Washington, DC: In response to a petition filed by Freedom Now and lawyers with the law firm Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has issued an opinion that the detention of Pierre Rodger Lambo Sandjo (a.ka. Lapiro de Mbanga) by the Government of Cameroon was arbitrary and a violation of international law.
Finding the detention of Mr. Mbanga a violation of international law.
On February 8, Mr. Abdulhadi Alkhawaja launched an open hunger strike to demand his release. Since that time, Mr. Alkhawaja’s health has deteriorated rapidly and it is believed that his condition is severe enough to be life threatening.
Submitted by Freedom Now calling for Abdulhadi Alkhawaja's release from prison.
Freedom Now mourns the passing of Dr. Luis Williams Pollo Rivera, who died February 12 from a heart attack. Dr. Pollo was a medical doctor arbitrarily imprisoned by Peruvian authorities since August 2003. Dr. Pollo’s funeral will be held today in Peru.
See “Human rights or security: A false choice”.
Philadelphia Inquirer Op-ed by Executive Director Maran Turner arguing that the United States should use its deepening relationship with Uzbekistan to promote human rights.
Washington, D.C.: In response to a petition filed by Freedom Now, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has issued an opinion that the detention of Akzam Turgunov by the Government of Uzbekistan is arbitrary and a violation of international law. The UN Working Group—an independent panel of human rights experts from around the world calls for his release.
Finding the detention of Mr. Turgunov a violation of international law.
See “Harmful Effects.”
South China Morning Post Op-Ed by Jerome A. Cohen and Jared Genser arguing that China’s international reputation is suffering because of the continuing disregard for the rule of law in the detention and torture of Gao Zhisheng.
Washington, D.C.: Today, Gao Zhisheng’s international pro bono legal team filed a petition with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on behalf of the prominent Chinese human rights lawyer. The petition seeks an opinion that Chinese government’s continued detention of Mr. Gao violates international law.
Submitted by Freedom Now on behalf of Gao Zhisheng.
London: Today, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Shirin Ebadi and Freedom Now released Opinion No. 21/2011 of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. In the opinion, the United Nations body declares that the detention of lawyer and human rights activist Nasrin Sotoudeh is a violation of Iran’s obligations under international law and calls for her immediate release. Ms. Sotoudeh is serving six years in prison for her work for the Center for Human Rights Defenders, which was founded by Ms. Ebadi.
Wall Street Journal op-ed by Shirin Ebadi.
Finding the detention of Ms. Sotoudeh a violation of international law.
Today, UN human rights experts denounced the secret detention of Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng. In March 2011, as international pro bono legal counsel to Mr. Gao, Freedom Now released an opinion from the UN Working Group on Arbitrary […]
See, “Imprisoned in Belarus.”
The Washington Post op-ed by Irina Bogdanova commenting on the plight of her brother, Andrei Sannikov, who is a political prisoner in Belarus.
Washington, D.C.: Today, Zmister Bandarenka’s pro bono international legal team, which includes Freedom Now and lawyers with the international law firm Hogan Lovells, filed a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on behalf of the imprisoned Belarusian opposition leader. The team hopes to obtain an opinion from the UN Working Group that the Government of Belarus’ detention of Mr. Bandarenka is in violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Freedom Now joins people around the world in mourning the passing of former Czech President, playwright, and dissident Václav Havel. Havel served as Freedom Now’s honorary co-chair since 2006, imbuing our work with the moral urgency of his personality.
Freedom Now is delighted to support the launch of the International Committee to Support Liu Xiaobo. Below and attached, please find a press release announcing the newly formed International Committee, created today by intellectuals, artists, experts on China, and human […]
Announcing the creation of the International Committee of Support to Liu Xiaobo.
Washington, DC: The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has issued its opinion that the Government of Indonesia is in violation of international law by detaining Filep Karma. The Working Group calls on the Government of Indonesia to immediately […]
See “Press Release: Freedom Now joins the United Nations and Thomson Reuters in launching the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Document Search website.”
Freedom Now is excited to announce the launch of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Document Search website – a free to use searchable database of legal case opinions. This searchable database is a joint pro bono effort between The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Freedom Now, and Thomson Reuters.
Washington, DC: The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention finds Muhannad Al-Hassani’s imprisonment in violation of international law. Mr. Al-Hassani was released from prison as part of a general amnesty by the Syrian government on June 2, 2011. The Syrian […]
See, “Nobel Prize and human rights.”
The Korean Times op-ed by Jared Genser commenting on the plight of last year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Liu Xiaobo, his wife, Liu Xia, and fellow Chinese prisoner of conscience, Gao Zhisheng.
See “Joint letter to Secretary Clinton.”
Joint letter from Freedom Now and 19 other organizations calling on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to stand behind past statements and hold Uzbekistan accountable for its gross human rights violations.
See “Press Release: Freedom Now files Petition to United Nations on behalf of Abdulhadi Alkhawaja.”
On September 19, 2011, Freedom Now filed an urgent action petition with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on behalf of Abdulhadi Alkhawaja. Freedom Now hopes to obtain a legal opinion from the Working Group that the Bahraini government’s detention of Mr. Alkhawaja is in violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
See “Some Straight Talk for a Washington Visitor.”
Huffington Post op-ed by Patrick Griffith of Freedom Now and Steve Swerdlow of Human Rights Watch calling on the United States to reinforce the message that it supports a democratic Uzbekistan that respects the rights of all its citizens during talks with the Uzbek Deputy Foreign Minister in Washington.
A bipartisan group of 16 members of the United States Senate, led by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) called for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to urge the Vietnamese government to release longtime human rights advocate Father Thadeus Nguyen Van Ly.
Urging U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to engage personally with the Government of Vietnam on behalf of Father Ly.
CECC Chairman Christopher Smith and Cochairman Sherrod Brown call on Chinese authorities to immediately account for and free China’s most famous human rights lawyer, Gao Zhisheng.
“China’s shocking treatment of Mr. Gao is unconscionable and cannot be reconciled with China’s desire for international respect and recognition,” said Commission Chairman Representative Chris Smith. “It has now been five years since authorities abducted Mr. Gao on August 15, 2006, escalating their brutal repression of Gao and his family. Since then Mr. Gao has been tortured, threatened with death, sentenced to prison, and forcibly ‘disappeared,’” Smith said.
A bipartisan group of 26 members of the United States House of Representatives, led by Reps. Joseph Pitts (R-PA) and James Moran (D-VA) requested that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia release Papuan human-rights advocate Filep Karma.
Urging Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to release Filep Karma.
See “UN Calls for Liu Xiaobo’s Release.”
Voice of America editorial reporting that the UN’s panel of independent human rights experts has called for China to free Nobel Laureate Liu Xiaobo and his wife immediately.
See, “The West must not forget Liu Xiaobo’s plight.”
Times Op-Ed by Jared Genser commenting on the opinion of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary -Detention finding the detention of Liu Xiaobo and his wife, Liu Xia, to be in violation of international law and calling for their immediate release.
Washington, D.C.: Today, Freedom Now released Opinion Nos. 15/2011 and 16/2011 of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. In these opinions, a United Nations body declares the detention of 2010 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Liu Xiaobo and the house arrest of his wife, Liu Xia, are in violation of China’s obligations under international law.
Noting that permissible restrictions on political speech must be strongly circumscribed,” the Working Group held in Opinion No. 15/2011 that the Chinese government had “not shown in this case a justification for the interference with Mr. Liu Xiaobo’s political free speech.” In Opinion No. 16/2011, the Working Group found that Liu Xia’s house arrest “amounted to a detention,” and that she “has the right to be brought promptly before a judge, and the right to legal counsel.” In both cases, the UN Working Group found that the government violated Articles 9, 10, and 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and called on the government to immediately release and adequately compensate Dr. Liu and Liu Xia.
Washington, D.C.: Yesterday, the Government of Vietnam arrested Father Thadeus Nguyen Van Ly, a 65 year-old Catholic priest and prominent pro-democracy advocate. Authorities arrested Father Ly at 2:30 p.m. at his home in Hue, ending one-year and four-months of temporary medical parole. Father Ly continues to be in very ill health. He has suffered three strokes and has been under medical care for a brain tumor.
Listen to “When Regimes Don’t Let Lawyers Do Their Jobs.”
NPR Interview with Freedom Now President Jared Genser about Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja's case.
Listen to “Bahraini Sentence to Life, Daughter Speaks Out.”
Maryum Al-Khawaja, daughter of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, speaks to NPR about her father's case.
Washington, D.C.: It was confirmed today that the Government of Syria released prisoner of conscience Muhannad Al-Hassani from his wrongful imprisonment. Mr. Al-Hassani’s release was part of a general amnesty release on June 2, 2011. The government had held Mr. Al-Hassani since July 28, 2009, when the Syrian General Intelligence Service arrested him for “weakening national sentiment.”
Announcing the release of Muhannad Al-Hassani
See “A chance to deal Belarus’s dictator a blow.”
Washington Post highlights imprisonment of Freedom Now client Andrei Sannikov and urges Obama Administration to press for release of political prisoners.
Washington, D.C.: Today, a group of 4 members of the German Bundestag, the national Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany, urged German Chancellor Angela Merkel to raise the cases of Freedom Now client Azkam Turgunov and 12 other imprisoned human rights defenders in her government’s interactions with Uzbekistan.
Urging Chancellor Angela Merkel to Raise the Cases of Akzam Turgunov and 12 Other Imprisoned Human Rights Defenders.
Urging Chancellor Angela Merkel to Raise the Cases of Akzam Turgunov and 12 Other Imprisoned Human Rights Defenders.
Washington, DC: Today, the Cameroonian government released musician and social activist Lapiro de Mbanga from New Bell prison, known in Cameroon as “hell on earth” because of its notoriously harsh conditions and overcrowding.
“We are relieved that the Cameroonian government has finally ended Lapiro’s unjust imprisonment and has released him,” said Maran Turner, Executive Director of Freedom Now. “After three years in prison, he can finally be at home with his family. I call on the government to cease its harassment of Lapiro and his family and allow him to continue to inspire the Cameroonian people with his music.”
GENEVA – The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances expressed Friday serious concern at the recent wave of enforced disappearances that allegedly took place in China over the last few months.
“Enforced disappearance is a crime under international law. Even short-term secret detentions can qualify as enforced disappearances,” the UN expert body said. “There can never be an excuse to disappear people, especially when those persons are peacefully expressing their dissent with the Government of their country.”
Washington, D.C.: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) issued the following statement today in response to the judgment by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in the disappearance of Chinese lawyer Gao Zhisheng:
“I commend the thorough investigation by the independent UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention into the disappearance of Gao Zhisheng, the Chinese lawyer and human rights advocate. I am deeply concerned for Gao’s welfare, and I call on the Chinese government to release him immediately and reunite him with his wife and family [...]“
Washington, D.C.: The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has called on the government “to proceed to an immediate release of Mr. Zhisheng Gao and provide for reparation of the harm caused” by his illegal detention. The Chinese government began targeting Gao after he began representing religious minorities in politically sensitive cases. In retaliation for this work, the government revoked his law license, shuttered his law firm, and placed his family under intense surveillance.
See “Freedom Now Executive Delivers Keynote at CBU Conference.”
Caper Times Editorial by Lucy MacDonald.
Havana, Cuba / Washington, D.C. / Miami, FL: Óscar Elías Biscet González’s release from prison in Cuba today is celebrated by the Lawton Foundation for Human Rights and Freedom Now, who are joined by supporters of human rights and democracy around the world. Dr. Biscet, a noted advocate for human rights and democratic freedoms in his native Cuba, had been arrested in late 2002 for merely exercising basic civil liberties, convicted on sham charges, and was serving a 25-year prison sentence.
Washington, D.C.: Today, the Government of Syria released prisoner of conscience Haitham Al-Maleh, an 80-year old Syrian human rights lawyer and activist, from his wrongful imprisonment. The government had held Mr. Al-Maleh since October 14, 2009, when it arrested and charged him with “spreading false news that could weaken the national morale.” Mr. Al-Maleh’s friend and fellow human rights lawyer, Muhannad Al-Hassani, however, remains in prison after being arrested on similar charges on July 28, 2009.
See “Zimbabwe: No Bail for Gwisai.”
The Herald article by Tendai Rupapa reporting that Zimbabwe Judge Dismisses Charges Against 39 of 45 Accused of Treason for Watching Videos of Egypt and Tunisia Protests, Six Held for Trial on March 21st.
GENEVA (1 March 2011) – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay expressed deep concern Tuesday about the continuing illegal detention and reported ill-treatment of 45 members of civil society in Zimbabwe, who have allegedly been charged with treason for discussing events in Egypt and Tunisia. She also called for their speedy release.
Washington – Freedom Now announced today it has been retained by Munyaradzi Gwisai and 44 other human-rights activists, who have been charged with treason by the unity government of Zimbabwe, to serve as their international counsel. It immediately filed a petition to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, on their behalf.
See “Attack on a Diplomat Shows Vietnam’s Contempt for Human Rights.”
Washington Post Op-Ed by former Freedom Now client Nguyen Dan Que commenting on the attack against a U.S. diplomat in Vietnam after the diplomat attempted to visit former Freedom Now client Father Thadeus Nguyen Van Ly.
See “Uzbekistan: Washington Must Stand Up for Democracy.”
EurasiaNet op-ed by Patrick Griffith Calling on the United States to stand up for democracy in Uzbekistan during Annual Bilateral Consultations in Tashkent.
See “A Tale of Two Burmas”
Refuting claims of real democratic reform in Burma and calling on the international community to support the legitimate aspirations of the Burmese People.
Washington, D.C. – Freedom Now and the Lawton Foundation for Human Rights are pleased to announce the nomination of Dr. Óscar Elías Biscet González for the Nobel Peace Prize by the Prime Minister of Hungary, members of the Parliament of Canada, members of the United States Congress, members of the European Parliament, members of the British House of Lords, and a leading member of another government.
The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention publicly released its opinion that the Government of Syria is in violation of international law by arresting and continuing to detain Haitham Al-Maleh. This opinion comes in response to a petition filed by Mr. Al-Maleh’s son, Iyas Maleh, who has retained Freedom Now and Hogan Lovells LLP as international pro bono counsel for his father. In its opinion, the Working Group calls on the Government of Syria to immediately release the human rights lawyer.
See “Do We Have to Wait 30 Years for Human Rights in China?”
Op-Ed by Washington Post Editorial Page Editor Fred Hiatt calling on President Obama to hold the Government of China accountable for its continued and illegal detention of Freedom Now clients Liu Xiaobo and Gao Zhisheng.
See “President Obama Makes Hu Jintao Look Good on Rights.”
Washington Post Editorial reaffirming call for release of Freedom Now clients Liu Xiaobo and Gao Zhisheng.
See “Democrat and Republican Reps Agree: Hold President Hu Accountable on Human Rights.”
Huffington Post interview by Thor Halverson with Congressmen Chris Smith (R-NJ) and David Wu (D-OR).
See “Mr. Obama, Speak Up for Human Rights in China.”
Washington Post Op-Ed by former Chinese political prisoner and Freedom Now client Dr. Yang Jianli.
On January 19, 2011, Chinese President Hu Jintao will visit Washington for a state visit. During this time, Geng He, the wife of disappeared Chinese human rights lawyer, Gao Zhisheng, and members of his pro-bono international legal team, will be available in for comment on the occasion of the state visit.
Ottawa – Irwin Cotler, M.P. for Mount Royal, Critic for Human Rights, and member of the international legal team of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2010) Liu Xiaobo, returned from Oslo, Norway, where he had been invited to participate in the Nobel ceremonies and to advance the case for Dr. Liu Xiaobo’s release from detention.
8 December 2010 Washington, DC: The U.S. House of Representatives agreed to House Resolution (H.Res.) 1717 today, calling for the release of Dr. Liu Xiaobo, the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and his wife, Liu Xia, from detention in China. […]
See “China must release Liu Xiaobo – or lose its credibility.”
The Observer Op-Ed by Václav Havel and Desmond Tutu arguing that Beijing will lose respect unless it allows Liu Xiaobo to accept the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10.
See “Kazakhstan: Central Asian States Should Fulfill OSCE-Mandated Rights Commitments.”
EurasiaNet Op-Ed by Maran Turner calling on OSCE member states to address human rights in Central Asia.
See “Q&A: Daughter Longs to Reunite with Chinese Dissident Dad.”
Voice of America interview with Gao Zhisheng’s daughter, Grace Geng, by Kate Woodsome.
November 19, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Maran Turner +1 646-596-5064 mturner@freedom-now.org Washington, D.C.: The Azerbaijani government released Emin Milli (Abdullayev), an Azeri human rights activist and social media blogger, from his wrongful imprisonment today. The government had wrongfully detained […]
November 18, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Maran Turner +1 646-596-5064 mturner@freedom-now.org Washington, D.C.: The Azerbaijani government released Adnan Hajizade, an Azeri human rights activist and social media blogger, from his imprisonment today. The government has wrongfully detained Adnan along […]
See “Now We Must All Stand With The Lady.”
The Times Op-Ed by Jared Genser calling on the international community to support Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma.
MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release November 13, 2010 Contact: Jared Genser +1 (202) 320-4135 jgenser@freedom-now.org Washington, D.C.: Today, the Burmese junta released Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from her illegal house arrest. The junta has detained Suu Kyi for 15 […]
See “Empty Chairs in Oslo Speak Volumes.”
Wall Street Journal Op-Ed by Jerome A. Cohen and Eva Pils calling attention to China’s efforts to prevent supporters of Liu Xiaobo from attending the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo.
14 Members of the British Parliament wrote a letter urging Prime Minister Cameron to address the cases of Liu Xiaobo and Gao Zhisheng with Chinese President Hu Jintao at the upcoming G20 Summit. 11 Members of the Canadian Parliament also […]
FIRST TEST FOR THE JUNTA WILL BE WHETHER IT FREES AUNG SAN SUU KYI ON NOVEMBER 13TH MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 4, 2010 Contact: Jared Genser +1 202.320.4135 jgenser@freedom-now.org Washington, D.C. – On Sunday November 7, 2010, Burma […]
Washington, DC: Today, Liu Xiaobo’s pro bono international legal team filed an urgent action petition with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on behalf of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. The team also filed an urgent action petition […]
Submitted by Freedom Now on behalf of Liu Xiaobo and Liu Xia.
See, “Grace Geng Speaks to the BBC.”
Grace Geng, 17 year-old daughter of Gao Zhisheng, is interviewed by the BBC.
See, “Criminalizing Dissent”
Ottawa Citizen Op-Ed by Irwin Cotler.
Join us in NYC, November 16, 2010: a conversation with Lapiro de Mbanga LIVE from prison in Cameroon. (Preview @ http://tiny.cc/xod7b). Freedom Now Executive Director, Maran Turner, to speak.
It will be a Top Chef All Stars Viewing Party with Master Chef Spike Mendelsohn at We, The Pizza from 9-11 pm tonight (December 1). Why so late? We’re watching Chef Spike Mendelsohn compete on the premiere of Bravo’s Top […]
Join us! December 1st for a premier-watching, pizza-eating evening with Master Chef Spike Mendelsohn @ We, the Pizza
See, “Please Return My Father,” and “Again, Where is Gao Zhisheng?”
Wall Street Journal Op-Ed by Grace Geng.
Wall Street Journal Editorial.
MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 25, 2010 Contact: Maran Turner +1 (646) 696-5064; +1 (202) 223-3733 mturner@freedom-now.org Washington, D.C.: Freedom Now has released a letter initiated by Desmond M. Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, signed by 15 Nobel […]
Calling on world leaders to urge Chinese President Hu Jintao to release Nobel Laureate Liu Xiaobo and his wife Liu Xia.
See, “A charade the U.S. can’t play.”
Los Angeles Times Op-Ed by Jared Genser.
See “Why We Gave Liu Xiaobo a Nobel.”
New York Times Op-Ed by Thorbjorn Jagland, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
See “If China frees Nobel winner, it will show its strength”
Washington Post Op-Ed by Václav Havel and Desmond Tutu.
See “The Impact of the Peace Prize.”
South China Morning Post and China Times article by Jerome A. Cohen.
The Chinese government is detaining Liu Xia, the wife of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, at her Beijing apartment. She has not been charged with a crime, however, is she is no longer allowed to leave her apartment. Friends […]
Freedom Now is both proud and thrilled at the selection of its pro bono client Liu Xiaobo as the 2010 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Below please find a statement from his wife, Liu Xiaobo.
Releasing the statement of Liu Xia, Liu Xiaobo’s wife, welcoming the announcement of the Nobel Committee awarding the Peace Prize to her husband.
A bipartisan group of 29 members of the United States House of Representatives, led by Rep. James McGovern (D-MA) and Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), co-chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, urged President Obama to ask Chinese President Hu Jintao at the G20 summit in Seoul, South Korea from November 11-12, 2010, to release Chinese prisoners of conscience and Freedom Now clients Liu Xiaobo and Gao Zhisheng. Rep. Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), the ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, signed separately in a letter attached.
Urging President Obama to ask Chinese President Hu Jintao at the G20 summit in Seoul, South Korea from November 11-12, 2010, to release Liu Xiaobo and Gao Zhisheng.
Washington, D.C. – Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi, General Secretary of the National League for Democracy and the world’s only imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, should be released immediately and unconditionally from her illegal house arrest; however, she must, under Burmese law, be released on November 13, 2010.
See “I’m an American,” Washingtonian Magazine, October 2010.
Washingtonian article by Marisa M. Kashino.
On August 17, 2010, former Freedom Now client Lewis Medjo began republishing his newspaper, La Détente Libre, just three months after being freed from Cameroon’s New Bell Prison. The publication, which the Cameroonian government shut down, was known for its […]
On June 16, 2010, Freedom Now announced the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention had issued Opinion No. 12/2010 finding her to be held in violation of international law.
Freedom Now announced the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued Opinion No. 12/2010 finding Aung San Suu Kyi to be held in violation of international law.
Freedom Now President Jared Genser was awarded the 2010 Charles Bronfman Prize for his efforts on behalf of prisoners of conscience worldwide in his capacity as founder and president of Freedom Now. The Charles Bronfman Prize is a humanitarian award […]