State control

Update: Gambia: 'The Unfair Prosecution of two Women Human Rights Defenders Must Stop'

On January 11, 2012, the criminal case “the State versus Dr. Isatou Touray and Amie Bojang-Sissoho” will resume, marking the 41^st hearing since the opening of the trial in November 2010 before the Banjul Magistrates’ Court.

Update: Iran: Alieh Eghamdoust released from prison after serving three year sentence

Alieh Eghdam Doust, women’s rights activist was released from prison today on January 8, 2011 after serving a three year prison term. Alieh was sentenced to serve three years in prison after she was arrested on June 12, 2006 along with nearly 70 other protesters in Haft-e Tir Square, during a protest demanding equal rights for women. Alieh was subsequently tried in Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Courts, on charges of acting against national security and sentenced to 3 years and four months in prison and 20 lashes.

Update: Indonesia: 'Aceh Punks File Report with Human Rights Commission'

A number of Aceh youths wearing punk hairstyles and attire reported to Banda Aceh authorities and to the National Commission on Human Rights’ Aceh branch on Monday over last week’s concert raid.

They were joined by human rights activist Hospi Novizal Sabri, Banda Aceh Legal Aid Foundation director Evi Narti, Tikar Pandan and community artist Azhari.

Felix and Juanda, the two youths representing the Aceh punk community, met with commission members Romi Mulya and Eka Azmiyadi.

Indonesia: 'Aceh: "Morally Rehabilitating" Young Punks'

Indonesian sharia police are "morally rehabilitating" more than 60 young punk rock fans in Aceh province on Sumatra island, saying the youths are tarnishing the province's image. Since being arrested at a punk rock concert in the provincial capital Banda Aceh on Saturday night, 59 male and five female punk rock fans have been forced to have their hair cut, bathe in a lake, change clothes and pray.

Syria: 'Outspoken Syrian Activist Arrested at Jordanian Border'

The latest entry on Razan Ghazzawi blog Sunday night was about the freeing of Syrian blogger Hussein Ghrer. (Photo: rzanghazzawi.com)

Iran: Zanan TV Launches!

Zanan TV was launched on 25 November 2011, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This day was chosen because Zanan TV is an alternative space for marginalized women who are violated by the state and silenced by mainstream media in Iran. It is a space for building the women’s movement and the democracy movement in Iran.

Update: Saudi Arabia: Woman driver pardoned by Saudi King

A Saudi woman sentenced to be lashed 10 times for defying the country's ban on female drivers has had her punishment overturned by the king.

The woman, named as Shaima Jastaina and believed to be in her 30s, was found guilty of driving without permission in Jeddah in July. Her case was the first in which a legal punishment was handed down for a violation of the ban in the ultraconservative Muslim nation.

Iran: 'Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi jailed for 11 years'

A prominent Iranian human rights activist who was taken seriously ill after being detained by the authorities has been sentenced to 11 years in jail.

Saudi Arabia: 'Saudi woman to be lashed for defying driving ban'

A Saudi woman has been sentenced to be lashed 10 times with a whip for defying the kingdom's prohibition on female drivers. It is the first time a legal punishment has been handed down for a violation of the longtime ban in the ultraconservative Muslim nation. Police usually stop female drivers, question them and let them go after they sign a pledge not to drive again. But dozens of women have continued to take to the roads since June in a campaign to break the taboo.

Iran: Dervishes and Lawyers Arrested in Iran

Over 60 individuals, mostly dervishes (members of a religious order), were arrested in the Iranian cities of Kavar, Tehran and Shiraz between 3 and 14 September. At least three lawyers who represent the group were also arrested on 4 September. All are currently held in Evin Prison in Tehran and are at risk of torture or other ill-treatment.