Europe/Central Asia >> share on:   In Guatemala, Genocide Trial Suspension For years the case of former de facto head of Guatemala, Efraín Ríos Montt, and others like him have been delayed by dilatory maneuvers and acts of intimidation against victims and justice officials alike. This surprise ruling represents another setback for victims who have been seeking justice.  See the Latest News in the Americas >> share on:   The Campaign to Stop Killer Robots Join the campaign calling for a halt in the deveopment of killer robots – fully autonomous weapons – before it’s too late.  Read more >> share on:  PHOTOS Burma: Ethnic Cleansing in Arakan State View Now >> VIDEO Turkey: Kurdish victims' families talk about their long search for justice.  Watch Now >> TWEET of the WEEK Human Rights Watch’s Andrea Prasow live-tweets the US Senate hearing on Obama’s #dronewars.  View Her Tweets >> Thank you for supporting Human Rights Watch. Follow us on: