Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network – EMHRN – February 2008

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Al Haq's documentary "in the spider's web" is available on YouTube	Date: 27-02-2008
Author: Al Haq
Al-Haq’s documentary, In the Spider’s Web, is available online on YouTube with English and French subtitles. Read more

Tunisia: Court’s decision to uphold death sentence a failure to redress injustice	Date: 26-02-2008
Author: Amnesty
Amnesty International deplored the upholding of the death sentence against one of 30 men convicted of terrorism by the Tunis Appeal Court and the fact that serious breaches of their rights to a fair trial were not addressed, including the failure to order a retrial for all the defendants. Read more

	Date: 26-02-2008

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IOF Escalates its Aggression and Collective Punishment against Civilians; Killing 5 in the Gaza Strip	Date: 26-02-2008
Author: Al Mezan
IOF escalated its aggression on the Gaza Strip, killing five and injuring a sixth in northern and middle Gaza Strip. In the previous two days, the IOF opened fire towards homes during its military operations. According to Al Mezan investigations, the IOF killed, from 17 to 24 February 2008 in the Gaza Strip, eleven Palestinians and injured nine others. This was a result of shelling of residential areas seven times using various types of weaponry. They also penetrated inside Palestinian areas three times, during which they arrested one citizen. Read more

Slovenian Presidency breaching EU’s fundamental values	Date: 26-02-2008
Author: Amnesty
Today marks the 16th anniversary of the "erasure" by Slovenian authorities of 18,305 persons who were made "invisible" through their illegal removal from the national registry of permanent residents. Read more

The Jordanian News Agency [Petra] and Amman Center for Human Rights Studies [ACHRS] hold a Workshop on Strengthening human rights	Date: 26-02-2008
Author: ACHRS
The Jordanian News Agency [Petra] in cooperation with the Amman Center for Human Rights Studies [ACHRS] held at Petra Training Center a specialized training workshop entitled: “the role of the media in strengthening human rights.” The workshop was held at the Training Center of the Jordanian News Agency [Petra]. Read more

Arab League: Reject Proposal to Restrict Satellite Broadcasts	Date: 26-02-2008
Author: HRW
Information Ministers’ New ‘Principles’ Would Extend Repression of Free Speech Read more

Tunisia: Death penalty confirmed (In French)	Date: 26-02-2008
Author: CNLT
In French Read more

	Date: 26-02-2008

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Al Mezan Condemns Providing the Gaza Strip with Expired Medical Supplies	Date: 26-02-2008
Author: Al Mezan
Al Mezan Center was informed from sources in the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH) of the deposed government, on 14 February 2008, that the General Department of Pharmacies central warehouses in Gaza received quantities of expired medical supplies from depots in the West Bank (a list of the supplies is at the end of this press release). Al Mezan made an inquiry on this subject and visited stores of the Pharmacy Service in Gaza, and called the Director of Medical Equipment in the West Bank. Read more

The Jordanian News Agency [Petra] and Amman Center for Human Rights Studies [ACHRS] hold a Workshop on Strengthening human rights	Date: 26-02-2008
Author: ACHRS
The Jordanian News Agency [Petra] in cooperation with the Amman Center for Human Rights Studies [ACHRS] held at Petra Training Center a specialized training workshop entitled: “the role of the media in strengthening human rights.” The workshop was held at the Training Center of the Jordanian News Agency [Petra]. Read more

PCHR Calls for Independent Investigation into Death of Detainee Subjected to Torture and Medical Negligence	Date: 26-02-2008
Author: PCHR
The Palestinian Centre for Human rights (PCHR) calls for an independent investigation into the death of 44 year old Majd al-Barghouthi, who died on Friday 22 February, while in illegal detention, administered by the General Intelligence Service (GIS) of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. There is evidence that prior to his death Majd al-Barghouthi was subjected to torture and ill-treatment, and might also have been a victim of medical negligence during his detention. Read more

Morocco: Protect Rights to Privacy and Fair Trial	Date: 26-02-2008
Author: Amnesty
Petition Calls for Repeal of Repressive Law Read more

	Date: 26-02-2008

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Migrant shot dead trying to cross Egypt/Israel border	Date: 26-02-2008
Author: Amnesty
Egyptian security forces shot dead a Sudanese man trying to cross into Israel on Tuesday. A total of five African migrants have now been killed crossing the border so far this year. Read more

Supreme Court Petition Demands Better Prisoner Transport Conditions	Date: 26-02-2008
Author: Adalah
Adalah: “Prisoners are transported by the Israel Prison Service in conditions that violate their constitutional rights to freedom, dignity, minimal living conditions in prison, medical treatment and access to the courts.” Read more

	Date: 26-02-2008

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Call for independent UK investigation into US renditions	Date: 26-02-2008
Author: Amnesty
Amnesty International has called for a full, independent investigation into any further UK involvement in renditions. The call follows the admission by the US and UK governments that two rendition flights had landed in Diego Garcia in 2002. Read more

EU « Returns » Directive. 10 recommendations for a protective harmonization in line with Human Rights	Date: 22-02-2008
Author: FIDH
FIDH is concerned by the proposal of this Directive such as amended by the Parliament’s LIBE commission. Four propositions are of particular concern to us insofar as they do not conform to European and international fundamental rights. Read more

Separation Barrier route isolates the village of Nu’man	Date: 22-02-2008
Author: B'Tselem
En anglais Read more

Appeal granted in the case of UK arms-related licenses agreements to Israel	Date: 22-02-2008
Author: Al Haq
Al-Haq is pleased to inform you that Public Interest Lawyer’s (PIL) request for an appeal in the case of Saleh Hasan v Secretary of State and Industry has been granted. PIL is now seeking to obtain legal aid extended for this full appeal. Read more

Egypt: Hundreds of migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees from Sudan and other sub-Saharan African countries	Date: 22-02-2008
Author: Amnesty
On 19 February Egyptian security forces shot dead a Sudanese man trying to cross into Israel. A total of five African migrants have now been killed crossing the border so far this year. Security officials said 50-year-old Ermeniry Khasheef was shot in the back after he ignored orders to stop as he attempted to cross barbed wire near the border town of Rafah, in the north of the Sinai Peninsula. Read more

Accusations against human rights activists	Date: 20-02-2008
Author: CDF
swearwords and accusations against human rights activists Read more

Lawyer Orhan Kemal Cengiz is threatened!	Date: 20-02-2008
Author: IHD
Orhan Kemal Cengiz, one of the lawyers of the persons murdered during the Malatya Massacre in April 2007, is still receiving threats. Read more

Murder of Yahya Menekşe is one of the Crimes against Humanity!	Date: 20-02-2008
Author: IHD
Murder of Yahya Menekşe is one of the Crimes against Humanity! We, human rights defenders, know that any of rights categories cannot be protected unless right to life is protected in a country. We know that rights and freedoms are, systematically, under the risk of violation in a country where right to life is violated by security force members. Read more

British police feared a “real threat of an armed confrontation” with armed Israelis at Heathrow Airport	Date: 20-02-2008
Author: PCHR
IPCC reveals why Israeli war crimes suspect Doron Almog escaped arrest on 11 September 2005 Read more

Adoption of the Declaration of the Committee of Ministers for enhanced protection of human rights defenders	Date: 20-02-2008
Author: FIDH
The Observatory for the protection of human rights defenders, a joint programme of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), welcomes the adoption on February 6, 2008 of the Declaration on Council of Europe (CoE) action to improve the protection of human rights defenders. Read more

	Date: 20-02-2008

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Tunisia: The lifes of Abderrahmane TLILI and his mother are in danger	Date: 20-02-2008
Author: CRLDHT
In French Read more

Tunisia: Fatma Ksila et Samia Abbou assaulted	Date: 20-02-2008
Author: CNLT
In French Read more

Salaries of Civil Servants Suspensions Continue; Al Mezan Demands the PNA Government in Ramallah to Respect Applicable Palestinian Law	Date: 20-02-2008
Author: Al Mezan
The PNA government in Ramallah, led by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, continued their policy of suspending salaries of public sector employees in an arbitrary fashion. This policy is a reflection of the sharp political division that afflicts the entire Palestinian political system and society. The salary suspensions in this case are illegal and violate the rights and freedoms protected under the Palestinian law. Read more

PCHR & Al-Mezan Call for Investigating the Explosion in El-Bureij Refugee Camp	Date: 20-02-2008
Author: PCHR
PCHR and Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights call for an investigation into the explosion that destroyed a house in El-Bureij refugee camp, resulting in the death of 8 people, including 5 children, and injury of dozens. The Centre calls for publicizing the results of the investigation. Read more

Israel has cut off the northern West Bank	Date: 20-02-2008
Author: B'Tselem
Since February 5, Israel has imposed severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinians in the northern West Bank (Jenin, Nablus and Tulkarm districts) and prevents all Palestinian men between the ages of 16-35 from leaving this area without special permits, Read more

Israel’s Use of Cluster Bombs Shows Need for Global Ban	Date: 20-02-2008
Author: HRW
The human devastation inflicted on Lebanon by Israel’s illegal use of cluster munitions highlights the urgent need for an international treaty banning the weapon, Human Rights Watch said in releasing a report today. At a conference this week, more than 100 states will discuss a treaty to ban cluster munitions, a process prompted in part by Israel’s cluster attacks on Lebanon in 2006. Read more

The world coalition agianst death penalty denounces the provision of arab charter on human rights regarding the application of death penalty for children	Date: 20-02-2008

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Egypt: Spreading Crackdown on HIV Endangers Public Health	Date: 20-02-2008
Author: HRW
Cairo police arrested four more men suspected of having HIV, signaling a wider crackdown that endangers public health and violates basic human rights, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said today in a joint statement. Read more

Soliman's group case: Mobilisation against death penalty	Date: 20-02-2008
Author: FIDH
In French Read more

	Date: 18-02-2008

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Arab Charter for Satellite TV: A major setback to freedom of the press in the region	Date: 15-02-2008
Author: Article 19
ARTICLE 19 condemns the adoption of the ‘Principles for Organising Satellite TV in the Arab World’ charter agreed yesterday by the Arab Ministers of Information in Egypt. Read more

FIDH mission in Turkey - Summary report « Turkey must end the impunity of political violence »	Date: 15-02-2008
Author: FIDH
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) undertook a mission in Istanbul, Turkey, from February 9 to 11, 2008, on the occasion of the third hearing of the Hrant Dink murder trial, the founder and editor-in-chief of the Turkish-Armenian weekly Agos newspaper, who was shot dead in front of his office on 19 January 2007. This mission was deployed in follow-up to FIDH’s mobilisation alongside Hrant Dink’s family and lawyers, and in support of their struggle for Justice. Read more

Slovakia: Analysis of Draft Press Act	Date: 15-02-2008
Author: Article 19
ARTICLE 19, in cooperation with the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, has prepared an in-depth analysis of the draft Slovak Act on Periodic Press and Agency News Service and the Amendment and Supplementing of Certain Acts (the Press Act). Although the draft does include some positive provisions, it imposes repressive content restrictions for periodicals and establishes a seriously overbroad regime for the rights of correction and reply. Read more

High Court rejects petition against reduction of fuel and electricity supply to Gaza	Date: 13-02-2008
Author: B'Tselem
B'Tselem views with great severity the High Court’s decision, given on 30 January 2008, to reject the petition against Israel’s plan to reduce supply of electricity and fuel to the Gaza Strip, which has already been in force for several months. Read more

In Cooperation with Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children, Al Mezan Begins Activities for Rehabilitation Specialists and Disabled Persons	Date: 13-02-2008
Author: Al Mezan
On 10 February 2008, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights held a series of educational activities aimed at raising the awareness of the disabled and those who works in the rehabilitation field in Gaza City. Read more

	Date: 13-02-2008

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	Date: 13-02-2008

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	Date: 13-02-2008

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Greece: Alleged violations at sea must be investigated	Date: 13-02-2008
Author: Amnesty
Amnesty International last week called on the Greek authorities to investigate human rights violations that appear to have been perpetrated by members of the Greek coast guard in the Aegean Sea. Read more

	Date: 13-02-2008

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Libya: Concerns about Fathi el-Jahmi's health	Date: 13-02-2008
Author: Amnesty
Fathi el-Jahmi is receiving medical treatment, according to a statement issued on 6 February 2008 by the Gaddafi Development Foundation (GDF), an organization headed by Saif al-Islam al-Gaddafi (son of Libyan leader Mu’ammar al-Gaddafi), but Amnesty International remains concerned about whether the care is adequate to treat his deteriorating state of health. Fathi el-Jahmi suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. Read more

A Tunisian comedian in prison for imitating Ben Ali	Date: 13-02-2008

On February 4, the Tunisian comedian, Hedi Ouled baballah was sentenced by the court of first instance of Ben Arous (suburb of Tunis) to one year in prison and a fine of 1000 dinars (800 USD). He is charged with "possession of a narcotic substance classified as a B." Read more

C.D.F Secretary Council Meeting	Date: 13-02-2008
Author: CDF
The C.D.F Secretary Council held a meeting on February 8th 2008 , attended by majority of members who discussed its schedule and the following points: Read more

Greece: Norway suspends asylum seekers referrals to Greece because of rights violations. Iraqi asylum seeker alleges ill-treatment and deception.	Date: 13-02-2008
Author: GHM
Greek Helsinki Monitor (GHM) informs that Norway suspended the referral of asylum seekers to Greece (as first country of entry according to the Dublin II Regulation) on 7 February 2008, “on the basis of the latest information about the possible violations of the rights of asylum seekers in Greece Read more

IOF Bomb School in Beit Hanoun, Killing one Teacher and Injuring 3 Students: IOF escalation kills a total of 7 Palestinians in 4 Hours	Date: 13-02-2008
Author: PCHR
In the early hours of Thursday, 7 February, 2008, IOF killed seven Palestinians in the northern Gaza Strip. One of the victims was a school teacher on his way to work when his school, in Beit Hanoun, was directly hit by an IOF surface-to-surface rocket. In addition to killing the teacher, IOF seriously injured two students at the school. Read more

Romania: Reject Discriminatory Definition of Family	Date: 12-02-2008
Author: HRW
Romanian legislators should reject a change to the Family Code that would narrow the definition of marriage to one exclusively between a man and woman, Human Rights Watch said in a letter sent today to government officials. The measure would deprive many Romanian families of basic civil rights and introduce inequality into law. Read more

Egypt: “Re-Conversion” Decision Is a Welcome Step	Date: 12-02-2008
Author: HRW
Yesterday's ruling by Egypt’s Supreme Administrative Court allowing 12 Christian converts to Islam to “re-convert” back to Christianity is a welcome rejection to the government’s policy of discrimination against religious converts, Human Rights Watch and the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) said today. Read more