Stories about Human Rights from July, 2017
Vietnamese Activist Trần Thị Nga Sentenced to 9 Years for ‘Propaganda’
The 40-year-old Trần Thị Nga, also known by her pen name “Thúy Nga,” is a prominent advocate for migrants and land rights.
Who Are the #Istanbul10? Learn About the Work of Jailed Human Rights Defenders in Turkey
A group of human rights defenders and information technology trainers continue to face jail time in Turkey and accusations that they were "aiding a terrorist organization without being a member."
Bahraini Rights Activist Ebtisam Al-Saegh Charged Under Terrorism Law
Bahraini authorities have constantly harassed Al-Saegh because of her rights activism.
Lebanese Government Bans All Protests Right Before a Syrian Refugee Solidarity Sit-In
Activists called for a protest after four Syrian refugees died while in the custody of the Lebanese army.
China's Xinjiang Residents Are Being Forced to Install Surveillance Apps on Mobile Phones
Local netizens reported that police officers at check points are randomly searching residents' devices to see if they have installed the surveillance app.
Ethiopia's Music of Resistance Stays Strong, Despite Repression
Amid wide-scale protests and a violent government crackdown, Afan Oromo musicians have begun to rise as a visible — and audible — driving inspiration for the opposition movement.
In State of Emergency, Turkey Jails Six Human Rights Defenders Pending Trial
"The accusations of aiding an armed terrorist organisation against them are groundless. Workshops of this kind are common, essential education for human rights organisations."
Censorship After Death: Chinese Netizens Quietly Mourn Nobel Laureate Liu Xiaobo
"After [Liu Xiaobo's] death, any mention of his name in English and Chinese is enough to get messages blocked.""After [Liu Xiaobo's] death, any mention of his name in English and Chinese is enough to get messages blocked."
Ethiopian Musicians Charged With Terrorism for ‘Inciting’ Song Lyrics
In the face of government repression, Afan Oromo musicians have risen as a visible -- and audible -- source of inspiration for the opposition movement.
Human Rights Defenders Are Still Behind Bars in Turkey
In a tweet on behalf of their staff, Amnesty International recalled their efforts to protect (Turkish President) Erdogan when he was arrested in 1998 during a stint as Istanbul's mayor.
Protesting Mistreatment in Prison, Emirati Activist Survives Six Weeks of Hunger Strike
Imran al-Radwan is serving a seven-year jail sentence for calling for reform in the UAE.
Turkish Authorities Detain Top Human Rights Defenders at Training Workshop
"[These] people who have dedicated their lives to human rights. A day will come when they will stand for the rights of those behind these vile news stories."
Myanmar Military Cracks Down on Independent Media, Arrests Three Journalists
"It is absurd that security forces are using outdated laws to silence and punish journalists who have committed no crime," wrote the editor of The Irrawaddy.