detention

On 14 December 2009, human rights defender, Mr Ennaama Asfari was released after serving a four-month sentence in prison, having been found guilty of "contempt toward public officials while in the performance of their duty”. 

Front Line learned today that detained Palestinian human rights defender Mr Mohammad Othman has had his detention period extended. On 27 October 2009 an Israeli military court ruled that Mohammad Othman's detention should be extended for an additional 13 days. Mohammad Othman has so far been held in solitary confinement for 37 days. No charges or evidence have been brought against him. 

Human rights defenders in Iran continue to face ongoing detention in exceptionally dangerous conditions, judicial prosecution and intimidation following the post-election protests of June 2009. Of the 4,000 protesters who opposed the election results who were initially arrested, most of have since been released. According to Iran's chief prosecutor, approximately 200 opposition members remain in detention, however human rights groups maintain that that number is much higher.

At least 140 individuals, including human rights defenders, politicians, journalists and bloggers, have been put on trial for charges including treason, with the prosecutor at one point asking a judge to give them "the maximum punishment." 

On 27 August 2009, human rights defender, Mr Ennaama Asfari was sentenced to four months imprisonment by a court in Tan Tan, South Morocco having been found guilty of "contempt toward public officials while in the performance of their duty.”