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Iraq: Human rights defender Mr Hayder Hamzoz in hiding following physical assault and threats against himposted on: 2011/07/26

Human rights defender Mr Hayder Hamzoz has gone into hiding following an assault against him in Tahrir Square, Baghdad, on 22 July 2011, which was allegedly perpetrated by both individuals in civilian clothing linked to the Iraqi security forces and Iraqi army officers.

Hayder Hamzoz is a prominent blogger and documentalist who runs a popular blog entitled Iraqi Streets 4 Change. He also organises the coverage of peaceful Iraqi protests over the internet and has set up a short messaging service which does not require subscription. Hayder Hamzoz was the subject of a recent Front Line news item dated 28 April 2011 available Here

On 22 July 2011, Hayder Hamzoz was set upon by eight individuals in civilian clothing while he was observing and documenting a demonstration in Tahrir Square. The unidentified individuals demanded that Hayder Hamzoz hand over his phone and camera which he had been using to record the demonstration, however when he refused to do so they began to physically assault him. Hayder Hamzoz then fled the scene and requested assistance and protection from Iraqi security officers positioned outside Tahrir Square.

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Russian Federation: Physical assault of human rights defender Bakhrom Khamroevposted on: 2011/06/08

On 6 June 2011, human rights defender Mr Bakhrom Khamroev was attacked and beaten by unknown men in the entry of his building in Moscow. He is a member of Human Rights Centre “Memorial” and works on the rights of migrants from Central Asian countries and persecution of Muslims in the Russian Federation.

Morocco: Physical assault of human rights defender Ms Buthaina Amina Elmakoudiposted on: 2011/03/02

On 26 February 2011, human rights defender Ms Buthaina Amina Elmakoudi was physically assaulted while taking part in a peaceful protest in Agadir, Morocco. Buthaina Amina Elmakoudi is the director of the Agadir section of the Association against AIDS, and has also worked with the Democratic League of Women's Rights, Moroccan Association for Human Rights, and the Moroccan Forum for Truth and Justice.

Further Information

It is reported that on 26 February 2011, Buthaina Amina Elmakoudi and a number of others were attacked by police while taking part in a peaceful demonstration calling for democratic and social reform and human rights in Agadir.

Buthaina Amina Elmakoudi was beaten over the head, resulting in her falling unconscious for several minutes, a broken nose and facial bruising. However, it is alleged that upon arriving at Hassan II hospital, she and several others who had been similarly assaulted were denied treatment or medical reports confirming their injuries.

Kuwait: Physical assault, arbitrary detention and fears of unfair trial against human rights defender Dr Obaid Alwasmiposted on: 2011/01/14

On Monday 17 January 2011, human rights defender Dr Obaid Mohammed Al-Mutairi (known as Obaid Alwasmi), aged 39, will be brought for the second time before the Lower Criminal Court in Kuwait on six charges, all related to a speech he delivered in a public gathering on 8 December 2010.

Further Information

Dr Obaid Alwasmi is a Professor of Law at the University of Kuwait and has published many articles and delivered many speeches on human rights issues in Kuwait including the independence of the Judiciary; corruption; freedom of assembly, and freedom of opinion, including in relation to the ongoing case of human rights defender and writer Mohammed Al-Jassem.

On 20 December 2010, Dr Obaid Alwasmi was officially charged in State Security Case No 7/2010. The charges relate to a speech delivered by Dr Obaid Alwasmi at a public seminar on 8 December 2010. Following the seminar the Security Special Force reportedly attacked those present at the gathering, dragged Dr Obaid Alwasmi from among the crowd, pulled him along the ground in a humiliating way, and beat him harshly.

Yemen: Physical assault of human rights defenders Ms Tawakkol Karman, Ms Bushra Alsorabi and Mr Ali al-Dailamiposted on: 2011/01/07

On 14 December 2010, human rights defenders Ms Tawakkol Karman, Ms Bushra Alsorabi and Mr Ali Hussain al-Dailami were physically assaulted during a peaceful protest in Sana'a, Yemen.

Further Information

Tawakkol Karman and Bushra Alsorabi are Chairperson and Executive Director respectively of Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC), an organisation which campaigns for freedom of the press and other human rights in Yemen. Ali Hussain al-Dailami is the executive director of the Yemeni Organization for the Defence of Democratic Rights and Freedom.

Tawakkol Karman has been the subject of Front Line Urgent Appeals dated 9 October 2009 and 27 October 2010, along with Bushra Alsorabi.

Yemen – Brief arrest of Ms Tawakkol Karman, physical assault on Ms Bushra Alsorabi, and arrest and torture of Mr Fuad Ahmed Najiposted on: 2010/10/27

On 12 October 2010 human rights defenders Ms Tawakkol Karman and Ms Bushra Alsorabi were targeted and harassed by police during a peaceful protest in Sana'a. Tawakkol Karman is chairperson and Bushra Alsorabi is executive director, of Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC), which campaigns for freedom of the press and other human rights in Yemen. Many others who participated in the peaceful protest were also attacked by police.

Morocco: Physical assault and detention of human rights defender, Mr Ennaama Asfariposted on: 2009/08/19

Human rights defender, Mr Ennaama Asfari, has been subjected to a physical assault and arrested on 14 August 2009 in Tan-Tan, Southern Morocco. He was brought before the court in Tan-Tan on 17 August 2009 and was accused of “insulting an official employee”. His trial has been adjourned until 24 August 2009.

India - Physical assault on human rights defenders, Mr Choudhury Charan Gorh and Mr Shyama Prasad Kurmiposted on: 2009/07/13

Front Line is deeply concerned following reports of a physical assault on human rights defenders, Mr Choudhury Charan Gorh and Mr Shyama Prasad Kurmi, on 30 June 2009 in Hailakandi, Assam. Mr Choudhury Charan Gorh is the secretary of NGO HELP, a grass-roots organisation which monitors corruption in the local self-government (the Panchayati Raj) and works for the practical realisation of rural development. Mr Shyama Prasad Kurmi is also a member of NGO HELP and of the All Assam Students Union (AASU) which advocates for students' rights in the province and campaigns against corruption and mis-governance.

Guatemala - Assault and death threats against human rights defender, Ms Juana Bacá Velascoposted on: 2009/07/10

Front Line is deeply concerned following reports of a physical assault on, and death threats against, human rights defender, Ms Juana Bacá Velasco between 30 March 2009 and 6 July 2009. Juana Bacá Velasco is the coordinator of La Red de Mujeres Ixhiles (Association of Ixhil Women), an organisation based in Nebaj which supports female victims of violence and works to empower women in the region.

Mexico: Detention and assault of LGBTI human rights defenders Mr Jaime Lopez Vela and Mr Agustín Estrada Negreteposted on: 2009/05/25

Front Line is deeply concerned following reports that LGBTI human rights defenders, Mr Jaime Lopez Vela and Mr Agustín Estrada Negrete, were arrested and physically assaulted by police in the State of Mexico on 7 May 2009, and that Agustín Estrada Negrete was also sexually assaulted.