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| CHAK’s Third conference on November 2009 |
CHAK’s Third conference on November 2009
Attention to all
The administration center of of Kurdocide/ CHAK will hold it’s third open conference on 27,28,and 29 of November, 2009 in Denmark with presence of some identified quests.
Representatives from most European countries will directly participate. While the participations for representatives from South, East, Canada, America, and Australia will be by internet.
We ask our friends and recent members to send their comments, requests and ideas ahead of time so we can posted on the Kurdocide website and included in our conference agenda. In the same time we ask our former members who stops for any reason to contact our center’s committee to continue their participations and activities.
According to the pursued regulations our organization must hold a conference once every two years. The first conference was on July 2006 and the second unusual conference was December 2007 in Koln / Germany.
The Kurdocide watch established in 2002 by the Halabja and Anfal committee.
On October of the same year it became known as:
The Center of Halabja against the Anfalization[i] and Genocide of the Kurds (CHAK).
CHAK became the official name as of the beginning of 2009.
Today, CHAK is the most active liberate, Kurdish organization; nearly 600 actions and activities have been achieved last year.
CHAK has branches and members in all Kurdistan parts. In addition, it has representatives, branches, and members in most European countries, America, Australia, and Canada.
Kurdocide Watch- chak
www.kurdocide.com
kurdocide@hotmail.com |
| Zaynab Jalalian’s Letter to the world’s Conscience |
Zaynab Jalalian’s Letter to the world’s Conscience
The Kurdish woman, Ms. Zaynab Jalalian, who has been sentenced to death by the Iranian government, spends her remaining time at a prison in Sanandaj in Kurdistan-Iran. In the letter Ms. Jalalian secretly sent out on Friday, November 27, 2009, asks human/women’s rights activists to campaign on her behalf and support her. Below is her letter translated into English.
Dear…
I am a twenty-seven year Kurdish woman who has been sentenced to death by the Iranian Judiciary authority for my political activities. After I was given death sentence last year I appealed and my case was reviewed by the Iranian High Court. The High Court sustained the lower court’s decision.
I am under constant torture and humiliation. I was put on an orchestrated trial without a legal representation and after a few minutes I was sentenced to death. I don’t have a lawyer to defend me. The Court only dedicated a few minutes to my case. The Court told me that I was an “Enemy of God,” and in a short period of time all enemies of God would be hanged. All the judges in my trial voted for my execution.
I asked the Judge if I could say good-bye to my mother. He told me “shut up.” The Judge rejected my appeal and refused to let me to see my mother. Since I cannot defend myself, I ask all advocates and activists of human/women’s rights to campaign on my behalf and support me. I need your help.
Zaynab Jalalian |
| The Organisation for Defence the Right of Kurdish Political and Civil Prisoner |
The Organisation for Defence the Right of Kurdish Political and Civil Prisoner
To:
The oppressed Kurdish people of Kurdistan
The human Right Organisation
Independent Individual
The world public opinion
According to the Human Right recourses in Iran, the Islam Republic of Iran in order to t terrifying the Kurdish people in Kurdistan, create an environment of terror and attempt to execute the best of the Kurdish people who devote their life for freedom and liberty of other. According to the same sources Ahsan Fattahyan a Kurdish political prisoner in the city of Sanandaj in Kurdistan of Iran was sentence to death in a court of appeal that he made to the judicial review. AHsan’s solicitor was informed of the convection by Iranian authorities and asked him to be present in Sanandaj prison in the early mornings of 11th November 2009 in order to witness the procedure of his Clint.
These Human Right resources indicate that the Ahsam’s moral and spirit in high. In a letter that is written by Ahsan and emerged to outside his prison cell Ahsaan says ‘’let the enemies know that with my execution the nothing reach to the end point but with my execution you set a fire which never extinguished.
The Organisation for Defence the Right of Kurdish Political and Civil Prisoner strongly condemn the execution convection of Ahsan Fattahyan and urge all Kurdish people in Kurdistan and Diaspora, although human right organisation and liberated people around the world to condemn injustice convection on Ahsan.
The Organisation for Defence the Right of Kurdish Political and Civil Prisoner
07/11/2009 |
| Iranian theocratic regime continues to execute Kurds |
Iranian theocratic regime continues to execute Kurds
(November 8, 2009). According to several Reliable Human Rights Organizations in Iran, Ehsan (Esma’il)
Fattahian (also spelled Fattahiyan) - a Kurdish political activist in Iran has been held at Sanandaj central
prison. The Iran Judiciary informed the Court in Sanandaj and confirmed Wednesday, November 11,2009 as the date for executing Mr. Fattahian. Mr. Fatahian’s attorney has also been informed that he has to be present at the gallows when his client is executed. According to our sources, despite his illness, Mr.Fattahian is still on hunger strike in protest to the court’s decision. Other political prisoners in Sanandaj prison are also on hunger strike for fear that they might face a similar fate.
Mr. Ehsan Fattahian has been imprisoned and held in solitary confinement for the past 18 months. Duringhis imprisonment he has endured various kinds of severe torture and humiliation. It is important to note that previously the Court had decided to incarcerate him for 10 years, but, the same Court, later sentenced him to death. (For more information regarding Ehsan please look at the following links -http://www.amnesty.org - http://kurdishrights.org -http://loghmanahmedi.com/ )
There are 16 other Kurdish political activists who have received death sentences without any valid
charges against them. According to Kurdish human rights observers, two other Kurdish civil activists, Mr.Habib Ollah Latifi and Mr. Shirko Ma’rofi are also awaiting their death sentences and might be executed in next a few weeks.
We at the Kurdish National Congress of North America ask all the democratic governments of the world and urges all International Human Rights organizations including UN Human Rights Council, TheEuropean Committee of Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International to act on their moral responsibilities and prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran from carrying out the death sentences ofMr. Fattahian and other Kurdish civilians inmates who had been striving to promote civil society in Iran.
We urge the international community to voice its concern against the Iranian repressive policies and encourage the Iranian authorities to respect human rights and promote democratic principles |
| Sudan President cancels Turkey visit |
Sudan President cancels Turkey visit
Published on : 9 November 2009 - 9:32am | By International Justice Desk
Filed under: darfur genocide International Criminal Court (ICC) international justice IOC Omar al-Bashir Sudan Turkey war crimes
Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir, the target of an international arrest warrant, has scrapped a visit to Turkey to join key political negotiations in Khartoum, official SUNA news agency said on Sunday.
Bashir rang Turkish President Abdullah Gul to say he cannot spare the time to attend a meeting on Monday of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Istanbul, SUNA news agency said.
The cancellation followed mounting speculation over Bashir's attendance at the economic summit of the Islamic grouping after the European Union, which Turkey hopes to join, told the Ankara government it should bar or arrest him.
Sudan's leader is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for trial on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the western region of Darfur.
Turkey has pointed out it is not a signatory to the treaty which set up the Hague-based ICC, and that Bashir was invited to the meeting by the OIC and not Ankara.
"The Sudanese see and understand well the difficulties," a high-ranking Turkish diplomat who requested anonymity told AFP ahead of the cancellation.
"No Muslim could perpetrate a genocide"
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, head of the Islamist-rooted ruling AKP party, questioned the charges against Bashir and said that "no Muslim could perpetrate a genocide," according to Turkey's Anatolia news agency.
"If there was such a thing (a genocide), we could talk about it face to face with President Bashir," the first sitting national leader the ICC has indicted, said Erdogan.
Bashir was in Egypt on Sunday, taking part in a China-Africa summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Aides said last week that the president intended to travel to Turkey but no final decision had been taken.
SUNA said Bashir has to return to Khartoum to "find a solution" to a dispute between his ruling National Congress Party and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, the former rebel party from south Sudan.
The two sides signed a Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 after 22 years of north-south civil war that saw largely Christian and animist rebels pitted against the Khartoum government.
Talks over general election
The parties held talks on Sunday in Khartoum on disputes over plans for a general election in April 2010 and a referendum in January 2011 on independence for the south, political sources said.
"Because of the need to consult the president in coming days on these issues, [he] has put off his journey to Turkey," SUNA said,
China as well as several African and Arab countries criticised the ICC when it announced the arrest warrant, and Bashir promptly received an invitation to Cairo from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.
Last year, Turkey came under fire for hosting Bashir twice, before the warrant was issued: a bilateral visit in January and then at multilateral cooperation talks with African leaders in August.
The United Nations says up to 300,000 people have died and 2.7 million fled their homes since ethnic minority rebels in Darfur first rose up against the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum in February 2003.
The Sudanese government disputes the death toll, saying 10,000 people died.
Summit on trade and poverty
The OIC summit, set to address issues of trade and poverty, is expected to draw other Muslim leaders, including Syrian President Bashir al-Assad, Palestinian premier Salam Fayyad and newly re-elected Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is in Istanbul for the OIC summit after Erdogan visited Tehran last month when the two countries signed partnerships on trade and energy.
Ankara's efforts to build closer ties in the Muslim world -- including Iran, Sudan and Syria -- that are at odds with the West have raised concerns in the West that Turkey, a NATO member, is turning toward the East. |
| Sri Lankan general returns without war crimes grilling |
Sri Lankan general returns without war crimes grilling
Published on : 5 November 2009 - 10:25am | By International Justice Desk
Filed under: Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse General Sarath Fonseka international justice sri lanka tamil tigers war crimes
Sri Lanka's top military officer returned home Thursday after he was allowed to complete a US visit without being questioned over alleged war crimes against Tamil civilians.
General Sarath Fonseka arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport and was immediately driven away under tight security, an airport official said.
"He arrived this morning in a commercial flight and was escorted out of the airport by his security convoy," an official said.
The Foreign Ministry here said he ended his US visit without being quizzed by the Department of Homeland Security, which had asked to interview him about alleged war crimes during the final stages of fighting this year.
Fonseka, who holds US permanent residency, had travelled to Oklahoma to visit his two daughters.
Sri Lanka had feared the department would try to force Fonseka to provide evidence against Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse, who holds US citizenship, over alleged human rights violations.
The defence secretary is the younger brother of President Mahinda Rajapakse.
Sri Lankan troops in May killed the leaders of the Tamil Tigers, ending one of Asia's longest-running and bloodiest insurgencies, which aimed to create a separate homeland for the island's Tamil minority.
A US State Department report presented to Congress last month charged that both the government and Tamil Tigers committed serious human rights violations in the final months of the conflict.
Fonseka was mentioned in the US report, which was initially dismissed by Colombo as "unsubstantiated," although the Sri Lankan government later promised to have the charges investigated.
Source: AFA |
| ICC: Congo's Bemba trial set for April |
ICC: Congo's Bemba trial set for April
Published on : 6 November 2009 - 9:50am | By Thijs Bouwknegt
Filed under: bemba central african republic congo drc ICC international criminal court international justice Jean-Pierre Bemba
The war crimes trial of former Congolese rebel and vice-President Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo will start next April, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Thursday.
Bemba, the defeated contender in Democratic Republic of Congo's 2006 presidential election, is accused by the ICC of leading Congolese rebels who waged a campaign of rape and torture in Central African Republic in 2002-2003.
Announcing his trial date of 27 April 2010, the ICC said in a statement that Bemba is charged with two crimes against humanity, involving murder and rape, and three war crimes, which involve pillaging as well as murder and rape.
Bemba, whose 2006 election defeat by Joseph Kabila turned him into Congo's most prominent opposition figure, fled into exile in 2007 saying he feared for his life.
He was arrested by Belgian authorities in May 2008 and was transferred to the ICC in July of that year.
He is currently awaiting his trial in The Hague. |
| Tamils welcome US plan to question Sri Lanka general |
Tamils welcome US plan to question Sri Lanka general
Published on : 4 November 2009 - 12:30pm | By Marijke Peters
Filed under: genocide international justice sri lanka Tamil Tamils Against Genocide US war crimes
The Tamil diaspora in the United States has reacted positively to the news the White House wants to question a top commander in the Sri Lankan army. General Sarath Fonseka will allegedly be questioned by the Department of Homeland Security over the campaign to crush Tamil Tiger rebels at the beginning of the year.
Listen to an interview with a spokesman from Tamils Against Genocide
Positive step
General Fonseka is visiting his daughters who live in the US and the Sri Lankan government said he has been asked to testify as "a possible source" against Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse. A meeting is said to be scheduled with US immigration officials on Wednesday.
A spokesman for the campaign group Tamils Against Genocide, who asked not to be named, told Radio Netherlands the move is a positive step. The group also hopes it may lead to charges being brought against Mr Rajapakse who oversaw the offensive that left up to 7,000 civilians dead.
“You could even regard this as a follow up to the model indictment that TAG generated in 2009 and submitted to the US Justice Department… They have a full dossier of all the crimes Tamils would like to have the US investigate on these two individuals.
“We would start by charging these them with war crimes against Tamil civilians who were herded into a small no-fire zone during the early part of 2009 and heavy weaponry was targeted against these civilians.”
No US confirmation
The US government has so far refused to confirm it has asked to question General Fonseka, but several Tamil groups told Radio Netherlands they were confident the reports were accurate. The move follows the White House's publication of a 67-page report cataloging abuses allegedly carried out by the Sri Lankan military during the operation between January and May.
TAG says it would not dispute claims the Tamil rebels used ordinary Sri Lankans as human shields, but says its missions is to expose crimes committed by the Sri Lankan government.
When asked whether the US should suspent Gen Fonseka’s ongoing request for US citizenship, the TAG spokesman said he actually thought allowing him to stay there would help the case against him.
“In fact we would like him to be given US citizenship in which case there would be other cases we could file as US citizens against him when he takes residence.”
TAG also hopes the US government would be able to lean on Gen Fonseka and convince him to cooperate and provide evidence of war crimes committed under Mr Rajapakse’s direction, which would enable them to build a solid case against the Sri Lankan government.
Strong signal to the world
Other Tamil organisations said this sends a strong signal to the international community that governments can not act indiscriminately when dealing with terrorism.
Tasha Manorangan, Advocacy Director for People for Equality and Relief in Lanka (PEARL), said:
"There needs to be alot of public pressure on the US government to say these types of human rights abuses are intolerable and for notions of justice and fairness to stand, the Sri Lankan government really needs to be held accountable for these attacks. You can't accept everything in the name of counter-terrorism.
"This is a concept the US has got into trouble with under the past... but with the current Obama administration there is a strong shift away from broad accceptance of taking whatever measures are necessary.
"An attempt at investigating this further, whether in the Sri Lankan context or elsewhere, is certainly valid and necessary for notions of justice to prevail." |
| Karadzic wins small victory at war crimes trial: analysts |
Karadzic wins small victory at war crimes trial: analysts
Published on : 9 November 2009 - 11:07am | By International Justice Desk
Filed under: 1992-95 Bosnian war genocide icty international justice karadzic Radovan srebrenica war crimes
Bosnian Serb wartime leader Radovan Karadzic won a small victory in a battle of wills with UN court judges when they adjourned his genocide trial to March next year, legal analysts said Sunday.
While the judges opted to impose a lawyer on Karadzic, who has boycotted his trial since it started on 26 October, they did not strip him of the right to conduct his own defence and effectively gave him more time to prepare -- exactly what he was after.
"This is an indirect way of giving Karadzic a bit more time to prepare his case," while trying to minimise further interruptions, Willem van Genugten, international law professor at the Netherlands' Tilburg University, told AFP.
The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) on Thursday ordered the imposition of a defence lawyer on Karadzic and adjourned his genocide trial to 1 March.
Karadzic, 64, has refused to attend his trial since it opened in The Hague nearly two weeks ago, insisting on more time to prepare his defence, which he is conducting himself with the backing of about 20 legal advisers, many of them volunteers.
He had asked the court in September for an extra 10 months to study 1.3 million pages of prosecution evidence and hundreds of witness statements.
Genocide
Karadzic stands charged with 11 counts of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity for his role in the 1992-95 Bosnian war in which some 100,000 people died and 2.2 million were forced to flee their homes.
The judges warned that Karadzic would lose his right to self-representation should he continue his boycott when the trial resumes, in which case the court-assigned lawyer would take over.
"After several warnings the tribunal had to send out a serious message if it didn't want to lose credibility," said Van Genugten.
In Thursday's decision, the judges said Karadzic had "substantially and persistently obstructed" the proceedings and "effectively brought the trial to a halt."
There have only been two days of trial hearings to date, both used for the opening statement of the prosecutor who urged the court not to allow Karadzic's antics to dictate the trial schedule.
"The judges were looking for a compromise to end the impasse," said Harmen van der Wilt, international law professor at the University of Amsterdam.
"They had to show that they retain the control, that they won't be held hostage, all the while trying to cooperate with the accused," he said.
“Won the battle but not the war”
According to Xavier Tracol, a former ICTY prosecutor, Karadzic "has won a battle but not the war."
"His objective is to hold the tribunal hostage. Winning time is one way of achieving that."
Karadzic, who denies all charges, risks life in jail on accusations that he orchestrated the mass killing of Muslims and Croats in pursuit of a "Greater Serbia" that was to include 60 percent of Bosnia's territory.
Marko Sladojevic, one of Karadzic's legal advisers, said that his client had not yet decided whether he would appeal, but would "take a constructive approach and will try to find a compromise that will satisfy all sides involved".
Arrested on a Belgrade bus in July last year after 13 years on the run, Karadzic faces charges over the massacre of 7,000 Muslims at Srebrenica and the 44-month siege of Sarajevo that killed some 10,000 people.
"I am glad that they imposed a lawyer, on him, I hope it will prevent him to manipulate the trial," Srebrenica survivor Munira Subasic told AFP.
"It is painful for us to see how his every wish is granted, almost as if they fear not to hurt his feelings. But we will continue to fight for justice, we will testify against him, we will pursue justice with all available means."
Karadzic's trial is expected to continue until 2012, while any appeals have to be finalised by 2013.
Source: AFA |
| kurdish man faces execution on 11 november |
URGENT ACTION
kurdish man faces execution on 11 november
Ehsan (Esma’il) Fattahian, a male member of Iran’s Kurdish minority, is scheduled to be executed in the province of Kordestan, northwestern Iran, on 11 November. Two other Iranian Kurdish men are also feared to be at imminent risk of execution, possibly in reprisal for a spate of assassinations and attempted assassinations of officials which took place in September.
Ehsan (Esma’il) Fattahian’s lawyer has been summoned to attend his execution on 11 November at the prison in the city of Sanandaj, the provincial capital of Kordestan. Ehsan Fattahian was detained some time between April and August 2008. Reports suggest that he may have been tortured in detention. Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in Sanandaj sentenced him to 10 years' imprisonment to be served in exile, after a trial in which he was denied access to a lawyer. Both Ehsan Fattahian and the prosecutor appealed against this verdict, and in January 2009 Branch 4 of the Kordestan Appeal Court overturned the initial verdict. Instead he was sentenced to death for “enmity against God” in connection with his membership of an illegal armed opposition group - believed to be the the Kurdistan Independent Life Party (PJAK. This new sentence is believed to have been upheld by the Supreme Court.
Two other men, Habibollah Latifi, arrested in October 2007, and Sherko Moarefi, detained in October 2008, remain on death row in Sanandaj prison. Fears were raised that all three were at imminent risk of execution after a judge in Sanandaj received orders in October to carry out the executions of these Kurdish prisoners.
The Iranian authorities have a history of executing political prisoners when the authorities believe that crimes have been committed by people from the same group.
PLEASE WRITE IMMEDIATELY in Persian, Arabic, English, French or your own language:
Calling on the authorities to halt the execution of Ehsan (Esma’il) Fattahian on 11 November;
Urging them to commute his death sentence along with those of Habibollah Latifi and Sherko Moarefi;
Expressing concern that Ehsan Fatahian was reportedly tortured and was sentenced to death after an appeal after an unfair trial;
Urging the authorities to impose an immediate and comprehensive moratorium on executions, as a first step towards ending the use of this punishment.
PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 11 NOVEMBER 2009 TO:
Head of the Judiciary
Ayatollah Sadeqh Larijani, Office of the Head of the Judiciary, Pasteur St., Vali Asr Ave. south of Serah-e Jomhouri, Tehran 1316814737, Islamic Republic of Iran
Email: Via website: http://www.dadiran.ir/tabid/75/Default.aspx 1st starred box: your given name; 2sd starred box: your family name; 3rd: your email address
Salutation: Your Excellency
Leader of the Islamic Republic
Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei
The Office of the Supreme Leader
Islamic Republic Street – End of Shahid Keshvar Doust Street, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Email: via website: http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=letter (English)
http://www.leader.ir/langs/fa/index.php?p=letter (Persian)
Salutation: Your Excellency
And copies to:
Governor of Kordestan Province
Esmail Najjar
Email: In Persian and Kurdish, send via feedback form on the website: http://www.ostan-kd.ir/Default.aspx?tabId=150&cv=4@0_1 In English, French or other languages, use the feedback form on the website: http://en.ostan-kd.ir/Default.aspx?TabID=59
Salutation: Dear Governor
Also send copies to diplomatic representatives of Iran accredited to your country. Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date. This is the first update of UA 271/09 (MDE 13/102/2009). Further information: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE13/102/2009/en
URGENT ACTION
kurdish man faces execution on 11 november
Additional Information
Kurds, who are one of Iran’s many minority groups, live mainly in the west and north-west of the country, in the province of Kordestan and neighbouring provinces bordering Kurdish areas of Turkey and Iraq. They experience religious, economic and cultural discrimination. For many years, Kurdish organizations such as the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) and the Marxist group Komala, conducted armed opposition against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Another armed group, the Kurdistan Independent Life Party (PJAK), formed in 2004, continues to carry out armed attacks against Iranian security forces.
No group has claimed responsibility for the spate of assassinations and attempted assassinations in Kordestan, which targeted mainly religious figures and judges between 9 and 19 September 2009. Those killed included the head of Sanandaj city council, a Sunni cleric who had supported President Ahmadinejad’s re-election campaign, and the Kordestan representative to the Assembly of Experts (the body which appoints the Supreme Leader). Two judges were also injured in the attacks. The authorities have variously blamed PJAK, and “hard-line Sunni fundamentalists” linked to foreign intelligence services. According to various Iranian media sources on 28 September 2009, several of those believed to have been responsible for the attacks were arrested at the scene of another attack in which two others were killed.
Amnesty International condemns without reservation attacks on civilians, which includes judges, clerics, and locally or nationally-elected officials, as attacking civilians violates fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. These principles prohibit absolutely attacks on civilians as well as indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks. Such attacks cannot be justified under any circumstances.
The scope of capital crimes in Iran is broad, and includes “enmity against God”, often imposed for armed opposition to the state, but can include other national security offences such as espionage.
At least ten other Kurdish men and one woman are believed to be on death row in connection with their membership of and activities for proscribed Kurdish organizations. They include Farzad Kamangar, Farhad Vakili, Ali Haydarian, Farhad Chalesh (Turkish national), Rostam Arkia, Ramazan Ahmad (Syrian national), Fasih (Fateh) Yasmini, Hossein Khezri, Anvar Rostami, Shaker Baghi and Zeynab Jalalian. For further information on some of the Kurds on death row for political offences, including those named in this UA, please see http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE13/012/2009/en.
In May 2009, three members of Iran’s Baluch minority were executed in public in Zahedan less than 48 hours after an attack on worshippers in a mosque in which up to 25 people were killed. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by the People’s Resistance Movement of Iran (formerly known as Jondollah). The three men had already been sentenced to death, but their executions were linked to the mosque attack. Officials claimed that following renewed interrogations after the bombing, they had “confessed” to involvement into bringing the explosives into the country.
In 1988, thousands of political prisoners, mostly members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) or leftist organizations, were executed in what has become commonly known as the “prison massacres”. The executions took place following the ceasefire agreement between Iran and Iraq and an armed incursion a few days later by PMOI members based in Iraq which was repulsed by the Iranian army. Most of those executed were already detained or imprisoned at the time of the incursion and could not have been involved in spying or terrorist activities as the government claimed. No one has ever been brought to account for these mass killings.
Further information UA: 271/09 Index: MDE 13/119/2009 Issue Date: 09 November 2009-------------------------------------------------------
http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE13/119/2009/en
- |
| URGENT-Concern for the Life of Ehsan Fatahiyan |
change it around to fit your own description and send it out as soon as possible. These are the contact emails once again for Amnesty International: info@amnesty.lu, ddyke@amnesty.org, eastgulf@amnesty.or
URGENT-Concern for the Life of Ehsan Fatahiyan
URGENT-Concern for the Life of Ehsan Fatahiyan
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am an Iranian/Canadian lawyer and a pro-democracy activist. First I want to thank you for your hard work in defending the rights of political prisoners worldwide. Your work is crucial in supporting those who risk their freedom and their lives to stand up for freedom and democracy.
I am writing to you today because I am extremely concerned about the current situation of Mr. Ehsan Fatahiyan, a 27 years old Kurdish political activist who was sentenced to death in February of this year. The date for Mr. Fatahiyan’s execution has been set for Wednesday November 11th 2009 and he is at the imminent risk of being executed.
As you may be aware Mr. Fatahiyan had originally been sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment, however on Appeal his prison sentence was replaced by the death sentence. This is even against the laws of the Islamic Regime, as an Appeal court does not have the right to increase a criminal sentence.
I appreciate that Amnesty International has issued a number of statements in support of Mr. Fatahiyan and other Kurdish activists who are facing the death penalty in the recent months, however since this is a very urgent matter I urge Amnesty International to once again issue an Urgent Action Alert, and to help put pressure on the Islamic Regime to help save Mr. Fatahiyan’s life.
Thank you in advance for your assistance, and I look forward to hearing from you
Yours truly,
Sayeh Hassan
Barrister & Solicitor |
| A report about the Southern Kurdistan (Iraq): |
A report about the Southern Kurdistan (Iraq):
Historical ruins in need of being protected and preserved
Introduction
Mesopotamia is a historically important region. In this region mankind experienced one of its
earliest civilizations. During the course of history in Mesopotamia was built sites and
irrigation channels around the rivers Euphrates and Tigris which some of even has made it to
today.
In Mesopotamia, for the first time, humans began to leave their caves, and instead built their
homes to live in. They built this historical heritage of the ancient peoples such as Armenians,
Kurds, Jews, Assyrians, etc. This is an important demonstration for our multicultural region.
Today these historic buildings are ruins. They are living proof of human history and culture.
They are the world's cultural heritage, and are so important to protect.
In recent time, many of these historical buildings and ruins in Southern Kurdistan (Iraq) was
to a extent destroyed and looted by ordinary people, but to a bigger extent destroyed by the
authorities that were responsible of these areas.
In this report we give some examples of the destroyed places. The scale of the injury
becomes more and more for each day. Therefore, we urge all national and international
human rights and cultural organizations to support our campaign against looting of our
valuable heritage in Kurdistan.
- KRG (Kurdistan Regional Government) controls the Southern Kurdistan. The government
has the task of preserving the cultural heritages belonging to different cultures in the
country. KRG must take full responsibility and immediately stop the looting going on. KRG,
must create a national program to authorities, students and the public to become aware of
this cultural heritage.
UNESCO and other international organizations must take more responsibility for the
protection of World Heritage in Southern Kurdistan. September 15, 2009
Kadir Nadir Representative Campaign "Protect cultural heritages in Kurdistan"
Ali Mahmut Member of "Kardocide Watch CHAK", Holland
Gabar Çiyan Chairman of the "EuroKurd Human Rights-EHR", Stockholm |
| Kurdish MP challenges Turkish Parliament on Armenian Genocide |
Kurdish MP challenges Turkish Parliament on Armenian Genocide
"Demirtas suggested the formation of a history committee, consisting of independent historians from both sides, that would aim at revealing historic truths. “Without doing this, no real policy of peace can be pursued in foreign or domestic policy and no real resolution can be reached by ignoring the tragedy, by acting as if the loss of lives was a result of unwanted adverse circumstances. I know that what I say upsets those who remain loyal to the status quo..."
"The government suspended the peace program and said that the coming of PKK members from European countries was cancelled due to the Kurds’ provocative welcoming demonstrations. Shortly after this news, Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the PKK , announced that they too had suspended the process..."
Armenian Weekly
November 8, 2009
“During the last period of the Ottoman Empire, in 1915-16, the Union and Progress Party systematically pursued a policy of extermination of the Christians who had been the native peoples of the country for centuries.”
These were the words articulated at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) by Selahattin Demirtas, the deputy chairman of the parliamentary group of Democratic Society Party (DTP)—the voice of Kurds in the Turkish Parliament. Demirtas had taken the floor at the parliamentary session on Oct. 21 to speak about the protocols signed between Armenia and Turkey.
“No national security considerations can be an excuse for the annihilation of a population by means of forced displacement and massacres,” he said. “Governments, in an effort to clear themselves of the guilt, resorted to denial and to distortion of historical facts to conceal the truth. They rewrote the history. In school books, Armenians are portrayed as hostile figures, exaggerating the incidents of violence by Armenian activists and never telling the truth about the massacred Armenians.”
The meeting minutes, available on the website of the TGNA, reveals the interruptions by other deputies, member of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the opposition party Republican People’s Party (CHP), and an independent deputy, who called out loud: “What are you talking about? Say what you want to say openly!” or “Shame on you!” or “Don’t slander” or “What about the Turkish diplomats assassinated?”
“The word ‘Armenian’ has been used as an insult in this country,” continued Demirtas. “Even the president of the Republic of Turkey was accused of having secret Armenian ancestors, as if this was a sin. They did this to humiliate him. And what a shame that the president himself answered this ‘accusation’ in such a way as to confirm the humiliating connotation of the word, by trying to prove that this was not true.”
Demirtas suggested the formation of a history committee, consisting of independent historians from both sides, that would aim at revealing historic truths. “Without doing this, no real policy of peace can be pursued in foreign or domestic policy and no real resolution can be reached by ignoring the tragedy, by acting as if the loss of lives was a result of unwanted adverse circumstances. I know that what I say upsets those who remain loyal to the status quo. However for us to avoid recognizing historical truths just for the sake of the status quo would mean betraying our conscience and taking a politically unethical stance. So Turkey should lead the way to uncover the historical facts instead of continuing to carry the burden of a tragedy caused by the Committee of Union and Progress. In order for truly friendly relations between the two countries, it should be acknowledged that this is the only way for mutual trust.”
This was a first for the Turkish Parliament. There may be parts in Demirtas’ speech where one would disagree. But for me, these points of disagreement are less important than the declaration— in the Turkish Grand National Assembly—of the systematic extermination of Armenians in 1915. And it was a Kurdish MP who made this happen. The Kurds, some of whom actively took part in the Armenian Genocide, were also the first in Turkey to talk and write about the genocide of the Armenians and Assyrians.
Demirtas’s words weren’t in the headlines the next day as one would expect; those days were unusually exciting, as a group of PKK guerillas had just crossed the border and given themselves up to Turkish security forces as a gesture to support the government’s peace initiative. TV channels and newspapers were full of scenes of rejoicing and celebrations by thousands of Kurds, old and young, women and men, all welcoming the peace group. The guerillas waved their hands to the crowds, who were joyously demonstrating for peace. A few days passed with puzzlement on the part of the Turkish public and the opinion makers. However, the puzzlement did not last long. A wave of anger surged with columnists condemning such “scenes of outright defiance,” “celebrations of PKK’s victory,” or “shameless display of support to PKK.” Then came the demonstrations of the “mothers of martyrs” and others condemning the PKK. The panel discussions on TV featured even democrat and liberal figures criticizing the DTP for rallying Kurds to celebrate the PKK guerillas’ return and provoking Turkish nationalism.
Just when Demirtas was giving his speech about the Armenia-Turkey protocols, I was called by Agos newspaper to comment on the coming of the PKK group as a peace delegation. I sent them a message saying, in short, that I did not trust Turkey. I explained that given the age-old authoritarian nationalistic policies pursued by governments, instigating hostility and hatred in the minds of people, no real peace policy would be possible. The majority of the Turkish people themselves would not let this dream come true. Although this was what I thought, I still had the hope that this time I might be wrong, that some good things could happen in this country. The pictures in the newspapers, the images on TV of old men and women welcoming the PKK members at the Habur border gate—dancing, waving hands, laughing, and cheerin—were so impressive that one could not help but hope.
But Turkey did not put me down and once more not my dreams but my fears came true. The government suspended the peace program and said that the coming of PKK members from European countries was cancelled due to the Kurds’ provocative welcoming demonstrations. Shortly after this news, Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the PKK , announced that they too had suspended the process.
Now all advocates of peace are waiting for a new sign indicating the resumption of the peace process. Turkey’s lack of any tradition of reconciliation and it’s deeply rooted authoritarian habits of resorting to violence instead of understanding did its job again.
A Kurdish intellectual’s comprehensive work about the genocide
Speaking about the Kurdish intellectuals and activists who first talked and wrote about the Armenian Genocide in Turkey, I have to mention the book of Recep Marasli, who was one of the victims of the horrible tortures at Diyarbakir Prison in the 1980’s and who served 15 years in various prisons.
In the preface to his book Ermeni Ulusal Demokratik Hareketive 1915 Soykirimi (The Armenian National Democratic Movement and 1915 Genocide) (Peri Publishing House, 2008, Istanbul), Marasli writes how he first wrote about the Armenian Genocide in 1982, when he was in the Alemdag Prison. It was the first and worst years of the military rule. At the same time, it was a time when Turkish diplomats were assassinated one by one by the Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia, and anti-Armenian sentiments were at their peak in Turkey, provoked by the insulting headlines in Turkish newspapers. In the Diyarbakir Prison, those inmates suspected of being of Armenian origin were subjected to special violence, and there were incidents of forced circumcision. During these days, Recep Marasli with a number of his fellow prisoners secretly prepared and circulated a pamphlet about the Armenian Genocide in the Alemdag Prison. This pamphlet would later serve as the outline of his present book. He thinks it may well be the first structured writing about the Armenian Genocide in Kurdish circles in modern Turkish history. Some of the Kurdish inmates found it irrelevant to the circumstances of the day (as the central issue for them was the Kurdish Question); some even thought that Marasli was of Armenian origin. This pamphlet was a turning point in Marasli’s efforts on the topic. Marasli and his comrades circulated the leaflets in prison every April 24th to commemorate the genocide, and Marasli started to read everything he could find about the genocide. Afterwards, he integrated the contents of the first pamphlet in his defense statement, which was submitted during his trial in Diyarbakir Military Court for his membership in the Kurdish political organization Rizgari. He developed this piece of writing later on during his imprisonment, served in the prisons of Eskisehir and Aydin, and finally produced this comprehensive 544-page book about the Armenian Genocide, its historical background, its mechanism, and its aftermath—the Turkification policies in the republican period up to the present day. At the end of the book, there is a very interesting list of the old and new names of Kurdish, Armenian ,and Assyrian settlements which I think is a precious resource in this respect.
To go back to our starting point, Selahattin Demirtas’ address in the TGNA was something one can never expect from a Turkish member of parliament, at least under present conditions. I think much has to be done to explore the factors that bring the grandchildren of the peoples of the old Armenia and Kurdistan closer to each other now. Such exploration and efforts to build on the findings would help a lot in paving the way for a more democratic Turkey that would bring justice to all.
Patrick Mac Manus
Midgaardsgade 13, 3. th.
2200 København / Copenhagen N
+45 22 45 41 78
Foreningen Oprør / Rebellion (Denmark): www.opror.net/blog/ |
| Kurdish Human Rights Project |
Kurdish Human Rights Project
Telephone Pranjali Acharya, Resources and Communications Manager or Rachel Bernu, Managing Director at +44 (0) 207 405 3835
6 November 2009- Press Release: For immediate release
KHRP Call for Turkey and Iran to End Cross-Border Bombardments in Northern Iraq
Today, on the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, KHRP urges Turkey and Iran to end the cross-border bombardments that they have waged in northern Iraq for more than two years.
According to media reports, as part of a coordinated effort with Iran, and tactical support from most of its neighbours as well as the US, the Turkish Army is preparing for continued military operations in Kurdistan, Iraq. On Tuesday 6 October 2009, the Turkish Parliament adopted a motion extending the government's mandate to launch cross-border military operations for another year.
The immediate effects of armed conflict are well-documented, but often the long-term damage to the environment is little known or seriously considered. Both the Turkish and Iranian governments have persistently claimed that these campaigns are only directed at ousting Kurdish separatist groups the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK). However, as KHRP’s recent legal cases demonstrate, the ongoing cross-border bombardments into northern Iraq not only result in civilian injury and death, but also the destruction of property and degradation of the environment.
In pursuing legal redress on behalf of Iraqi villagers against Turkey at the European Court of Human Rights, KHRP are pushing the Court to consider its own jurisdiction. Furthermore, it is also pressing the governments involved whether directly or indirectly, to take greater care when carrying out military action.
As highlighted by our recent fact-finding mission report on the civilian toll of cross-border operations in Iraq, the operations have led to loss of life and debilitating injury, loss of livelihood and property, the destruction of traditional village modes of life and the trauma of the affected communities’, said KHRP Managing Director, Rachel Bernu. ‘It is imperative that the governments as well as the international community take heed of the full scale and effects of the bombardments on civilians and the long-term damage wrought on the environment.’ |
| TURKEY SHOULD NOT PERMIT SUDANESE PRESIDENT OMAR AL-BASHIR TO PARTICIPATE |
TURKEY SHOULD NOT PERMIT SUDANESE PRESIDENT OMAR AL-BASHIR TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING OF THE ORGANISATION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE IN TURKEY, BUT HAND HIM OVER TO THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT IF HE SHOULD ENTER TURKEY!
Through the media we have learned that Sudanese President Omer Hassan al-Bashir, against whom the International Criminal Court (the Court) has issued an arrest warrant, is planning to participate in the meeting of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference in Istanbul on 9 November 2009.
The arrest warrant lists several counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly perpetrated by Sudanese President Omer Hassan al-Bashir. Bashir, against whom the Court issued an arrest warrant on 4 March 2009, has repeatedly declared that he will not comply with the Court’s decision and thus has been on the run from international justice since March 2009.
Until today 110 countries have ratified the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court, and the latest country ratifying the Rome Statute in July 2009 was the Czech Republic. Turkey has not yet ratified the Rome Statute. However, according to Article 13 of the Turkish Criminal Code, Turkey has accepted universal jurisdiction for certain crimes, such as crimes against humanity or genocide. Consequently, it is possible to put Bashir on trial for the alleged crimes in Turkey.
After the issuance of the arrest warrant Bashir has visited seven countries, namely Eritrea, Egypt, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe, none of which are State Parties to the Court. Although, the African Union rejects the Court’s decision and has tried to influence all states to not comply with it, Botswana and South Africa as well as non-African nations such as Brazil have so far declared that they would arrest Bashir in case he should enter any of their territories.
It is unacceptable that a Prime Minister who said in Davos that applauding those who killed children in the Gaza Strip is a crime against humanity, and government officials who speak of international justice at the United Nations and other international forums, should host a person who is avoiding facing international justice for the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur.
Turkey should not permit Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to participate in the meeting of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference in Turkey, but hand him over to the International Criminal Court if he should enter Turkey!
Members of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court Turkey ( CICC Turkey)
Ankara Bar Association/ Capital City Women’s Platform/ Association for Civil Society in Criminal Justice Admin istration/ Diyarbakir Bar Association / Helsinki Citizens Assembly/ Human Rights Research Association/ Human Rights Association/ Human Rights Agenda Association/ Association of Human Rights and Solidarity for Oppressed People/ Izmir Women’s Solidarity Association/ Ivy Association for the Fight against Poverty and Sustainable Development / Foundation for Society and Legal Studies/ Association for the Research and Facing of Social Events/ Human Rights Foundation of Turkey/ Amnesty International Turkey/ Van Women’s Association
For more information: Ozturk Turkdogan – CICC Turkey Spokesperson - +90.532.333 62 46 / +90.312.230 35 67 |
| Dear Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, |
Dear Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court,
and Organisations for defence the International Criminal Court.
6 November 2009
As you all aware, Omar Hassan al-Bshir the President of Sudanese Government attempt to violate International Criminal Court and visit Turkey in 9th of November 2009. The men who the ICC issued an arrest warrant ageist him for war crim and crim against humanity.
In this way Turkey not only in breach of International law convention but Turkish Government policy, since its establishment in 1924, was the policy of alienation and elimination against both Kurdish and Armenian nations. This policy led the Turkish Government to create a county of one nation and one language.
The Turkish Government policy of eradication and exclusion, which killed millions of people, was not ended and this policy continued against Kurdish people up to today. They imposed unjust war against Kurd; displaced millions of Kurd form their home, disappeared more than 17000 Kurdish citizens and ruined more than 4000 Kurdish villages. There are all fact examples for crime that Turkey committed against humanity and of course ICC’s basic criteria for greater crim and prosecution. We belied that this is the only reason for Turkey to refuse to go along with the Rome protocol and join to your court. We established all our optimism on you authority and belied that the implementation of this protocol will end to long term crims against Kurdish nation.
However, we believe that there are no differences between Omar Hassan al-Bashir and those who welcoming him. Both apply policy of elimination against the minorities’ people in their country. We are writ to urge you to support Kurdish nation in order to end the policy of elimination against kurd and help to establish and bring peaces to our nation.
The Victory for Justice in the World
Kurdocide Watch- chak
www.chak.be
www.kurdocide.com
chak_org@yahoo.com |
| Turkey: No to safe haven for fugitive from international justice |
Turkey: No to safe haven for fugitive from international justice
6 November 2009
Amnesty International today condemned an invitation extended by Turkey to Sudanese President Omar al Bashir to attend a meeting in Turkey, even though he is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“President Omar al Bashir is a fugitive from international justice, charged with responsibility for crimes against humanity and war crimes against men, women and children, including murder, rape, torture and forced displacement. It would be a disgrace for Turkey to offer him safe haven,” said Christopher Keith Hall, Senior Legal Advisor, at Amnesty International.
President Omar al Bashir has been invited to attend a meeting of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), which is taking place in Istanbul Turkey from 5 to 9 November 2009.
An arrest warrant for President Omar al Bashir was issued by the ICC on 4 March 2009 on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes.
“If the Turkish authorities fail to arrest President Omar al Bashir and hand him over to the ICC, this would be inconsistent with Turkey’s international obligations,” Christopher Keith Hall said.
“It would not only amount to obstruction of justice, but just as offering shelter to a fleeing bank robber constitutes a crime under national law, so, too, would sheltering a fugitive from international justice be complicity in crime.”
According to press reports, Turkish officials have stated that they would not arrest and surrender President Omar al Bashir.
“Turkey must act as a responsible member of the international community for the sake of thousands of victims of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Darfur,” Christopher Keith Hall said.
Background
Turkey is a party to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which obliges it to open an investigation when persons suspected of torture - without any limitation as to rank - are present and to take them into custody or take other legal measures to ensure their presence pending institution of criminal or extradition proceedings.
Although Turkey is not a party to the Rome Statute of the ICC, it is a party to the Convention against Torture and has made commitments to ratify the Rome Statute.
Under Article 13 of its Penal Code, Turkey can arrest foreigners suspected of responsibility for crimes against humanity committed abroad against other foreigners.
As a member of the Security Council, Turkey’s offer of a safe haven to a fugitive from international justice is inconsistent with the Security Council's resolution 1593 which " urges all States and concerned regional and other international organizations to cooperate fully " with the International Criminal Court regarding Darfur.
Notes to editors:
Turkey has recently sought to strengthen its relationship with Sudan. Sudan has ended visa requirements for Turkish nationals and restrictions on Turkish investment in Sudan.
Since the ICC issued the arrest warrant on 4 March 2009, President al Bashir has visited seven states (Eritrea, Egypt, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe), none of which are parties to the ICC treaty. He has recently intended to visit Uganda and Nigeria and, in each instance, after protests by civil society in those countries he cancelled his planned visits.
A number of states, including Botswana, Brazil and South Africa, have indicated that they would arrest President al Bashir if he were to enter their countries. |
| Kurdish Doctor Issues Statement on Turkish Genocide of Assyrians |
Kurdish Doctor Issues Statement on Turkish Genocide of Assyrians
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted GMT 9-24-2009 9:46:53
Siirt, Turkey (AINA) -- Dr. Ekrem Bilek, the president of the Medical Society of the city of Siirt, located in south-east Turkey, and who is a Kurd, has issued a statement on the Turkish genocide of Assyrians, Greeks and Armenians in World War One. The genocide, called Seyfo in Assyrian, began on April 24, 1915 and over the course of the next three years claimed 750,000 Assyrians (75%), 500,000 Greeks and 1.5 million Armenians. The genocide was targeted at the three main Christian groups of the Ottoman Empire.
Dr. Bilek's statement follows:
In order for past sorrows and tribulations not to be repeated again and for those with inter-cultural differences to live together in a harmonious way, one must directly confront his or her own history. Normally, the first degree of responsibility for the crimes that are committed and that continue to be committed against humanity falls upon political authorities and powers. However, to remain silent about them is to indirectly become a party to the same crimes.
Anyone who sides with humanitarian values, especially intellectuals and democrats, have the responsibility to confront, condemn and punish these crimes. Fulfilling this responsibility by prosecuting the culprits will contribute to inter-faith dialogue and for cultures to live together in peace.
Any leading action taken by individuals, even though it may be considered a small step, will enable political powers and authorities to confront their past as well as give hope for past grievances to be cleared away. Most importantly such actions will prevent further tragedies from taking place and will contribute towards peace prevailing amongst peoples. In light of this consideration and the humanitarian action taken by Mr Berzan Boti and Mr Sabri Atman, I think similarly, this will mark the beginning of the dialogue between the Kurdish and Assyrian peoples.
While wholeheartedly supporting this humanitarian action which took place late last year, as responsibility falls upon any intellectual, similarly, I would like to point out that I impose upon myself to build the first house for the first family that will return to its land. I hope that this additional small step taken by myself will contribute further towards the peace, brotherhood and tolerance of differences and towards individuals living together freely in peace.
Dr. Ekrem Bilek - President, Siirt Medical Society
The Seyfo Center, an Assyrian Genocide Research Center, contributed to this report |
| Iran must release scholar held for peaceful criticism of election |
Iran must release scholar held for peaceful criticism of election
Iranian scholar Dr Mohammad Maleki
© Private
27 October 2009
The Iranian authorities must release a 76-year-old scholar held incommunicado for 41 days, apparently for his peaceful criticism of the Iranian presidential election, said Amnesty International.
The organization also expressed grave concern for the health of Dr Mohammad Maleki, and said it fears that his life is in danger as he is suffering from serious illnesses.
Mohammad Maleki, a former Chancellor of Tehran University, has been held without charge in Tehran's Evin prison since his arrest in August. His two-month temporary detention order was renewed on 22 October, though he was unable to challenge it and no reasons were given as to why it was extended.
The officials who arrested Mohammad Maleki told his wife Ghodsi Mir Moez that he was being investigated for stirring up unrest and for what they alleged were his links to the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran, a banned opposition group.
Many of those arrested since the election have faced similar allegations by the authorities.
Dr Maleki's family has stressed that he is not affiliated to any political party and did not vote in the 12 June presidential election in Iran.
He criticized the conduct of the elections but did not publicly express a view about any one of the four candidates that stood for election.
Amnesty International said that it considers him to be a prisoner of conscience, held solely for the peaceful expression of his views.
Before his arrest Mohammad Maleki had been receiving regular treatment for prostate cancer, which he has not been given while in custody.
On 23 October, his wife, Ghodsi Mir Moez, expressed concern in an interview with a German radio station that his health is likely to have deteriorated.
His family and lawyer were allowed to visit him once, on 14 September. Ghodsi Mir Moez said afterwards:
"I noticed the doctor's physical condition had worsened and his hands and feet were trembling constantly and he did not have enough strength to stand on his own feet." She also said he had complained that he was "in severe pain and was suffering from an increased heart rate, low blood pressure, and a burning sensation during urination."
Amnesty International has called on the Iranian authorities to immediately provide Dr Mohammad Maleki with all necessary medical treatment, including that available outside prison if necessary.
The organization has also urged the authorities to clarify his state of health as a matter of urgency and to grant him immediate and regular visits by his family and lawyer.
Read More
Mass arrests during prayer service for activists in Iran (News, 23 October 2009)
Protesters' Rights trampled in Iran (Appeal for action, 28 July 2009)
Iran: Worsening repression of dissent as election approaches (Report, 1 February 2009)
Iran: Human Rights Abuses Against The Baluchi Minority (Report, 17 September 2007)
Iran: Civil society activists and human rights defenders under attack (Press release, 10 November 2004)
Iran: Fear for safety/ Incommunicado detention/ Risk of torture and ill-treatment/Prisoners of conscience (POCs) (Urgent action, 30 July 2003)
Iran Further information on Prisoners of Conscience/Medical Concern and new concern: fear of ill-treatment/incommunicado detention (Urgent action, 21 June 2001)
Iran: Further information on- Prisoners of Conscience / Medical Concern and New concern: Unfair Trial / Fear of torture (Urgent action, 12 March 2001)
Iran election unrest (Amnesty International page) |
| Victims outraged at Karadzic adjournment |
Victims outraged at Karadzic adjournment
Filed under: genocide international criminal tribunal for the former yugoslavia international justice tribune Radovan Karadzic srebrenica war crimes
Few people expected Radovan Karadzic to show up to the start of his trial on Monday. He had already announced his intention not to attend a few days earlier in a written submission to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). The former President of the Serb Republic in Bosnia stayed away to protest the fact that he hadn't been given more time to prepare his case. The pre-trial and appeals chambers rejected his request for a 10-month postponement earlier this month.
By Sebastien Gottlieb
As he opened the trial in Courtroom 1 of the ICTY, Presiding Judge O-Gon Kwon saw only empty seats where the defence team should be and quickly decided to adjourn the trial until the next day. ”We will start with reading the opening statement,” he said, “and we request Mr. Karadzic to attend, so that his trial is not further obstructed.”
Judging by his gentle approach, Kwon is hoping to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict with Karadzic.
This could be because of what has been until now a cooperative relationship between Karadzic and the tribunal. This is in stark contrast to the earlier trials of the late Slobodan Milosevic and enfant terrible Vojislav Seselj, who made obstructing and frustrating the tribunal their primary business. Kwon’s good faith in Karadzic may also come from a letter the defendant sent to the court stating that he “will never boycott his own trial” and hoping the court would find “a fair solution.”
117 members of victims’ rights group the Mothers of Srebrenica attended the first day of trial in The Hague. They represent the families of the more than 7,000 Muslim men and boys killed during the Srebenica genocide in 1995. They were shocked by the judge’s soft approach and when Kwon announced the court’s adjournment, they stood up in the public gallery and shouted with frustration.
Once they left the courtroom they expressed their anger to the international press that thronged to the first day of trial.
“I just don’t understand why the court didn’t force him to come,” said one woman. “He was in hiding for 14 years, now he should finally show himself to us.”
Trial watchers at the ICTY in The Hague see Karadzic’s absence as a ritual contest between the court and the accused. Michael Wladimiroff who represented Duso Tadic, the first person to be convicted by the ICTY, said: “I expect Karadzic to turn up in the courtroom once the first witnesses are presented by the prosecution. He will not attend the opening statement because there is nothing to win there for him.”
Wladimiroff has been right so far: Karadzic didn’t attend the postponed opening of the trial on Tuesday when the charges against him were presented by the prosecution.
Whether Wladimiroff is also right that Karadzic will show up at a later time, remains to be seen. |
| Alleged génocidaires neither tried nor extradited |
Alleged génocidaires neither tried nor extradited
Filed under: Eugene Rwamucyo genocide international justice tribune President Paul Kagame rwandan genocide war crimes
Fifteen years after the Rwandan genocide, the situation regarding a dozen Rwandan suspects living in France remains deadlocked.
French courts refused to transfer suspected génocidaires to Rwanda following various rulings that suspects could not be guaranteed a fair trial.
As well as this Rwanda will not allow French officials to carry out investigations over there. Diplomatic relations between the two countries soured after a French judge implicated President Paul Kagame in the assassination of former Rwandan president Juvénal Habyarimana.
Habyarimana’s widow now lives in France. But on October 16th the country’s highest legal authority refused to grant her asylum, saying that “presumptions exist” regarding her involvement in the massacres
Agathe Habyarimana could, therefore, be deported to Rwanda, or she could be tried in France under the principle of universal jurisdiction, if a judicial inquiry launched against her last year so decides.
At the same time, a hospital in Northern France recently suspended medical doctor Eugene Rwamucyo after discovering he was wanted by Interpol in connection with the genocide.
But Rwamucyo is also unlikely to be extradited or tried anytime soon. At least not until relations between Paris and Kigali improve. |
| Sierra Leone tribunal upholds sentences for RUF rebels |
Sierra Leone tribunal upholds sentences for RUF rebels
Filed under: Armed Forces Revolutionary Council Civil Defence Forces foday sankoh genocide international justice tribune ruf sierra leone special court for sierra leone war crimes
The Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) Appeals Chamber upheld sentences for three former Revolutionary United Front (RUF) leaders Monday in the last ever judgement to be handed down in Freetown.
By Thijs Bouwknegt
The five-judge panel confirmed the sentences of 52 years for Issa Hassan Sesay, 40 years for Morris Kallon and 25 years for Augustine Gbao. In total, the court dismissed 96 defence grounds for appeal.
The men were convicted in February for overseeing a spree of killings, mutilations and rapes during the country’s civil war.
Monday’s judgment upholds first-ever convictions by an international tribunal for forced marriage as a crime against humanity, and for attacks against United Nations peacekeepers.
The ruling is the last to be handed down in Freetown. The SCSL’s only remaining case, the trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor, is being held in The Hague.
Since 2004 the court has tried members of three main factions in the war: the Civil Defence Forces (CDF), the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and the RUF. However, the most notorious RUF frontman Foday Sankoh and Civil Defence leader Sam Hinga Norman died in prison.
RUF commander Sam Bockarie was killed in Liberia while the AFRC’s Johnny Paul Koroma is believed to be dead, although his indictment remains. |
| Uruguay confronts its past |
Uruguay confronts its past
A Uruguay court sentenced former military ruler Gregorio Alvarez to 25 years in prison for murder and human rights violations Thursday. He was found guilty of 37 homicides committed during his time as army chief in the 1970s and later as president.
By Santiago O'Donnell and Carlos Montero
In the same case, former naval officer Juan Carlos Larcebeau was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his part in 29 murders.
Both sentences came hours before the Uruguayan Supreme Court declared unconstitutional an amnesty law approved by Congress in 1986 and ratified by a national referendum in 1989.
82-year-old Alvarez played a key role in the country’s 1973 coup before going on to become commander-in-chief of the army and ultimately president of Uruguay’s military junta from 1981 to 1985.
He was arrested in 2007 and in Thursday’s ruling, Judge Luis Charles found Alvarez guilty of the crime of “forceful disappearance” and “aggravated homicide” of 37 left-wing activists in 1978.
“Triumph for democracy”
“The Alvarez ruling is a triumph for democracy, since he was a symbol of the repression that occurred during the years of state terrorism,” said human rights activist Guillermo Paysee, director of Serpaj-Uruguay.
“But the struggle must continue and we won’t give up until we get rid of the amnesty law that is crippling our freedom and dignity,” he added.
Justice has been slow in coming to the small Latin American country but after 12 years of dictatorship and a quarter-century of democracy, history accelerated over the course of a few days.
The convictions of Alvarez and Larcebau highlighted Uruguay’s changing position regarding crimes committed under the dictatorship. In March, eight former soldiers and police officers were convicted for their role in enforced disapearences.
Juan María Bordaberry, who ruled the country from 1973 to 1976, is also awaiting judgement on charges relating to the deaths of four people, including two members of Uruguay’s General Assembly.
Overturning amnesties
Uruguay has been under democratic rule since 1985 and these recent developments are seen as bringing it closer to policies adopted by Argentina, which overturned an amnesty for crimes committed under its own 1976-1983 dictatorship. Chile is also prosecuting around 500 soldiers for crimes against humanity carried out during General Augusto Pinochet’s 1973-1990 rule. Uruguay’s first left-wing president, Tabare Vazquez, took office in 2005 and opened the door to prosecuting human rights violations committed under the dictatorship.
But cases concerning 231 other desaparacidos have still not come to court. Soldiers alleged to have played a role in their disappearance refused to respond to judges’ summonses because of a de facto amnesty.
The law in question - Ley de Caducidad de la Pretencion Punitiva del Estado, or Expiry Law – prevents the prosecution of police and military officials for crimes committed prior to 1985.
The cases against Alvarez and Larcebeau were not covered by the country’s amnesty law because the victims were kidnapped in Argentina and the law only refers to crimes committed in Uruguay.
Last week, in a case involving the murder of Nibia Sabalsagaray, a communist activist in a military garrison in 1974, the Uruguayan Supreme Court ruled that the Ley de Caducidad is unconstitutional.
A referendum to abolish the amnesty, however, was narrowly defeated on Sunday in Uruguay’s national election. |
| ICC: Darfur hearings |
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has been hearing evidence against Bahr Idriss Abu Garda on three charges of war crimes for an attack on peacekeepers in Darfur in 2007.
By Thijs Bouwknegt
The political commander of the United Resistance Front is the first person to openly cooperate with the court. In asserting his innocence, Abu Garda said that appearing before the court is part of pushing the Sudanese peace process forward: “I came here because I believe in justice [...] If my presence here improves the situation in Sudan, and encourages others to come and cooperate with the ICC, then I will be satisfied.”
He is charged with commanding some 1,000 armed men to attack African Union Mission (AMIS) peacekeepers in Haskanita on November 29th, 2007.
Deputy Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said, “The evidence will show that this attack was planned and executed under the command of Mr. Abu Garda and other co-perpetrators.”
The first prosecution witness told the court how he was shot in the back while seeking shelter in a trench but said he had never seen Abu Garda.
In court, Abu Garda offered his condolences to the victims. His lawyer, Karim Kahn added that “rather than condoning or encouraging the attack, [his client] went on record and roundly condemned it.”
Kahn said the prosecutors fell into the trap of a “convenient” case, but one that “will not pass muster” when the judges look at it more carefully.
In a closed session on October 29th, Khan will question the ICC’s lead investigator about process of charging Abu Garda with crimes in Darfur.
All parties - including representatives for 78 AMIS personnel and their families - will discuss the evidence and present closing arguments on October 29th, leaving the judges to decide if Abu Garda should stand trial. |
| The International Justice Tribune |
The International Justice Tribune
• Twice a month, International Justice Tribune, the only online magazine covering international criminal justice, publishes investigative articles and interviews about world-wide efforts to try war criminals, from the International Criminal Court to domestic courts.
After one year of silence, Radio Netherlands Worldwide in close cooperation with its founders Franck Petit and Thierry Cruvellier is proud to present the revitalized IJT.
Created in March 2004, IJT is the successor to 'Diplomatie Judiciaire', a magazine that for seven years documented trials before the international criminal tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. Most of Diplomatie Judiciaire’s invaluable reporting is now in IJT’s archives, which is available free on the website.
IJT does not promote any particular form of justice. Our aim is to make international justice comprehensible to a diverse audience of observers and decision-makers, be they political analysts, lawyers, researchers or journalists. Subscribers to IJT come from public bodies, international courts, NGOs, newspapers and press agencies. It is also widely read by students and universities around the world.
We invite you to take the long view on international justice.
The Editors:
Managing Editor: Arjen van Dijkhuizen
Editorial Advisor: Franck Petit
Editor: Hermione Gee
Producer: Thijs Bouwknegt
Intern: Karl |
| African Unional Qaedaal ShabaabHizbul |
insurgent leader warns against infightingPublished on6 October 2009 - 8:22pm Filed under:
African Unional Qaedaal ShabaabHizbul IslamKismayuSheikh Hassan Dahir AweysSomaliaUnion of Islamic Courts
Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, the leader of Hizbul Islam, an Islamist rebel group in central and southern Somalia, has appealed to Al Shabaab to agree to a ceasefire. Al Shabaab, Somalia's second major fundamentalist Islamist insurgent group, has until recently fought together with Hizbul Islam against the Somali government and African Union troops. The two Islamist groups control much of southern and central Somalia.
Sheikh Aweys, who led the Union of Islamic Courts which gained control of much of the country in 2006, says the infighting will only help the Somali government and AU forces. Last week, Al Shabaab militiamen expelled Hizbul Islam fighters from Somalia's southern port of Ksmayu. Clashes between the two groups have been continuing in surrounding districts.
Al Shabaab is considered by Washington to be al Qaeda's proxy in Somalia. Hizbul Islam was founded after the overthrow of the Union of Islamic Courts. The Islamists ruled the capital Mogadishu and much of Somalia in 2006, until they were defeated in December 2006 by Ethiopian troops and Somali government forces. The Islamists have since regained control of much of the territory from which they were expelled.
Western countries hope to convince the more moderate Hizbul Islam movement to agree to a deal with the government of President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed. However, Sheikh Aweys has shown little inclination to agree to such a deal.
Advance of the Union of Islamic Courts in 2006
Photo by Wikimedia Commons |
| Hartmann to appeal fine |
Hartmann to appeal fine
Published on : 24 September 2009 - 12:54pm | By Hermione Gee Filed under: Balkansflorence hartmannictySlobodan Milosevic
A former spokeswoman of the war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia will appeal a contempt of court conviction for disclosing confidential information, her lawyers said on Thursday.
Frenchwoman Florence Hartmann, who had covered the war in the Balkans as a journalist, was ordered last week to pay a 7,000-euro ($10,300) fine for publishing information in a 2007 book and a 2008 article in violation of a tribunal order.
The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia brought contempt charges against Hartmann, who worked from 2000 to 2006 as its spokeswoman, for disclosing confidential information related to the trial of the late Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic.
Tribunal judges expanded the scope of charges against Hartmann, violated her freedom of expression and made several other mistakes in the contempt trial, she and her lawyers argued in a statement sent to reporters.
"The Defence is requesting that the Appeals Chamber overturns the judgment of the Trial Chamber and acquits Ms Hartmann of all charges," the statement said.
Hartmann's defence lawyers also asked the court to suspend payment of the fine pending the appeal.
(REUTERS) |
| Former Rwandan Minister's trial begins |
Former Rwandan Minister's trial begins
Published on : 24 September 2009 - 4:33pm | By International Justice Desk Filed under: Augustin Ngirabatwarefelicien kabugahistoire du génocideictrrwandawar crimes
The trial of Augustin Ngirabatware, former Rwandan Minister of Planning, began Wednesday at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
Crimes
Ngirabatware, 52, is charged with genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, complicity in genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide; crimes against humanity for murder, extermination, rape, inhumane acts; and serious violations of the Geneva Conventions and of Additional Protocol II.
The former minister allegedly used funds donated to the Rwandan Government to purchase arms and distribute them to the Interahamwe, the Hutu militia that was notorious for its use of machetes to hack Tutsis to death.
Ngirabatware is also the son-in-law of Félicien Kabuga. Kabuga who is suspected of helping finance the 1994 genocide and is the tribunals most sought after suspect.
Arrest
Ngirabatwarewas arrested in Frankfurt, Germany on 17 September 2007, and was transferred to the UN Detention Facility in Arusha, Tanzania, on 8 October 2008. He made his initial appearance and pleaded not guilty to all the counts on 10 October 2008.
Between now and the 23rd of October the Prosecution will call 17 witnesses. The defence will present its opening statement at a later date. |
| Former Argentinean president charged with obstructing bomb probe |
Former Argentinean president charged with obstructing bomb probe
Published on : 2 October 2009 - 11:51am | By International Justice Desk Filed under: Ali Akbar RafsanjaniAMIAArgentinaArgentine Jewish Mutual AssociationCarlso MenemhezbollahIransyria
Former Argentine president Carlos Menem was charged Thursday with leading a cover-up in the 1994 bombing of a building housing Jewish charities that killed 85 people.
Some 300 people were also wounded in the attack that levelled the seven-floor Argentine Jewish Mutual Association (AMIA) building in Buenos Aires. No one has ever been convicted for the bombing.
“Syrian Connection”
Federal Judge Ariel Lijo charged Menem, 79, with "instigating" several crimes, including concealing and tampering with evidence and abusing authority to cover up what was then called a "Syrian connection."
Prosecutor Alberto Nisman asked Lijo last May to indict Menem and his former officials, accusing them of "aggravated concealment" of a "local connection" that provided the logistics to carry out the attack.
Nisman alleged that Menem, who was born in Argentina to Syrian immigrants, and his former staff stole evidence to hide the involvement of Syrian-Argentine businessman Alberto Kanoore Edul in the AMIA bombing, and destroyed evidence that would have incriminated him.
Cover-up
Former judge Juan Jose Galeano, who was in charge of the investigation for 10 years but was dismissed from the case in 2004, had prosecuted Edul as an alleged participant, but ultimately cleared and released him.
Galeano was also charged in the cover-up, along with Menem's brother, former top intelligence officers and police.
Prosecutors claim that Edul was linked to Carlos Telledin, who served a 10-year prison term for having armed the car bomb that blew up the Jewish centre but was then cleared of the charges in 2005. In May, the Supreme Court ordered a new investigation into Telledin.
Iran accused
Buenos Aires accuses Iran of having masterminded the car bombing and of using the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah to execute it.
Interpol has issued "red notices" at Argentina's request seeking the extradition of a Lebanese national and five Iranians, including Ahmad Vahidi -- the current Iranian minister of defence and then-head of Al Quds, a branch of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps that operates overseas.
Argentine prosecutors had also sought an arrest warrant against then-Iranian president Ali Akbar Rafsanjani, a request rejected by the world police body.
The government's mishandling of the investigation came under fire in 2005 by Menem's successor, Nestor Kirchner, a political rival whose wife is now president.
Corruption scandals
Menem, a two-term president from the ruling Peronist party, was once wildly popular, and his fondness for fast cars and women half his age and almost twice his height amused rather than angered Argentines.
But his popularity faded as corruption scandals emerged, his tough free-market policies alienated his electorate and the economy deteriorated.
The former president also faces charges in a separate case involving his role in a scheme to smuggle weapons to Croatia and Ecuador while both countries were involved in wars in the 1990s.
Source: AFA
Photo:Rodrigo Álvarez Flickr.com |
| Nazi camp guard trial opens in Germany next month |
Nazi camp guard trial opens in Germany next month
Published on : 2 October 2009 - 4:14pm | By International Justice Desk Filed under: israelIvan the Terriblejohn demjanjuknaziTreblinka death campUnited States
Suspected death camp guard John Demjanjuk will go on trial in early November on charges of helping to kill 27,900 Jews during World War Two, a German court said on Friday.
The case against the 89-year-old retired U.S. autoworker is likely to be Germany's last major Nazi-era war crimes trial.
Demjanjuk, long wanted by the Simon Wiesenthal Center which hunts Nazi war crimes suspects, was deported from the United States in May and has been in jail near Munich ever since.
The court said it had authorised the trial to go ahead and ordered that he remain in custody until then.
"The trial will probably begin at the start of November... no date has been set," said the Munich court in a statement.
The Wiesenthal Center says Demjanjuk pushed men, women and children into gas chambers at the Sobibor death camp in what is now Poland.
Ukrainian-born Demjanjuk denies any role in the Holocaust and his family argues he is too frail to stand trial.
“Ivan the Terrible”
Demjanjuk says he was drafted into the Soviet army in 1941, became a German prisoner of war and served at German prison camps until 1944. He emigrated to the United States in 1951 and became a naturalised U.S. citizen.
He was stripped of his citizenship after being accused in the 1970s of being "Ivan the Terrible", a sadistic guard at the Treblinka death camp.
He was extradited to Israel, tried and in 1988 sentenced to death but Israel's Supreme Court overturned the conviction based on new evidence showing another man was probably "Ivan".
Demjanjuk returned to the United States and regained his citizenship but he was again deprived of it in 2002 after the U.S. Justice Department refiled its case against him, arguing he had worked for the Nazis as a guard at three other death camps.
Source: REUTERS
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| Annan: Kenya must do more to avert new conflict |
Annan: Kenya must do more to avert new conflict
Published on : 5 October 2009 - 12:05pm | By International Justice Desk Filed under: Annanconflictelection-violenceICCIJinternational justicekenyaodinga
Kenya's unity government must do more to implement reforms and avoid a resurgence of last year's post-election violence, former UN chief Kofi Annan, the mediator in the crisis, said Sunday.
During his visit to Kenya, Annan will meet with President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, rivals in the disputed December 2007 election whom the former United Nations chief convinced to form a unity government.
"Clearly, the Kenyan people are expecting more from the coalition government -- more unity of purpose, more progress on the reform agenda, more concrete action to end impunity and combat corruption," Annan told reporters in Nairobi.
"Those sentiments are understandable, and I will be urging the coalition government to listen to the voices of the people and do more to push forward the essential reforms," he said after arriving in the Kenyan capital.
The visit comes amid international pressure in recent weeks for the government to implement reforms in the country, where 1,500 people died and 300,000 were displaced by violence after the last election.
"In Kenya today, there is added pressure to complete the reforms - including a new constitution, electoral reforms, police and judicial reforms, as well as land reform - well before the 2012 elections, so as to prevent a recurrence of the crisis and violence experienced after the 2007 elections," Annan said.
The United States has threatened to slap a travel ban on 15 Kenyan officials considered hostile to reforms.
And Luis Moreno Ocampo, prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), said last week he would pursue those "most responsible" for crimes against humanity during the unrest.
(AFP) |
| Somali pirates free Turkish ship after ransom |
Somali pirates free Turkish ship after ransom
Published on : 6 October 2009 - 11:32am | By International Justice Desk Filed under: Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinosransomsomali piratesspainTurkey
Somali pirates freed a Turkish ship on Monday after a pirate source said the hijackers received a $1.5 million ransom.
A regional maritime official confirmed the bulk carrier Horizon-1, which was seized on July 8 with 23 Turkish crew members on board, had been released.
"We accepted $1.5 million to release the Turkish ship," one of the pirates, who gave his name as Abshir, told Reuters by telephone from the gangs' stronghold of Eyl.
"We delayed leaving because of accounting: we were sharing out the money. We disembarked from the ship this afternoon."
Celebrations
Residents in Eyl said associates of the pirates held a big party to celebrate the ransom payment.
Andrew Mwangura of the Kenya-based East African Seafarers' Assistance Programme confirmed the ship, which was believed to be carrying sulphate when it was hijacked, had been released.
There was no immediate word on the condition of the crew.
Spanish media said at the time that the vessel had been en route from Jordan to Saudi Arabia when it was hijacked.
Fishing boat held
Pirate raids have continued in the Indian Ocean and strategic Gulf of Aden despite foreign naval patrols off the lawless Horn of Africa state. Monsoon rains curbed attacks in recent months, but now they have started to pick up again.
A Spanish tuna fishing boat and its crew of 36, which was seized in the area last week is still being held.
Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said he spoke to Somalia's prime minister on Monday who promised to help try to secure its release.
The government of Somalia, where civil war has been going on for 18 years, controls only small pockets of the capital, Mogadishu.
Heavily-armed gangs from Somalia - some made up of former fishermen angered by foreign boats fishing in Somali waters - have made tens of millions of dollars in ransoms by seizing boats in shipping lanes linking Europe to Asia.
Source: REUTERS |
| US not to seek death for Africa bombings suspect |
US not to seek death for Africa bombings suspect
Published on : 6 October 2009 - 11:49am | By International Justice Desk Filed under: Ahmed Khalfan GhailaniAttorney General Eric HolderGuantanamo BayOsama bin LadenPresident Barack Obamatanzania
The U.S. government will not seek the death penalty against a Tanzanian man charged in the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Africa, according to court documents.
Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani, the first detainee transferred from Guantanamo Bay to face charges in a U.S. civilian court, is charged with conspiring in the 1998 bombings of the U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya that killed 224 people.
The case is a test of U.S. President Barack Obama's plan to close the controversial prison for suspected militants at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Attorney General
"You are authorized and directed not to seek the death penalty against Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani," U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said in a letter to U.S. Attorney in Manhattan Preet Bharara, filed by the government in Manhattan federal court on Friday but made available on Monday.
Ghailani has pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiring with Osama bin Laden and other members of al Qaeda to kill Americans, and separate charges of murder for the 224 people killed in the African bombings.
Ghailani was transferred to New York in June after being held at the U.S. naval base in Cuba since 2006. Obama has said the prison camp will be closed by the end of January 2010.
Extradition condition
Justice Department spokesman Matthew Miller said other defendants in the embassy bombings case had either already received life sentences, or will not be subject to the death penalty because the United States agreed not to seek it as a condition of their extradition.
"Given those circumstances and other factors in this case, the Attorney General authorized the U.S. Attorney to seek a life sentence," Miller told reporters.
Source: REUTERS |
| “Death flight” pilot due to appear in court on extradition charges |
“Death flight” pilot due to appear in court on extradition charges
Published on : 6 October 2009 - 2:47pm | By Karl Dowling Filed under: dirty warextraditionFRIDEGeneral Jorge VidelaJulio PochspainTransavia
A Dutch-Argentinian pilot accused of carrying out “death flights” during the 1976-1981 dictatorship is in a Spanish court today facing extradition to Argentina.
The pilot was arrested 2 weeks ago and has been held since without bail. He is to face a high court in Madrid due to Argentine judge Sergio Gabriel Torres request that he be extradited to face the long-standing charges against him.
Julio Poch is alleged to have carried out “death flights” in Argentina during General Jorge Videla’s dictatorship. During these flights, opponents of the regime were drugged, stripped, and thrown from planes above the Southern Atlantic. According to the Argentinean authorities, around 11,000 political opponents of the dictator disappeared during the so-called Dirty War. Human rights groups say at least 30,000 people were murdered by the regime.
The Transavia pilot was arrested at Valencia airport just before takeoff on what was supposed to be his last flight before retirement. Commenting on the arrest, human rights researcher Vidal Martin of Spanish think-tank FRIDE, said that the arrest is a “consequence of the co-operation between Argentina and Spain in international jurisdiction and international law.”
In 2005, Argentina’s Supreme Court struck down two amnesty laws that protected hundreds of people involved in human rights violations and war crimes during the dictatorship. Since then, a number of former security service personnel have been tried and jailed.
Poch is wanted for questioning in four investigations involving the deaths of more than 1,000 people, Spanish police said. |
| Former Rwandan Minister's trial begins |
Former Rwandan Minister's trial begins
Published on : 24 September 2009 - 4:33pm | By International Justice Desk Filed under: Augustin Ngirabatwarefelicien kabugahistoire du génocideictrrwandawar crimes
The trial of Augustin Ngirabatware, former Rwandan Minister of Planning, began Wednesday at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR).
Crimes
Ngirabatware, 52, is charged with genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, complicity in genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide; crimes against humanity for murder, extermination, rape, inhumane acts; and serious violations of the Geneva Conventions and of Additional Protocol II.
The former minister allegedly used funds donated to the Rwandan Government to purchase arms and distribute them to the Interahamwe, the Hutu militia that was notorious for its use of machetes to hack Tutsis to death.
Ngirabatware is also the son-in-law of Félicien Kabuga. Kabuga who is suspected of helping finance the 1994 genocide and is the tribunals most sought after suspect.
Arrest
Ngirabatwarewas arrested in Frankfurt, Germany on 17 September 2007, and was transferred to the UN Detention Facility in Arusha, Tanzania, on 8 October 2008. He made his initial appearance and pleaded not guilty to all the counts on 10 October 2008.
Between now and the 23rd of October the Prosecution will call 17 witnesses. The defence will present its opening statement at a later date. |
| Sudan's Bashir runs for president despite arrest warrant |
Sudan's Bashir runs for president despite arrest warrant
Published on : 6 October 2009 - 10:01am | By International Justice Desk Filed under: BashirgenocideICCIJinternational criminal courtinternational justicethe haguewar crimes
Sudan's ruling party nominated President Omar Hassan al-Bashir for re-election despite an International Criminal Court warrant to arrest him for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The ICC says Bashir's government, who seized power in a 1989 military coup with Islamist backing, committed numerous atrocities while fighting rebels in Darfur.
The multi-party elections set for April 2010 will be the first in Africa's largest country in 24 years.
"The National Congress Party's General Conference has decided to support the nomination of Omar Hassan al-Bashir as (our) candidate for the presidential elections in 2010," the closing communique of the party conference said, according to Reuters.
Since the arrest warrant was issued last year, Bashir has received full backing from his party, which dominates the central government. He has travelled to countries that support him, in defiance of The Hague-based court.
The NCP is the first major political party to officially nominate a candidate for president.
On Wednesday more than 20 Sudanese parties, along with the NCP's partners in peace the former southern rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), threatened to boycott the vote if the NCP did not push through promised reforms in two months.
These include legislation to ensure the independence of the media and reform the powerful national security forces.
Parliament opens this week and must pass legislation delayed by wrangling over content and foot-dragging by Bashir's party.
Bashir told the closing session of the party conference that he was "committed to free and fair elections". |
| Rwanda genocide suspect arrested |
Rwanda genocide suspect arrested
Published on : 6 October 2009 - 1:54pm | By International Justice Desk Filed under: genocidehutuictrIdelphonse NizeyimanaIJinternational justiceMassacresrwandatutsiwar crimes
A key suspect in the 1994 Rwanda genocide has been arrested in the Ugandan capital Kampala. Idelphonse Nizeyimana is accused of being involved in a number of massacres of ethnic Tutsis. He is also held responsible for the killing of Queen Rosalie Gicanda, the widow of former Rwandan king Mutara III.
The UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha, Tanzania describes Nizeyimana as one of its most wanted suspects. The former intelligence chief is accused of organising the killing of thousands of ethnic Tutsis - including the revered former queen.
The BBC says he was travelling to Kenya from the Democratic Republic of Congo carrying false identity documents when he was detained.
A Ugandan police spokeswoman confirmed Nizeyimana had been arrested on Monday and flown to the ICTR. ICTR officials said they could not confirm the arrest, but described Nizeyimana as one of their highest targets.
The United States had offered a $5 million reward for his capture, under its Rewards for Justice Program.
Instigating genocide
Idelphonse Nizeyimana has been indicted for genocide and crimes against humanity. During the Rwandan genocide, Nizeyimana was second-in-command in charge of military and intelligence operations for the École des sous-officiers (ESO).
Nizeyimana is accused of being a principal instigator of the genocide in the Butare Prefecture, sending signals that the military condoned the massacres and directing the military to take part. Nizeyimana is also accused of setting up secret units within the ESO and assigning them to kill the queen of Rwanda and Tutsi intellectuals.
The indictment also includes allegations that he ordered soldiers to kidnap a group of refugees, including 25 children, from a convent, and they were never seen again. He also allegedly ordered the kidnap of two priests who were later killed. |
| This is for attention of every one that |
This is for attention of every one that our E-Mail address chak_org@yahoo.com have been Haked. Form this time on please conttact us through the following E-Mail adress and avoide to send any E-Mail to the previous one.
Kurdocide@yaho0.com
Kudocide@hotmail.com |
| Guest Editorial: Genocide and Repentance |
Guest Editorial: Genocide and Repentance
Assyrian International News Agency
To unsubscribe or set email news digest options, visit http://www.aina.org/mailinglist.html
Stockholm (AINA) -- His father was one of the perpetrators; he is the first to ask for forgiveness through action
Four Kurdish men gathered a group of Christian female survivors in the cathedral's yard. They pointed their weapons at the women while forcing them to carry out all the books they could find in the cathedral's library and pile them up in the yard. Quickly, the yard was full with books lying on top of each other. When the library was emptied, one of the men took out a match and set the books on fire. One of the other men closed the gate to the yard as the other men gripped and pulled the women's frightened children from their arms and threw them into the fire. The mothers instinctively rushed to save their children, as the men opened fire and shot the women who fell into the flames. The men didn't stop throwing women into the fire until all were dead. In the yard, there were now only ashes left. A ten-year-old girl survived the massacre and related the story. |
| Iran: Ensure free presidential election |
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Public Statement
AI Index: MDE 13/046/2009
15 May 2009
Iran: Ensure free presidential election
Amnesty International has today called on the Iranian authorities to ensure that the forthcoming presidential election to be held on 12 June 2009 are free of discrimination particularly against women - and that candidates and voters are guaranteed effective exercise of their rights to freedom of expression and assembly during the election campaign. The organizations appeal was made in a letter addressed to Ayatollah Jannati, the Chair of the Council of Guardians Council of Guardians is a body which interprets the Constitution, supervises elections, and vets legislation for conformity to Islamic Law and the Constitution., following the recent closure of registration of candidates for the presidential election.
The Council of Guardians screens all candidates for election to ensure their suitability for the Presidency. Article 115 of the Constitution stipulates that candidates must be from amongst religious and political personalities [Persian: rejal] and possess: Iranian origin; Iranian nationality; administrative capacity and resourcefulness; a good past-record; trustworthiness and piety; convinced belief in the fundamental principles of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the official religion of the country. In previous elections, the majority of candidates registered were disqualified under these criteria, including all women. The exclusion of women appears to have been on an interpretation of the word rejal as meaning men. |
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