Human Rights Watch - The week in rights - 5 December 2013

	THE WEEK IN RIGHTS December 5, 2013
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Plea Bargains – is 10 Years Versus Life Fair?  


© 2001 Andy Clark/REUTERS 

Sandra Avery was once a crack user, and had been convicted three times for possessing US$100 worth of the drug for personal use. But she pulled herself together, joined the army, earned an accounting degree, and on leaving the army got a good job. Years later, her life spun out of control. She married a crack dealer and started using again. Then she and her husband were arrested together for selling crack. 

The prosecutor offered her a plea deal that could have brought a 10-year sentence, but when she refused, he sought a mandatory sentencing enhancement based on her prior convictions. 

So instead of perhaps being locked up for 10 years, she’s in for life, without parole.

In the United States, federal drug defendants who won’t plead guilty pay dearly – if they go to trial they receive sentences that, on average, are three times as long. Not surprisingly, 97 percent of drug defendants are convicted by pleas, not trial. 

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Nelson Mandela’s Death a Tremendous Loss Nelson Mandela’s life epitomized the fight for freedom, equality, and justice, all core human rights ideals. His death reminds us of the uniqueness of his principled and dignified leadership, both in Africa and beyond.  Read more >> share on:

In Ukraine, Excessive Force Against Protesters Ukraine is going through serious civil unrest. No matter how difficult the situation becomes, police shouldn’t be beating people who pose no threat.  Read the latest in Europe/Central Asia >> share on:

In Saudi Arabia, a Crackdown on and Violence against Laborers  Saudi authorities have spent months branding foreign workers as criminals in the media, and stirring up anti-migrant sentiment to justify the labor crackdown. Now the Saudi government needs to rein in Saudi citizens who are attacking foreign workers.  Read the latest in the Middle East/North Africa >> share on:

On World AIDS Day, HIV Groups Honored Alternatives-Cameroun is on the front lines of the global fight for human rights for people living with HIV and challenging homophobia. This brave group refuses to be silenced by adversity and is an essential resource for so many LGBTI people in a country that remains profoundly hostile and dangerous for them.  Read more >> share on:

VIDEO The perils of pre-charge detention in Tunisia. Watch Now >>

MULTIMEDIA Visit our new multimedia site.  Click Here >>

TWEET of the WEEK #Mexico: in 1st yr, Pres. #PeñaNietorepeats human rights mistakes he once condemned http://bit.ly/1aDlEMj.  Follow Nik Steinberg >>