On 11 November 2009, human rights defenders Mr Bahtiyor Hamrayev and Mr Mamir Azimov were beaten by police in Jizzakh, Uzbekistan, reportedly because they met with Mr Bahodir Choriyev, the leader of the Birdamlik (Solidarity) Movement. Bahtiyor Hamrayev is head of the Jizzakh Region branch of the Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan (HRSU). Mamir Azimov is the Chairperson of the HRSU's Jizzakh district branch. Bahodir Choriyev recently returned to Uzbekistan after spending time in exile in the United States. The Birdamlik Movement aims to peacefully change the regime of President Islam Karimov in Uzbekistan.
Between 22 and 24 September 2009, human rights defenders from la Asociación Jóvenes en Movimiento - AJEM (The Association of Youth in Movement) have been beaten, harassed, arbitrarily detained, and had possessions damaged and stolen during various instances of police abuse which have followed the recent weeks of unrest in Honduras.
Front Line is seriously concerned following reports that human rights defender, Mr Boubacar Messaoud, was severely beaten by police officers during a demonstration on 2 April 2009 in Nouakchott. Boubacar Messaoud is the President of the Association SOS Esclaves (Slaves Association SOS) and a member of the Commission Nationale des Droits de l'Homme – CNDH (National Human Rights Commission).
Human rights defender and President of Sandikaye Kargarane Sherkat-e Vahed (Syndicate of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company), Mansour Osanloo abducted on 10 July 2007 by unknown assailants is now been held in Evin Prison, Front Line has learned.
