Volkswagen on Wednesday (Nov. 27) said that it will close its exiting plant in China's Xinjiang region after the company and its Chinese partner agreed to sell the asset to a Shanghai government-owned buyer, two people familiar with the issue said.&nbsp;

The German automaker had a joint venture assembly plant in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang.&nbsp;

Moreover, it also had two test tracks in the region, maintaining the largest and most visible presence in Xinjiang of any multinational company.&nbsp;

Volkswagen and SAID will now sell the plant to Shanghai Motor Vehicle Inspection Certification (SMVIC), a subsidiary of the state-owned Shanghai Lingang Development Group, the sources said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/cost-cutting-necessary-after-decades-of-structural-problems-volkswagen-ceo-773100">Also read:&nbsp;Cost cutting necessary after 'decades of structural problems: Volkswagen CEO</a>

The company's presence in the country had attracted condemnation from human rights groups&nbsp;that alleged abuses, including mass forced labour in detention camps in the region.&nbsp;

Beijing, however, denies these claims. The Chinese government has also put pressure on global companies to keep doing business in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;China slammed for treatment of Xinjiang Uighurs

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Earlier in September, the Ministry of Commerce began investigating whether PVH, the corporate parent of the clothing brands Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, had taken "discriminatory measures" for not buying products from Xinjiang.&nbsp;

Notably, for Volkswagen, the only issue was not just the political liability but also because it was losing money as it was designed to make gasoline-powered cars. But China has now swiftly adopted electric vehicles in the last four years.&nbsp;

Moreover, half of the cars sold in China are now either battery-electric or plug-in hybrid cars.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Volkswagen on Wednesday (Nov. 27) said that it will close its exiting plant in China's Xinjiang region after the company and its Chinese partner agreed to sell the asset to a Shanghai government-owned buyer, two people familiar with the issue said.

Volkswagen on Wednesday (Nov. 27) said that it will close its exiting plant in China's Xinjiang region after the company and its Chinese partner agreed to sell the asset to a Shanghai government-owned buyer, two people familiar with the issue said. The German automaker had a joint venture assembly plant in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. Moreover, it also had two test tracks in the region, maintaining the largest and most visible presence in Xinjiang of any multinational company. Volkswagen and SAID will now sell the plant to Shanghai Motor Vehicle Inspection Certification (SMVIC), a subsidiary of the state-owned Shanghai Lingang Development Group, the sources said. Also read: Cost cutting necessary after 'decades of structural problems: Volkswagen CEO The company's presence in the country had attracted condemnation from human rights groups that alleged abuses, including mass forced labour in detention camps in the region. Beijing, however, denies these claims. The Chinese government has also put pressure on global companies to keep doing business in Xinjiang. Watch | China slammed for treatment of Xinjiang Uighurs × Earlier in September, the Ministry of Commerce began investigating whether PVH, the corporate parent of the clothing brands Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, had taken "discriminatory measures" for not buying products from Xinjiang. Notably, for Volkswagen, the only issue was not just the political liability but also because it was losing money as it was designed to make gasoline-powered cars. But China has now swiftly adopted electric vehicles in the last four years. Moreover, half of the cars sold in China are now either battery-electric or plug-in hybrid cars. (With inputs from agencies)

Volkswagen to close China's Xinjiang plant amid concerns for human rights abuses

The <a href="https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/india">annual US&nbsp;report</a> on human rights practices, which was published on Monday (March 20), cited "significant human rights issues" and abuses in India, according to the US&nbsp;State Department, including allegations of the targeting of religious minorities, dissidents, and journalists.&nbsp;

The findings came over a year after Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a rare open criticism of India's human rights record, said America was keeping a watch&nbsp;on what it described as an increase in violations in India&nbsp;by some government, police, and prison officials, as reported by Reuters.&nbsp;

Due to the strong economic links between the two nations and India's growing significance to Washington in its efforts to balance China in the region, the US&nbsp;rarely criticises India.

In recent years, under the leadership of prime minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi's&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), advocacy groups have expressed concern about what they perceive to be a deteriorating human rights situation in India.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-spend-12-bn-on-airports-in-next-two-years-as-traffic-picks-up-573841">India to spend $12 bn on airports in next two years as traffic picks up</a>

Human Rights Watch has stated that the Indian government's policies and actions specifically target Muslims, and Modi's&nbsp;ruling party has been criticised for promoting religious polarisation since assuming power in 2014.&nbsp;

The United Nations human rights office described a 2019 citizenship law as "fundamentally discriminatory" because it excluded Muslim immigrants from neighbouring nations; critics also point to anti-conversion legislation that questioned the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of religion; and the revocation of Kashmir's special status in 2019, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi accepts Japanese PM Fumio Kishida’s Invitation To G7

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India has fallen from 140th to 150th in the annual Reporters Without Borders Global Press Freedom Index rankings since Modi assumed office, which is its lowest position yet. According to internet advocacy group Access Now, India has also topped the global list for the largest number of internet shutdowns for five years in a row, including in 2022.

"Civil society organisations expressed concern that the central government sometimes used UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) to detain human rights activists and journalists," the US&nbsp;report said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The annual US report on human rights practices, which was published on Monday (March 20), cited "significant human rights issues" and abuses in India, according to the US State Department, including allegations of the targeting of religious minorities, dissidents, and journalists.

The annual US report on human rights practices, which was published on Monday (March 20), cited "significant human rights issues" and abuses in India, according to the US State Department, including allegations of the targeting of religious minorities, dissidents, and journalists. The findings came over a year after Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a rare open criticism of India's human rights record, said America was keeping a watch on what it described as an increase in violations in India by some government, police, and prison officials, as reported by Reuters. Due to the strong economic links between the two nations and India's growing significance to Washington in its efforts to balance China in the region, the US rarely criticises India. In recent years, under the leadership of prime minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), advocacy groups have expressed concern about what they perceive to be a deteriorating human rights situation in India. ALSO READ | India to spend $12 bn on airports in next two years as traffic picks up Human Rights Watch has stated that the Indian government's policies and actions specifically target Muslims, and Modi's ruling party has been criticised for promoting religious polarisation since assuming power in 2014. The United Nations human rights office described a 2019 citizenship law as "fundamentally discriminatory" because it excluded Muslim immigrants from neighbouring nations; critics also point to anti-conversion legislation that questioned the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of religion; and the revocation of Kashmir's special status in 2019, reported Reuters. ALSO WATCH | Indian PM Modi accepts Japanese PM Fumio Kishida’s Invitation To G7 India has fallen from 140th to 150th in the annual Reporters Without Borders Global Press Freedom Index rankings since Modi assumed office, which is its lowest position yet. According to internet advocacy group Access Now, India has also topped the global list for the largest number of internet shutdowns for five years in a row, including in 2022. "Civil society organisations expressed concern that the central government sometimes used UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) to detain human rights activists and journalists," the US report said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India witnessed significant human rights breaches in 2022, says US report

Two senior Chinese officials were slapped with sanctions by the United States over alleged "serious human rights abuse" in Tibet. The news agency AFP reported that the officials are accused of torture and killing of prisoners and forced sterilisation.&nbsp;

Any US assets and criminalised transactions with Wu Yingjie and Zhang Hongbo have been blocked by the US. Wu was China's boss in Tibet from 2016 to 2021, on the other hand, Zhang was China's police chief in the Himalayan region since 2018. It is believed that Zhang is still in charge.&nbsp;

In total, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said that it has sanctioned over 40 individuals and entities across nine countries connected to corruption and human rights abuse. The move is in recognition of International Anti-Corruption Day and Human Rights Day.&nbsp;

Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said in the official statement, "Corrupt actors and human rights abusers both rely on deficiencies in the international financial system to perpetrate their activities."&nbsp;

He added, "By exposing the egregious behaviour of these actors, we can help disrupt their activities, dismantle their networks, and starve them of resources."&nbsp;

WATCH&nbsp;| US: DoJ to hold former President Donald Trump in contempt of court&nbsp;

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Regarding Tibet, the US said that has targeted Tibetans under the "social stability work" programmes for decades. "Tibetans have been subject to serious human rights abuse in the TAR, including arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings, and physical abuse, as part of the PRC’s efforts to severely restrict religious freedoms," the Treasury's statement mentioned.&nbsp;

The Treasury Department said in a statement that&nbsp;Wu directed a policy of "stability" in&nbsp;Tibet&nbsp;that included "serious human rights abuse, including extrajudicial killings, physical abuse, arbitrary arrests and mass detentions."&nbsp;

"Additional abuses during Wu's tenure include forced sterilization, coerced abortion, restrictions on religious and political freedoms and the torture of prisoners," it added.&nbsp;

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Two senior Chinese officials were slapped with sanctions by the United States over alleged "serious human rights abuse" in Tibet. The news agency AFP reported that the officials are accused of torture and killing of prisoners and forced sterilisation.

Two senior Chinese officials were slapped with sanctions by the United States over alleged "serious human rights abuse" in Tibet. The news agency AFP reported that the officials are accused of torture and killing of prisoners and forced sterilisation. Any US assets and criminalised transactions with Wu Yingjie and Zhang Hongbo have been blocked by the US. Wu was China's boss in Tibet from 2016 to 2021, on the other hand, Zhang was China's police chief in the Himalayan region since 2018. It is believed that Zhang is still in charge. In total, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said that it has sanctioned over 40 individuals and entities across nine countries connected to corruption and human rights abuse. The move is in recognition of International Anti-Corruption Day and Human Rights Day. Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said in the official statement, "Corrupt actors and human rights abusers both rely on deficiencies in the international financial system to perpetrate their activities." He added, "By exposing the egregious behaviour of these actors, we can help disrupt their activities, dismantle their networks, and starve them of resources." WATCH | US: DoJ to hold former President Donald Trump in contempt of court × Regarding Tibet, the US said that has targeted Tibetans under the "social stability work" programmes for decades. "Tibetans have been subject to serious human rights abuse in the TAR, including arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings, and physical abuse, as part of the PRC’s efforts to severely restrict religious freedoms," the Treasury's statement mentioned. The Treasury Department said in a statement that Wu directed a policy of "stability" in Tibet that included "serious human rights abuse, including extrajudicial killings, physical abuse, arbitrary arrests and mass detentions." "Additional abuses during Wu's tenure include forced sterilization, coerced abortion, restrictions on religious and political freedoms and the torture of prisoners," it added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US imposes sanctions on Chinese officials over 'serious' human rights abuse in Tibet

The British government has prohibited the use of Chinese CCTVs in its departments citing security threats and human rights abuse concerns. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: UK clamps down on Chinese CCTVs

Japan's parliament has passed a rare resolution where it expressed its concerns over rights issue in China and has asked the government to take steps to relieve the situation.

Japan's parliament passes rare resolution expressing concern over rights abuses in China

Qatar is set to receive a $50 billion economic boost thanks to the 2022 World cup. Why was the country awarded hosting rights despite its horrific human rights record? Why do sporting bodies put money over rights? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: FIFA helps Qatar sportswash human rights abuses

The United States, Canada, and European allies expanded sanctions on Belarus placing restrictions on government officials and entities for human rights abuses and official support for "migrant smuggling."

US, Europe expand sanctions on Belarus over 'migrant smuggling'

Beijing, the host of winter Olympics, is orchestrating a genocide. Qatar, the host of 2022 FIFA World Cup, is accused of human rights abuses. Both countries are now being called out for sportswashing. Palki Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: China, Qatar fail in their sportswashing campaign

The silence of sponsors of Beijing’s Winter Olympics on the topic of human rights abuses in China is concerning, Human Rights Watch said on Friday.<o:p></o:p>

Companies such as Intel, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung, Toyota, Visa, Airbnb, Coca-Cola, Allianz and Alibaba are the corporate sponsors of the Winter Olympics which are scheduled to begin in Beijing in less than 100 days.<o:p></o:p>

New York-based Human Rights Watch is concerned that the corporate sponsors are not utilising their position and the timing in the best possible way. The group is urging the sponsors to use this platform to highlight the human rights violations and abuses taking place in China under the rule of Xi Jinping.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-position-cemented-in-history-as-chinas-communist-party-passes-resolution-428596">Xi Jinping's position cemented in history as China's Communist Party passes resolution</a></o:p>

"There are just three months until the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, but corporate sponsors remain silent over how they are using their influence to address China’s appalling human rights record," said Sophie Richardson, HRW's China director.<o:p></o:p>

Richardson also warned that sponsors that by not speaking out about the human rights abuses in China, these companies "risk instead being associated with an Olympics tainted by censorship and repression".<o:p></o:p>

HRW experts also revealed that they had earlier written to the sponsors about speaking against the human rights violations in the country, but had received only one response.<o:p></o:p>

Activists and international leaders have accused XI Jinping’s government of religiously repressing the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang. China has also been accused of suppressing Hong Kong, Taiwan and Tibet’s rights, with the locals of those areas often protesting over China’s harsh policies.<o:p></o:p>

China, however, has slammed these accusations and have called it "politicisation" of sport. Talking on the same tune, the International Olympic Committee has claimed that it does not have the power "to go into a country and&nbsp;tell them what to do".<o:p></o:p>

The silence of sponsors of Beijing’s Winter Olympics on the topic of human rights abuses in China is concerning, Human Rights Watch said on Friday. Companies such as Intel, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung, Toyota, Visa, Airbnb, Coca-Cola, Allianz and Alibaba are the corporate sponsors of the Winter Olympics which are scheduled to begin in Beijing in less than 100 days.

The silence of sponsors of Beijing’s Winter Olympics on the topic of human rights abuses in China is concerning, Human Rights Watch said on Friday. Companies such as Intel, Omega, Panasonic, Samsung, Toyota, Visa, Airbnb, Coca-Cola, Allianz and Alibaba are the corporate sponsors of the Winter Olympics which are scheduled to begin in Beijing in less than 100 days. New York-based Human Rights Watch is concerned that the corporate sponsors are not utilising their position and the timing in the best possible way. The group is urging the sponsors to use this platform to highlight the human rights violations and abuses taking place in China under the rule of Xi Jinping. Also read | Xi Jinping's position cemented in history as China's Communist Party passes resolution "There are just three months until the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, but corporate sponsors remain silent over how they are using their influence to address China’s appalling human rights record," said Sophie Richardson, HRW's China director. Richardson also warned that sponsors that by not speaking out about the human rights abuses in China, these companies "risk instead being associated with an Olympics tainted by censorship and repression". HRW experts also revealed that they had earlier written to the sponsors about speaking against the human rights violations in the country, but had received only one response. Activists and international leaders have accused XI Jinping’s government of religiously repressing the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang. China has also been accused of suppressing Hong Kong, Taiwan and Tibet’s rights, with the locals of those areas often protesting over China’s harsh policies. China, however, has slammed these accusations and have called it "politicisation" of sport. Talking on the same tune, the International Olympic Committee has claimed that it does not have the power "to go into a country and tell them what to do".

Beijing Winter Olympics sponsors not utilising platform to talk about human rights: HRW

The United States imposed sanctions on a Cuban security minister and an interior ministry special forces unit for alleged human rights abuses in a crackdown on anti-government protests earlier this month.

US sanctions Cuban defence minister and interior ministry unit over protest crackdown

Beaten, kicked in the groin and threatened with sexual violence - a young&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;teenager detained by the junta's security forces has described the treatment suffered by some women and girls behind bars.

Ma Chaw, 17, and her mother were arrested on April 14 in Yangon,&nbsp;Myanmar's commercial capital, which has been blanketed with heavy security since the military seized power in a coup.

As they were walking to a friend's house from a morning protest, she said, they were stopped by two security trucks.&nbsp;

"They forced us to crouch face-down on the ground," Ma Chaw told AFP.

The high school student then faced six days of fear and anxiety, held with women who alleged torture and abuse by police behind closed doors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-anti-junta-unity-government-says-it-has-formed-defence-force-383019">Myanmar's anti-junta unity government says it has formed defence force</a>

Ma Chaw said she herself had to endure a police officer molesting her during an interrogation session.

The teenager was released on April 20, but her mother was not as fortunate, she was instead taken to Yangon's Insein prison.

"My mother is my only family," she said.&nbsp;"I'm very worried for her safety and life."

To secure her release, she said, she had to sign documents saying she suffered "no torture" behind bars.

"It's the opposite of what they have done," Ma Chaw said.&nbsp;"It is totally unacceptable and unfair."

Molested, slapped, beaten

Her mother is among more than 3,800 civilians arrested and still languishing behind bars since the February 1 coup, according to local monitoring group the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

Little is known about the conditions of detainees across&nbsp;Myanmar, as those released rarely speak out about it.

Ma Chaw said she and her mother were taken first to a local police station where they were questioned separately.

"I was touched by a police officer, who told me he could kill me and make me disappear," she said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thailand-seeking-humanitarian-solution-for-detained-myanmar-journalists-384263">Thailand seeking 'humanitarian' solution for detained Myanmar journalists</a>

&nbsp;

"If I didn't push his hand away, I'm sure he would have continued."

She added that her mother was slapped twice during her interrogation.

The following day, they were taken to a detention centre on Yangon's northern outskirts where they met other women, some of whom had bruises all over their bodies.

One of them, a woman who had been in a relationship with a foreigner, was beaten so badly she could barely talk or eat, Ma Chaw said.

"We had to feed her fried egg and rice," she said. "She told us she couldn't urinate because her women parts had been kicked during the interrogation."

The National Unity Government, an underground group of ousted lawmakers opposing the junta, has announced it is investigating the "allegations of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls in unlawful detention".

"These cases are indicative of the wider pattern of sexual and gender-based violence committed by&nbsp;Myanmar's military that has persisted for years with impunity, particularly against ethnic minority women and girls in armed conflict areas," it said in a statement.

Threatened disappearances

Another woman held in the same detention centre as Ma Chaw recalled similar experiences.&nbsp;Both women have been given pseudonyms because of the sensitivity of their allegations.

Ngwe Thanzin told AFP she and four others were protesting in Yangon's South Okkalapa township when they were arrested.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-declares-martial-law-in-town-after-attacks-on-bank-police-384978">Myanmar junta declares martial law in town after attacks on bank, police</a>

"I was kicked in my face for having a black mask in my bag," she said, adding that security forces also yelled misogynistic abuse at them.

The women were then taken to the same detention centre as Ma Chaw, where Ngwe Thanzin said she was handcuffed so tightly it left marks on her wrists.

"They also threatened us saying they could kill us and make us disappear without anyone knowing it," she told AFP.

During her three-night detention, she said she saw a 19-year-old girl bruised so badly she could barely stand.

"They don't beat or torture in front of other people. But when people were individually interrogated, they came out with bruises."

AFP was unable to independently verify the allegations made by Ma Chaw and Ngwe Thanzin.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-may-target-free-speech-in-effort-to-stifle-protests-363394">Myanmar may target free speech in effort to stifle protests</a>

Repeated attempts to contact the junta spokesman for a response went unanswered.

And junta-appointed Minister of Social Welfare Thet Thet Khine, who chairs a National Committee on Prevention and Response to Sexual Violence in Conflict, could not be reached for comment.&nbsp;

Ngwe Thanzin said the least the junta could do was have female security personnel available to interrogate them, instead of men.

"All our rights and dignity were violated and abused," she said.

"Since we have no rights, I felt we were like water in their hands."

Beaten, kicked in the groin and threatened with sexual violence - a young Myanmar teenager detained by the junta's security forces has described the treatment suffered by some women and girls behind bars.

Beaten, kicked in the groin and threatened with sexual violence - a young Myanmar teenager detained by the junta's security forces has described the treatment suffered by some women and girls behind bars. Ma Chaw, 17, and her mother were arrested on April 14 in Yangon, Myanmar's commercial capital, which has been blanketed with heavy security since the military seized power in a coup. As they were walking to a friend's house from a morning protest, she said, they were stopped by two security trucks. "They forced us to crouch face-down on the ground," Ma Chaw told AFP. The high school student then faced six days of fear and anxiety, held with women who alleged torture and abuse by police behind closed doors. Also read | Myanmar's anti-junta unity government says it has formed defence force Ma Chaw said she herself had to endure a police officer molesting her during an interrogation session. The teenager was released on April 20, but her mother was not as fortunate, she was instead taken to Yangon's Insein prison. "My mother is my only family," she said. "I'm very worried for her safety and life." To secure her release, she said, she had to sign documents saying she suffered "no torture" behind bars. "It's the opposite of what they have done," Ma Chaw said. "It is totally unacceptable and unfair." Molested, slapped, beaten Her mother is among more than 3,800 civilians arrested and still languishing behind bars since the February 1 coup, according to local monitoring group the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Little is known about the conditions of detainees across Myanmar, as those released rarely speak out about it. Ma Chaw said she and her mother were taken first to a local police station where they were questioned separately. "I was touched by a police officer, who told me he could kill me and make me disappear," she said. Also read | Thailand seeking 'humanitarian' solution for detained Myanmar journalists "If I didn't push his hand away, I'm sure he would have continued." She added that her mother was slapped twice during her interrogation. The following day, they were taken to a detention centre on Yangon's northern outskirts where they met other women, some of whom had bruises all over their bodies. One of them, a woman who had been in a relationship with a foreigner, was beaten so badly she could barely talk or eat, Ma Chaw said. "We had to feed her fried egg and rice," she said. "She told us she couldn't urinate because her women parts had been kicked during the interrogation." The National Unity Government, an underground group of ousted lawmakers opposing the junta, has announced it is investigating the "allegations of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls in unlawful detention". "These cases are indicative of the wider pattern of sexual and gender-based violence committed by Myanmar's military that has persisted for years with impunity, particularly against ethnic minority women and girls in armed conflict areas," it said in a statement. Threatened disappearances Another woman held in the same detention centre as Ma Chaw recalled similar experiences. Both women have been given pseudonyms because of the sensitivity of their allegations. Ngwe Thanzin told AFP she and four others were protesting in Yangon's South Okkalapa township when they were arrested. Also read | Myanmar junta declares martial law in town after attacks on bank, police "I was kicked in my face for having a black mask in my bag," she said, adding that security forces also yelled misogynistic abuse at them. The women were then taken to the same detention centre as Ma Chaw, where Ngwe Thanzin said she was handcuffed so tightly it left marks on her wrists. "They also threatened us saying they could kill us and make us disappear without anyone knowing it," she told AFP. During her three-night detention, she said she saw a 19-year-old girl bruised so badly she could barely stand. "They don't beat or torture in front of other people. But when people were individually interrogated, they came out with bruises." AFP was unable to independently verify the allegations made by Ma Chaw and Ngwe Thanzin. Also read | Myanmar may target free speech in effort to stifle protests Repeated attempts to contact the junta spokesman for a response went unanswered. And junta-appointed Minister of Social Welfare Thet Thet Khine, who chairs a National Committee on Prevention and Response to Sexual Violence in Conflict, could not be reached for comment. Ngwe Thanzin said the least the junta could do was have female security personnel available to interrogate them, instead of men. "All our rights and dignity were violated and abused," she said. "Since we have no rights, I felt we were like water in their hands."

Kicked in the groin: Myanmar teen describes junta's brutal treatment of detained women

Libyan authorities have reportedly released a man who has been commonly described as one of the world’s most wanted human traffickers.&nbsp;The man in question, Abd al-Rahman Milad is a coastguard commander who goes by the alias Bija. He was earlier&nbsp;sanctioned by the United Nations for sinking migrant boats.

Milad is part of a criminal network which operates from Zwiyah in northwest Libya, The Guardian reported. In October 2020, he was arrested by authorities&nbsp;but was freed on Sunday after charges against him were dropped by the military attorney general of Tripoli, citing&nbsp;lack of evidence.

The UNSC had imposed sanctions against Bija and five others in June 2018 for their connections with criminal networks that specialise in trafficking migrants from Libya.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/libyas-interior-minister-survives-assassination-attempt-365292" hreflang="en">Libya's interior minister survives assassination attempt</a>

In 2019, an Italian newspaper called Avvenire had reported that Bija was present in Europe throughout the last few years at official meetings including Italy, Rome between 2017-2019.

Soon after the news of his release came in, criticism flowed in from many parts of the world, especially in Italy where two journalists were given police protection for reporting on the criminal’s activities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/over-1500-migrants-rescued-off-libya-coast-in-week-362857" hreflang="en">Over 1,500 migrants ‘rescued’ off Libya coast in week</a>

Many migrants hoping to flee wars and poverty cross through the country in hopes of reaching Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

The UN has referred to Bija as being directly involved in “sinking of migrant boats” was introduced at official meetings as a “Libyan coastguard”, the Italian newspaper reported.

Libyan authorities have reportedly released a man who has been commonly described as one of the world’s most wanted human traffickers. The man in question, Abd al-Rahman Milad is a coastguard commander who goes by the alias Bija.

Libyan authorities have reportedly released a man who has been commonly described as one of the world’s most wanted human traffickers. The man in question, Abd al-Rahman Milad is a coastguard commander who goes by the alias Bija. He was earlier sanctioned by the United Nations for sinking migrant boats. Milad is part of a criminal network which operates from Zwiyah in northwest Libya, The Guardian reported. In October 2020, he was arrested by authorities but was freed on Sunday after charges against him were dropped by the military attorney general of Tripoli, citing lack of evidence. The UNSC had imposed sanctions against Bija and five others in June 2018 for their connections with criminal networks that specialise in trafficking migrants from Libya. Also read: Libya's interior minister survives assassination attempt In 2019, an Italian newspaper called Avvenire had reported that Bija was present in Europe throughout the last few years at official meetings including Italy, Rome between 2017-2019. Soon after the news of his release came in, criticism flowed in from many parts of the world, especially in Italy where two journalists were given police protection for reporting on the criminal’s activities. Also read: Over 1,500 migrants ‘rescued’ off Libya coast in week Many migrants hoping to flee wars and poverty cross through the country in hopes of reaching Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea. The UN has referred to Bija as being directly involved in “sinking of migrant boats” was introduced at official meetings as a “Libyan coastguard”, the Italian newspaper reported.

One of the world's most wanted human traffickers released by Libya

Human rights in the US have deteriorated massively in 2020 under the rule of former US president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump.</a>

Watchdog&nbsp;group Amnesty International released a report on Tuesday that listed 15 human rights areas of concern in the US, which included the unlawful killing of civilians, right to peaceful assembly and LGBTQ rights.

The report has come at a time when the US is already struggling with racial injustice and hate, which is being countered with the Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate campaigns.

“Our history is built on our Bill of Rights and the First Amendment … that guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, free speech and free expression,” said Joanne Lin, Amnesty’s national advocacy director. “But as we have seen in our own country, those rights can be placed in great peril and are often under tremendous assault, especially during times of crisis,”&nbsp;Al Jazeera quoted Lin as saying.

The report claims that the coronavirus pandemic, which hit the US hardest, has caused repeated lockdowns which led to a decline in the economy. The repeated lockdowns led to widespread job loss and an uneven government response that led to a “disproportionate and discriminatory impact on many people based on their race, socioeconomic situations and other characteristics”.

As per the report, the coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately affected the people of colour in the US which has been caused “due to unsanitary conditions in prisons and detention where they were unable to adequately physically distance and had inadequate access to hygienic supplies”.

Amnesty has also blamed Trump for decreasing human rights in the US. “Trump administration’s broadly dismal human rights record, both at home and abroad, deteriorated further during 2020”.

It has been reported that at least 1,000 people have been killed by police firearms, of which Black people have been severely attacked. It also added that law enforcement officers committed “widespread and egregious human rights violations against people protesting about the unlawful killings of Black people and calling for police reform” during the Black Lives Matter movement.

Amnesty “documented 125 separate incidents of unlawful police violence against protesters in 40 states and Washington, DC, between 26 May and 5 June alone,” the report read.

Human rights in the US have deteriorated massively in 2020 under the rule of former US president Donald Trump. Watchdog group Amnesty International released a report on Tuesday that listed 15 human rights areas of concern in the US, which included the unlawful killing of civilians, right to peaceful assembly and LGBTQ rights.

Human rights in the US have deteriorated massively in 2020 under the rule of former US president Donald Trump. Watchdog group Amnesty International released a report on Tuesday that listed 15 human rights areas of concern in the US, which included the unlawful killing of civilians, right to peaceful assembly and LGBTQ rights. The report has come at a time when the US is already struggling with racial injustice and hate, which is being countered with the Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate campaigns. “Our history is built on our Bill of Rights and the First Amendment … that guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, free speech and free expression,” said Joanne Lin, Amnesty’s national advocacy director. “But as we have seen in our own country, those rights can be placed in great peril and are often under tremendous assault, especially during times of crisis,” Al Jazeera quoted Lin as saying. The report claims that the coronavirus pandemic, which hit the US hardest, has caused repeated lockdowns which led to a decline in the economy. The repeated lockdowns led to widespread job loss and an uneven government response that led to a “disproportionate and discriminatory impact on many people based on their race, socioeconomic situations and other characteristics”. As per the report, the coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately affected the people of colour in the US which has been caused “due to unsanitary conditions in prisons and detention where they were unable to adequately physically distance and had inadequate access to hygienic supplies”. Amnesty has also blamed Trump for decreasing human rights in the US. “Trump administration’s broadly dismal human rights record, both at home and abroad, deteriorated further during 2020”. It has been reported that at least 1,000 people have been killed by police firearms, of which Black people have been severely attacked. It also added that law enforcement officers committed “widespread and egregious human rights violations against people protesting about the unlawful killings of Black people and calling for police reform” during the Black Lives Matter movement. Amnesty “documented 125 separate incidents of unlawful police violence against protesters in 40 states and Washington, DC, between 26 May and 5 June alone,” the report read.

US human rights 'deteriorated' in 2020: Amnesty International

New Zealand’s Catholic Church on Friday formally apologised to the victims of abuse within the church, while acknowledging that its systems and culture must change.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington and Metropolitan of New Zealand, Cardinal John Dew apologised at the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care on behalf of congregational leaders and bishops in the country.

“Today, recognising the importance of this moment, I apologise to you on behalf of the bishops and congregational leaders of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand. I also apologise to you on behalf of those who preceded us as bishops and congregational leaders”, the Cardinal said.

The country is currently conducting an “Abuse in Care” enquiry to ascertain the extend of abuse and to resolve historic claims.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/in-setback-for-gay-catholics-vatican-says-church-cannot-bless-same-sex-unions-370686" hreflang="en">In setback for gay Catholics, Vatican says church cannot bless same-sex unions</a>

“Any kind of abuse is unacceptable and indefensible. We are deeply sorry. We acknowledge that the systems and culture of the church allowed abuse to occur. These systems and culture failed you and must change”, Cardinal John Dew said.

It is part of this enquiry that the Cardinals comments came in, along with witness statements from religious institutions. The Royal Commission was set up by New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in 2018, claiming that the country must confront a “dark chapter” in its history.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/in-another-archaeological-discovery-ancient-churches-rooms-found-in-egypt-370443" hreflang="en">In another archaeological discovery, ancient churches, rooms found in Egypt</a>

The Commission was later extended to include churches, along with other religious institutions.

The enquiry revealed astounding discoveries about the extent of abuse under the church. Reportedly, kids as young as nine months old suffered years of abuse. Among other things, the victims were raped, given electric shock treatments by psychiatric and state care facilities.

New Zealand’s Catholic Church on Friday formally apologised to the victims of abuse within the church, while acknowledging that its systems and culture must change.

New Zealand’s Catholic Church on Friday formally apologised to the victims of abuse within the church, while acknowledging that its systems and culture must change. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington and Metropolitan of New Zealand, Cardinal John Dew apologised at the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care on behalf of congregational leaders and bishops in the country. “Today, recognising the importance of this moment, I apologise to you on behalf of the bishops and congregational leaders of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand. I also apologise to you on behalf of those who preceded us as bishops and congregational leaders”, the Cardinal said. The country is currently conducting an “Abuse in Care” enquiry to ascertain the extend of abuse and to resolve historic claims. Also read: In setback for gay Catholics, Vatican says church cannot bless same-sex unions “Any kind of abuse is unacceptable and indefensible. We are deeply sorry. We acknowledge that the systems and culture of the church allowed abuse to occur. These systems and culture failed you and must change”, Cardinal John Dew said. It is part of this enquiry that the Cardinals comments came in, along with witness statements from religious institutions. The Royal Commission was set up by New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in 2018, claiming that the country must confront a “dark chapter” in its history. Also read: In another archaeological discovery, ancient churches, rooms found in Egypt The Commission was later extended to include churches, along with other religious institutions. The enquiry revealed astounding discoveries about the extent of abuse under the church. Reportedly, kids as young as nine months old suffered years of abuse. Among other things, the victims were raped, given electric shock treatments by psychiatric and state care facilities.

'Deeply sorry': New Zealand's Catholic Church apologises to victims of abuse

After the US, the EU, Britain, and Canada imposed sanctions on Chinese officials for excesses against Muslims in Xinjiang region, China hit back at the countries with sanctions of their own.

Soon after the coordinated western sanctions, China responded with sanctions of their own, mostly targeting the EU - including diplomats, institutes, families, lawmakers. The sanctions now prevent EU from doing business with China.

Multiple reports over the last year have shed light on human rights abuses taking place in northwestern China, where Muslim Uighur are reportedly kept in mass detention camps.&nbsp;

United States claims that China is committing genocide in the region. So far, China has denied all such accusations, calling these camps “reeducation centres” aimed at de-radicalising youth.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-approves-sanctions-on-china-myanmar-over-rights-abuses-372295" hreflang="en">EU approves sanctions on China, Myanmar over rights abuses</a>

Biden’s policy for Beijing is centred around aligning with strategic partners, in what many US officials calls the “Europe roadshow”.

"Amid growing international condemnation, (China) continues to commit genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned in a statement. A meeting with EU and NATO members is due later.

According to activists and UN rights experts, at least 1 million Muslims are currently detained in Xinjiang camps. Reports add that torture, forced labour, and sterilisations are the tactics used by the Chinese government against Muslims.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/opinions-blogs/opinion-quad-summits-forward-trajectory-disturbs-china-372360" hreflang="en">Opinion: Quad Summit's forward trajectory disturbs China</a>

“Mounting evidence points to systemic, state-led human rights violations by Chinese authorities”, Canada’s foreign ministry had said. 
 
China has denied all such allegations, claiming that these camps provide vocational training to counter extremism in the country.

On Monday, the EU imposed sanctions on four Chinese officials, including a top-level security director, along with another entity. Soon after, Britain and Canada followed suit.

After the US, the EU, Britain, and Canada imposed sanctions on Chinese officials for excesses against Muslims in Xinjiang region, China hit back at the countries with sanctions of their own.

After the US, the EU, Britain, and Canada imposed sanctions on Chinese officials for excesses against Muslims in Xinjiang region, China hit back at the countries with sanctions of their own. Soon after the coordinated western sanctions, China responded with sanctions of their own, mostly targeting the EU - including diplomats, institutes, families, lawmakers. The sanctions now prevent EU from doing business with China. Multiple reports over the last year have shed light on human rights abuses taking place in northwestern China, where Muslim Uighur are reportedly kept in mass detention camps. United States claims that China is committing genocide in the region. So far, China has denied all such accusations, calling these camps “reeducation centres” aimed at de-radicalising youth. Also read: EU approves sanctions on China, Myanmar over rights abuses Biden’s policy for Beijing is centred around aligning with strategic partners, in what many US officials calls the “Europe roadshow”. "Amid growing international condemnation, (China) continues to commit genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned in a statement. A meeting with EU and NATO members is due later. According to activists and UN rights experts, at least 1 million Muslims are currently detained in Xinjiang camps. Reports add that torture, forced labour, and sterilisations are the tactics used by the Chinese government against Muslims. Also read: Opinion: Quad Summit's forward trajectory disturbs China “Mounting evidence points to systemic, state-led human rights violations by Chinese authorities”, Canada’s foreign ministry had said. China has denied all such allegations, claiming that these camps provide vocational training to counter extremism in the country. On Monday, the EU imposed sanctions on four Chinese officials, including a top-level security director, along with another entity. Soon after, Britain and Canada followed suit.

China retaliates after coordinated sanctions by western countries over Xinjiang abuses

Russia will be contesting for a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council. Russia's candidacy does not come as a surprise as Putin's government has long been eager to return to the forum from which it was dropped nearly 4 years ago. Watch report.

Russia eyes a spot on the UNHRC: Worst human rights abusers on the run

The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday condemned "the long-standing and ongoing systematic, widespread and gross violations of human rights in and by" North Korea in an annual resolution that Pyongyang's UN&nbsp;envoy rejected.

The resolution, sponsored by dozens of countries including the United States, was adopted by the 193-member General Assembly without a vote. Such resolutions are non-binding but can carry political weight.

North Korea's UN&nbsp;Ambassador <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-security-council-to-meet-over-north-korea-on-wednesday-at-us-request-267389">Kim Song</a> told the General Assembly that the resolution has "nothing to do with the genuine promotion and protection of human rights, as it is an impure product of political plots by hostile forces that seek to tarnish the dignity and image of the DPRK and overthrow our social system."

North Korea's official name is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

A landmark 2014 UN&nbsp;report on North Korean human rights concluded that North Korean security chiefs - and possibly leader Kim Jong Un himself - should face justice for overseeing a state-controlled system of Nazi-style atrocities.

Then in 2016, the United States <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-calls-united-states-biden-a-rabid-dog-nearing-death-262205">angered North Korea</a> by blacklisting Kim for human rights abuses.

Earlier this month at least eight UN&nbsp;Security Council members pushed for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoy-biegun-to-north-korea-were-here-you-know-how-to-reach-us-268526">meeting</a> on human rights abuses in North Korea. Pyongyang responded that it would consider such a move a "serious provocation" to which it would "respond strongly."

Diplomats said a meeting would have prompted China to call a vote to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-can-censor-ozil-but-cannot-hide-human-rights-violations-against-uighurs-pompeo-268791">stop it</a>, even though it would not have enough support.

But the United States, which is president of the Security Council for December, decided to convene a meeting that instead focused on concerns that North Korea could resume nuclear or long-range missile testing,&nbsp;suspended since 2017, because <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/denuclearisation-off-negotiating-table-with-us-north-koreas-un-envoy-266892">denuclearization talks </a>between Pyongyang and Washington have stalled.

On Monday, China and Russia proposed the 15-member Council lift a ban on North Korea exporting statues, seafood and textiles, and ease restrictions on infrastructure projects and North Koreans working overseas, according to a draft resolution seen by Reuters.

A US&nbsp;State Department official said on Monday that now was not the time to consider lifting UN&nbsp;sanctions on North Korea.

The United States, Britain and France have insisted that no UN&nbsp;sanctions should be lifted until North Korea takes concrete steps to give up its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Pyongyang has been subject to UN&nbsp;sanctions because of those programs since 2006.

The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday condemned "the long-standing and ongoing systematic, widespread and gross violations of human rights in and by" North Korea in an annual resolution that Pyongyang's UN envoy rejected.

The United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday condemned "the long-standing and ongoing systematic, widespread and gross violations of human rights in and by" North Korea in an annual resolution that Pyongyang's UN envoy rejected. The resolution, sponsored by dozens of countries including the United States, was adopted by the 193-member General Assembly without a vote. Such resolutions are non-binding but can carry political weight. North Korea's UN Ambassador Kim Song told the General Assembly that the resolution has "nothing to do with the genuine promotion and protection of human rights, as it is an impure product of political plots by hostile forces that seek to tarnish the dignity and image of the DPRK and overthrow our social system." North Korea's official name is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). A landmark 2014 UN report on North Korean human rights concluded that North Korean security chiefs - and possibly leader Kim Jong Un himself - should face justice for overseeing a state-controlled system of Nazi-style atrocities. Then in 2016, the United States angered North Korea by blacklisting Kim for human rights abuses. Earlier this month at least eight UN Security Council members pushed for a meeting on human rights abuses in North Korea. Pyongyang responded that it would consider such a move a "serious provocation" to which it would "respond strongly." Diplomats said a meeting would have prompted China to call a vote to stop it, even though it would not have enough support. But the United States, which is president of the Security Council for December, decided to convene a meeting that instead focused on concerns that North Korea could resume nuclear or long-range missile testing, suspended since 2017, because denuclearization talks between Pyongyang and Washington have stalled. On Monday, China and Russia proposed the 15-member Council lift a ban on North Korea exporting statues, seafood and textiles, and ease restrictions on infrastructure projects and North Koreans working overseas, according to a draft resolution seen by Reuters. A US State Department official said on Monday that now was not the time to consider lifting UN sanctions on North Korea. The United States, Britain and France have insisted that no UN sanctions should be lifted until North Korea takes concrete steps to give up its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Pyongyang has been subject to UN sanctions because of those programs since 2006.

UN condemns North Korea rights abuses, Pyongyang rejects resolution

The United States administration on Tuesday blacklisted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/one-killed-as-militants-attack-pakistan-police-housing-complex-230633">Pakistan</a>i retired police officer Rao Anwar, who served as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in the Malir District of Karachi.

Trump administration took the decision against Rao Anwar for engaging in "serious human rights abuse" by carrying out alleged fake police 'encounters'.

Former SSP Malir Anwar, known as an encounter specialist, is among 18 individuals from six countries that the US Department of the Treasury`s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed economic sanctions on for their alleged engagement in human rights violationsTuesday`s announcement was made in connection with International Human Rights Day.

Anwar was accused of staging scores of fake police encounters in which a number of individuals were killed in Karachi.

"During his tenure as the Senior Superintendent of Police in District Malir, Pakistan, Rao Anwar Khan (Anwar) was reportedly responsible for staging numerous fake police encounters in which individuals were killed by police, and was involved in over 190 police encounters that resulted in the deaths of over 400 people, including the murder of Naqeebullah Mehsood," the US Treasury said in a statement.

Mehsood, a young man from Waziristan region, was killed on January 13, 2018, in Karachi during a fake encounter allegedly staged by Rao.&nbsp;

A police inquiry later established the encounter was staged. The extrajudicial killing sparked nationwide outraged with a Pashtoon rights group later using it as a rallying call.

The Department further added that Anwar had "helped to lead a network of police and criminal thugs that were allegedly responsible for extortion, land grabbing, narcotics, and murder".He has been designated "for being responsible for or complicit in, or having directly or indirectly engaged in, serious human rights abuse," the Department said.

Rao, Karachi's most controversial cop, officially retired from service last year.

"America is the world leader in combatting human rights abuse and it will not tolerate torture, kidnapping, sexual violence, murder, or brutality against innocent civilians," Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said.

(With inputs from ANI)

The United States administration on Tuesday blacklisted Pakistani retired police officer Rao Anwar, who served as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in the Malir District of Karachi.

The United States administration on Tuesday blacklisted Pakistani retired police officer Rao Anwar, who served as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in the Malir District of Karachi. Trump administration took the decision against Rao Anwar for engaging in "serious human rights abuse" by carrying out alleged fake police 'encounters'. Former SSP Malir Anwar, known as an encounter specialist, is among 18 individuals from six countries that the US Department of the Treasury`s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed economic sanctions on for their alleged engagement in human rights violationsTuesday`s announcement was made in connection with International Human Rights Day. Anwar was accused of staging scores of fake police encounters in which a number of individuals were killed in Karachi. "During his tenure as the Senior Superintendent of Police in District Malir, Pakistan, Rao Anwar Khan (Anwar) was reportedly responsible for staging numerous fake police encounters in which individuals were killed by police, and was involved in over 190 police encounters that resulted in the deaths of over 400 people, including the murder of Naqeebullah Mehsood," the US Treasury said in a statement. Mehsood, a young man from Waziristan region, was killed on January 13, 2018, in Karachi during a fake encounter allegedly staged by Rao. A police inquiry later established the encounter was staged. The extrajudicial killing sparked nationwide outraged with a Pashtoon rights group later using it as a rallying call. The Department further added that Anwar had "helped to lead a network of police and criminal thugs that were allegedly responsible for extortion, land grabbing, narcotics, and murder".He has been designated "for being responsible for or complicit in, or having directly or indirectly engaged in, serious human rights abuse," the Department said. Rao, Karachi's most controversial cop, officially retired from service last year. "America is the world leader in combatting human rights abuse and it will not tolerate torture, kidnapping, sexual violence, murder, or brutality against innocent civilians," Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said. (With inputs from ANI)

US blacklists encounter specialist Pakistan cop Rao Anwar for serious human rights abuse

The United States on Tuesday blacklisted four Myanmar military leaders, including the commander-in-chief, in the toughest action taken yet by Washington for alleged human rights abuses against the Rohingya and other minorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-told-to-stop-the-genocide-in-united-nations-court-over-rohingya-crisis-267445">The sanctions</a> targeted the commander-in-chief of the Burmese military, Min Aung Hlaing, on the same day that Myanmar's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, attended the first day of hearings in a genocide case against Myanmar at the UN's highest court.

A 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh. United Nations investigators have said Myanmar's operation included mass killings, gang rapes and widespread arson and was executed with "genocidal intent."

The military in Myanmar has denied accusations of widespread abuses and said its actions were part of a fight against terrorism.

The US Treasury Department said in a statement on Tuesday Burmese military forces had committed "serious human rights abuse" against ethnic minority groups in Myanmar and that Min Aung Hlaing's forces were responsible for the 2017 military crackdown.

"During this time, members of ethnic minority groups were killed or injured by gunshot, often while fleeing, or by soldiers using large-bladed weapons; others were burned to death in their own houses," the statement said.

Washington's sanctions also targeted Min Aung Hlaing's deputy, Soe Win, and two brigadier generals, Than Oo and Aung Aung, freezing any US&nbsp;assets they have and prohibiting Americans from doing business with them.

The four generals, who were previously barred from entering the United States in July, are not known to have assets in the United States.

The US&nbsp;action falls short of reimposing economic sanctions on Myanmar lifted after a transition from full military rule that began in 2011. It does not target military-owned companies that dominate some sectors of Myanmar's economy.

Some analysts and diplomats have tipped Min Aung Hlaing as a potential presidential candidate in the next election in 2020, when Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy is likely to face opposition from nationalists aligned with the military.

His political ambitions could be damaged by the sanctions, as well as an earlier US&nbsp;travel ban and Facebook's decision in August 2018 to remove the army chief's page that had been his main channel of communication with the public.

The sanctions Tuesday were among a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-suu-kyi-looks-on-gambia-asks-un-judges-to-stop-genocide-in-myanmar-267424">round of targets</a> announced on International Human Rights Day.

The United States on Tuesday blacklisted four Myanmar military leaders, including the commander-in-chief, in the toughest action taken yet by Washington for alleged human rights abuses against the Rohingya and other minorities.

The United States on Tuesday blacklisted four Myanmar military leaders, including the commander-in-chief, in the toughest action taken yet by Washington for alleged human rights abuses against the Rohingya and other minorities. The sanctions targeted the commander-in-chief of the Burmese military, Min Aung Hlaing, on the same day that Myanmar's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, attended the first day of hearings in a genocide case against Myanmar at the UN's highest court. A 2017 military crackdown in Myanmar drove more than 730,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh. United Nations investigators have said Myanmar's operation included mass killings, gang rapes and widespread arson and was executed with "genocidal intent." The military in Myanmar has denied accusations of widespread abuses and said its actions were part of a fight against terrorism. The US Treasury Department said in a statement on Tuesday Burmese military forces had committed "serious human rights abuse" against ethnic minority groups in Myanmar and that Min Aung Hlaing's forces were responsible for the 2017 military crackdown. "During this time, members of ethnic minority groups were killed or injured by gunshot, often while fleeing, or by soldiers using large-bladed weapons; others were burned to death in their own houses," the statement said. Washington's sanctions also targeted Min Aung Hlaing's deputy, Soe Win, and two brigadier generals, Than Oo and Aung Aung, freezing any US assets they have and prohibiting Americans from doing business with them. The four generals, who were previously barred from entering the United States in July, are not known to have assets in the United States. The US action falls short of reimposing economic sanctions on Myanmar lifted after a transition from full military rule that began in 2011. It does not target military-owned companies that dominate some sectors of Myanmar's economy. Some analysts and diplomats have tipped Min Aung Hlaing as a potential presidential candidate in the next election in 2020, when Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy is likely to face opposition from nationalists aligned with the military. His political ambitions could be damaged by the sanctions, as well as an earlier US travel ban and Facebook's decision in August 2018 to remove the army chief's page that had been his main channel of communication with the public. The sanctions Tuesday were among a round of targets announced on International Human Rights Day.

US blacklists head of Myanmar military for alleged rights abuses against Rohingya

Their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-using-ai-to-identify-uighurs-across-the-country-reports-210712">Uighur</a> wives vanished in 2017, swept up in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-must-be-upheld-in-fight-against-extremism-un-chief-guterres-to-china-214664">Chinese dragnet tackling Islamic extremism</a>, now they've been released — but the Pakistani husbands left behind say freedom has come at a price: The women must prove their "adaptability to Chinese society", and publicly sacrifice their religious ideals.

The group of around 40 women — all from the western Chinese province of Xinjiang and married to traders from neighbouring Pakistan — were among some one million people believed to be held in a network of internment camps that authorities downplay as "vocational education centres".

But the men say their partners were forced into acts that are haram, or forbidden, to followers of Islam — both in the camps and now they've been freed.

"She said they had to eat pork and drink alcohol, something she still has to do," one merchant, who recently visited his wife at her parents' house in Xinjiang said, on condition of anonymity.

"She was told that she had to satisfy the authorities that she no longer possesses radical thoughts if she does not want to go back," he explained, adding that she had given up praying and the Quran had been replaced by books on China at his in-laws home.

Some of the traders, who traditionally leave their wives in Xinjiang for weeks or months at a time when they return home to conduct business, believe the women were taken to the camps because of their connection to Pakistan, which is an Islamic republic.

Former detainees have said they were held simply for following Islamic traditions, such as having a long beard or wearing a veil.

But with the detention centres, part of a security clampdown targeting Muslims including ethnic Uighurs, facing growing international condemnation and China pushing its economic relationship with Pakistan, authorities began slowly releasing the women two months ago.

Faiz Ullah Faraq, a spokesman for the government of Gilgit-Baltistan, the Pakistani region which borders Xinjiang, confirmed the "majority" have now been released.

AFP interviewed nine of the women's husbands, who confirm their wives are free but cannot leave Xinjiang for three months, during which time they will be closely monitored.

"They will observe her adaptability to Chinese society and if they deem her to be unfit she will be sent back," a gemstone trader said of the rules of release.

Their initial joy at the release of much-loved wives and mothers has faded because the women who've returned are like strangers.

"My wife said she was forced to dance, wear revealing clothes, eat pork and drink alcohol in the camp," he revealed, adding that she now carries with her a book of guidelines, which features illustrations such as a mosque marked with a red cross, and a Chinese flag with a green tick.

"She used to pray regularly but now it's gone, and she has started occasionally drinking (alcohol) which she does in the restaurants," he explained, adding that he believed officials required such acts from the women.

He too declined to give his name for fear of repercussions from authorities, who make surprise visits to his wife's home in Xinjiang every week.

James Leibold, an expert on Chinese security at Australia's La Trobe University, told AFP that stepped-up surveillance policies in Xinjiang gave authorities "increased confidence" in their ability to closely monitor those released from the camps.

Since their release, the families of many of the women say they have become paranoid and fear of being reported on.

"The worst thing was her silence," the merchant explained, adding: "She suspects everyone, her parents, her family, even me." The seven other traders interviewed by AFP, anonymously, have been in contact with their wives only by telephone and gave similar testimonies.

The Chinese foreign ministry in Beijing declined to comment on the releases, and a Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman did not respond to requests.

Maya Wang, Human Rights Watch's senior researcher on China, said the activist group has heard stories of people being released from the camps and subjected to house arrests or severe restrictions on movement.

"These releases may indicate that the Chinese government is increasingly sensitive to heightening international pressure over its serious abuses in Xinjiang," she said.

Last month US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo renewed demands China end its widespread detention of Uighur Muslims as he met with Mihrigul Tursun, who claims to be a former detainee, and has spoken publicly about what she said was widespread torture in the camps.

Beijing "cannot afford international criticism of its policies in Xinjiang to spread throughout the Muslim world, especially in Pakistan", China security expert Leibold explained.

In recent years, China has strongly pushed its relationship with Pakistan, investing heavily in infrastructure projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

For its part, Pakistan has been reluctant to publicly join global condemnation of Beijing's crackdown on Muslims in Xinjiang. When pressed on the subject in a recent interview with the Financial Times, Prime Minister Imran Khan said: "Frankly, I don't know much about that." But for the merchant and the other traders, it is as though their wives are still lost.

He explained: "My wife, a practising Muslim, has been turned into someone I could not even imagine. She has given up her prayers, drinks and eats pork".

He added: "I am afraid our marriage will not last long because she is a completely different person, someone whom I don't know.

Their Uighur wives vanished in 2017, swept up in a Chinese dragnet tackling Islamic extremism, now they've been released — but the Pakistani husbands left behind say freedom has come at a price: The women must prove their "adaptability to Chinese society", and publicly sacrifice their religious ideals.

Their Uighur wives vanished in 2017, swept up in a Chinese dragnet tackling Islamic extremism, now they've been released — but the Pakistani husbands left behind say freedom has come at a price: The women must prove their "adaptability to Chinese society", and publicly sacrifice their religious ideals. The group of around 40 women — all from the western Chinese province of Xinjiang and married to traders from neighbouring Pakistan — were among some one million people believed to be held in a network of internment camps that authorities downplay as "vocational education centres". But the men say their partners were forced into acts that are haram, or forbidden, to followers of Islam — both in the camps and now they've been freed. "She said they had to eat pork and drink alcohol, something she still has to do," one merchant, who recently visited his wife at her parents' house in Xinjiang said, on condition of anonymity. "She was told that she had to satisfy the authorities that she no longer possesses radical thoughts if she does not want to go back," he explained, adding that she had given up praying and the Quran had been replaced by books on China at his in-laws home. Some of the traders, who traditionally leave their wives in Xinjiang for weeks or months at a time when they return home to conduct business, believe the women were taken to the camps because of their connection to Pakistan, which is an Islamic republic. Former detainees have said they were held simply for following Islamic traditions, such as having a long beard or wearing a veil. But with the detention centres, part of a security clampdown targeting Muslims including ethnic Uighurs, facing growing international condemnation and China pushing its economic relationship with Pakistan, authorities began slowly releasing the women two months ago. Faiz Ullah Faraq, a spokesman for the government of Gilgit-Baltistan, the Pakistani region which borders Xinjiang, confirmed the "majority" have now been released. AFP interviewed nine of the women's husbands, who confirm their wives are free but cannot leave Xinjiang for three months, during which time they will be closely monitored. "They will observe her adaptability to Chinese society and if they deem her to be unfit she will be sent back," a gemstone trader said of the rules of release. Their initial joy at the release of much-loved wives and mothers has faded because the women who've returned are like strangers. "My wife said she was forced to dance, wear revealing clothes, eat pork and drink alcohol in the camp," he revealed, adding that she now carries with her a book of guidelines, which features illustrations such as a mosque marked with a red cross, and a Chinese flag with a green tick. "She used to pray regularly but now it's gone, and she has started occasionally drinking (alcohol) which she does in the restaurants," he explained, adding that he believed officials required such acts from the women. He too declined to give his name for fear of repercussions from authorities, who make surprise visits to his wife's home in Xinjiang every week. James Leibold, an expert on Chinese security at Australia's La Trobe University, told AFP that stepped-up surveillance policies in Xinjiang gave authorities "increased confidence" in their ability to closely monitor those released from the camps. Since their release, the families of many of the women say they have become paranoid and fear of being reported on. "The worst thing was her silence," the merchant explained, adding: "She suspects everyone, her parents, her family, even me." The seven other traders interviewed by AFP, anonymously, have been in contact with their wives only by telephone and gave similar testimonies. The Chinese foreign ministry in Beijing declined to comment on the releases, and a Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman did not respond to requests. Maya Wang, Human Rights Watch's senior researcher on China, said the activist group has heard stories of people being released from the camps and subjected to house arrests or severe restrictions on movement. "These releases may indicate that the Chinese government is increasingly sensitive to heightening international pressure over its serious abuses in Xinjiang," she said. Last month US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo renewed demands China end its widespread detention of Uighur Muslims as he met with Mihrigul Tursun, who claims to be a former detainee, and has spoken publicly about what she said was widespread torture in the camps. Beijing "cannot afford international criticism of its policies in Xinjiang to spread throughout the Muslim world, especially in Pakistan", China security expert Leibold explained. In recent years, China has strongly pushed its relationship with Pakistan, investing heavily in infrastructure projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. For its part, Pakistan has been reluctant to publicly join global condemnation of Beijing's crackdown on Muslims in Xinjiang. When pressed on the subject in a recent interview with the Financial Times, Prime Minister Imran Khan said: "Frankly, I don't know much about that." But for the merchant and the other traders, it is as though their wives are still lost. He explained: "My wife, a practising Muslim, has been turned into someone I could not even imagine. She has given up her prayers, drinks and eats pork". He added: "I am afraid our marriage will not last long because she is a completely different person, someone whom I don't know.

Uighur wives forced to drink alcohol and eat pork in China’s ‘re-education’ camps

Amid growing concern over the bollody crackdown on Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, the state media highlighted another crucial problem, physical and emotional abuse of chilren.&nbsp;

Child molestation cases in the country has surged by 40 per cent this year as the country still grapples with a dark past of rights abuses.&nbsp;

By October, 380 cases had been reported across the country, 150 more than the same period in 2015. It accounted for half of all the reported rape cases nationwide.&nbsp;

But human rights activits say many more are at risk of exploitation and these numbers are only the tip of the iceberg.&nbsp;

Children in Myanmar are highly vulnerable to abuse, either as domestic helpers for wealthy families or within their own communities, due to poverty and weak laws.&nbsp;

Many of them are also sold into labour or forcibly recruited to fight in the country&#39;s boderlands.&nbsp;

&quot;Most of the time it is carried out by family members, neighbours, relatives or someone close to the victims&#39; families,&quot; said police major Khin Maung Thin from Mandalay, where cases have doubled.

&quot;Brothers abuse sisters and fathers abuse daughters,&quot; he told AFP, stressing that there is a culture of silence and victim blaming, as a result the crime often goes undocumented.&nbsp;

UNICEF&#39;s Myanmar representative Bertrand Bainvel said sexual violence is the second most widespread form of child abuse in the country.

&quot;Sometimes families are reluctant to report (cases) because of the taboo surrounding the issue,&quot; he said.

He urged the government to strengthen child protection and take tough action against the perpetrators. &nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Children in Myanmar are highly vulnerable to abuse, either as domestic help or in own communities, due to poverty and weak laws

Amid growing concern over the bollody crackdown on Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, the state media highlighted another crucial problem, physical and emotional abuse of chilren. Child molestation cases in the country has surged by 40 per cent this year as the country still grapples with a dark past of rights abuses. By October, 380 cases had been reported across the country, 150 more than the same period in 2015. It accounted for half of all the reported rape cases nationwide. But human rights activits say many more are at risk of exploitation and these numbers are only the tip of the iceberg. Children in Myanmar are highly vulnerable to abuse, either as domestic helpers for wealthy families or within their own communities, due to poverty and weak laws. Many of them are also sold into labour or forcibly recruited to fight in the country's boderlands. "Most of the time it is carried out by family members, neighbours, relatives or someone close to the victims' families," said police major Khin Maung Thin from Mandalay, where cases have doubled. "Brothers abuse sisters and fathers abuse daughters," he told AFP, stressing that there is a culture of silence and victim blaming, as a result the crime often goes undocumented. UNICEF's Myanmar representative Bertrand Bainvel said sexual violence is the second most widespread form of child abuse in the country. "Sometimes families are reluctant to report (cases) because of the taboo surrounding the issue," he said. He urged the government to strengthen child protection and take tough action against the perpetrators. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Myanmar child rape cases surge 40 per cent: State media

In a rare admission, Myanmar&#39;s still-powerful military said on Wednesday that soldiers had killed five villagers during an interrogation last month in northern Shan State, and promised to prosecute the perpetrators. 
 
A senior officer in Yangon informed that a court martial was under way and that the verdict would be made public. The military also pledged help for the victims&#39; families. 
 
&quot;The court martial found that they violated the rules, failing to follow certain procedures, that led to the death of the victims during the interrogation,&quot; said Deputy Major General and chief of military intelligence Mya Tun Oo. 
 
Witnesses claim soldiers rounded up dozens of men in the village of Mong Yaw in northern Shan State on June 25 and led five men away. The bodies of the five were found in a shallow grave a few days later. 
 
Myanmar&#39;s armed forces have often been accused by human rights groups and Western governments of abuses during decades of conflict with ethnic armed groups. 
 
Campaigners such as Amnesty International say it is extremely rare for troops to be held accountable for alleged abuses or for such allegations to be investigated transparently. 
 
The military&#39;s response suggests a heightened sensitivity about the army&#39;s image as it tries to present itself as a responsible partner in Myanmar&#39;s democratic transition and seeks closer ties with its Western counterparts. 
 
&quot;Every soldier has to follow rules and regulations while investigating prisoners or detainees regardless of whether they are related to insurgents or regular citizens,&quot; said Mya Tun Oo, adding that the military would take action against the perpetrators according to the law. 
 
&quot;The military will take the best care and support of the victims&#39; families,&quot; added Mya Tun Oo, without giving the details. 
 
The deaths of two other men in a separate incident were also being investigated, the military said. 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Myanmar military aims to revamp image following repeated accusations by human rights groups of ethnic abuses

In a rare admission, Myanmar's still-powerful military said on Wednesday that soldiers had killed five villagers during an interrogation last month in northern Shan State, and promised to prosecute the perpetrators. A senior officer in Yangon informed that a court martial was under way and that the verdict would be made public. The military also pledged help for the victims' families. "The court martial found that they violated the rules, failing to follow certain procedures, that led to the death of the victims during the interrogation," said Deputy Major General and chief of military intelligence Mya Tun Oo. Witnesses claim soldiers rounded up dozens of men in the village of Mong Yaw in northern Shan State on June 25 and led five men away. The bodies of the five were found in a shallow grave a few days later. Myanmar's armed forces have often been accused by human rights groups and Western governments of abuses during decades of conflict with ethnic armed groups. Campaigners such as Amnesty International say it is extremely rare for troops to be held accountable for alleged abuses or for such allegations to be investigated transparently. The military's response suggests a heightened sensitivity about the army's image as it tries to present itself as a responsible partner in Myanmar's democratic transition and seeks closer ties with its Western counterparts. "Every soldier has to follow rules and regulations while investigating prisoners or detainees regardless of whether they are related to insurgents or regular citizens," said Mya Tun Oo, adding that the military would take action against the perpetrators according to the law. "The military will take the best care and support of the victims' families," added Mya Tun Oo, without giving the details. The deaths of two other men in a separate incident were also being investigated, the military said. (Reuters)

Myanmar military to court martial soldiers for alleged abuse

The United States placed North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un on its sanctions blacklist for the first time on Wednesday, calling him directly responsible for a long list of serious human rights abuses. 
 
US officials said Kim and 10 other top officials also blacklisted were behind widespread abuses including extrajudicial killings, forced labour and torture in the country&#39;s system of prison camps for political detainees that has made North Korea &quot;among the world&#39;s most repressive countries&quot;. 
 
They also were responsible for harsh censorship of media, academic and cultural activities, including imprisoning people accused of viewing foreign films. 
 
&quot;Under Kim Jong-Un, North Korea continues to inflict intolerable cruelty and hardship on millions of its own people, including extrajudicial killings, forced labour, and torture,&quot; said Adam Szubin, acting treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. 
 
Treasury said that Kim, North Korea&#39;s &#39;Supreme Leader&#39;, was responsible for abuses in his roles as head of the country&#39;s ministry of state security and ministry of people&#39;s security. 
 
According to officials in Washington, the ministry of state security holds 80,000 to 120,000 prisoners in political prison camps where torture, execution, sexual assault, starvation, and slave labour are common. 
 
Meanwhile, the ministry of people&#39;s security overseen by Kim runs a network of police stations, detention centres and labour camps where suspects under interrogation &quot;are systematically degraded and tortured&quot;, the United States said. 
 
Kim is &quot;rather plainly ultimately responsible for the actions of his regime including its repressive policies&quot;, a senior US official said, speaking anonymously. 
 
But authorities in Washington for the first time identified other top officials directly involved in rights abuses, including Choe Pu Il, the minister of people&#39;s security, Ri Song Chol, a senior official in the ministry of people&#39;s security, and Kang Song Nam, a bureau director with the ministry of state security. 
 
Another on the new sanctions list, Cho Yon Jun of the powerful Organization and guidance department, is in charge of enforcing loyalty to Kim, including executing those who defy his will, the senior US official said. 
 
The sanctions were announced in parallel with the state department&#39;s release of a new report which documents the abuses throughout the North Korean security apparatus and political prison camp system. 
 
It is not the first time the United States has placed a head of state on a sanctions list. Previously sanctioned leaders include Saddam Hussein of Iraq, Charles Taylor of Liberia, and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. 
 
Sanctions &#39;send a message&#39; 
 
US officials said they do not expect immediate consequences from the sanctions, which freeze the US-based assets of those named, and forbids Americans from doing business with them. 
 
But senior officials said that naming those directly involved could make them think twice about what they are doing. 
 
&quot;With these efforts, we aim to send a signal to all government officials who might be responsible for human rights abuses, including prison camp managers and guards, interrogators, and defector chasers, with the goal of changing their behavior,&quot; said state department spokesman John Kirby. 
 
The senior official said there was evidence that an increasing number of people inside North Korea, including inside Kim&#39;s regime, are conscious that Kim&#39;s strongman rule might have its limits. 
 
&quot;What this report does is sends a message to people within the North Korean regime, particularly at those lower to mid levels, that if you become involved in abuses like running concentration camps or hunting down defectors, we will know who you are and you will end up on a blacklist that leaves you at a significant disadvantage in the future,&quot; Kirby said. 
 
(AFP)

In a bid to send a message of deterrence, blacklisted personnel also include other officials from Kim's government

The United States placed North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un on its sanctions blacklist for the first time on Wednesday, calling him directly responsible for a long list of serious human rights abuses. US officials said Kim and 10 other top officials also blacklisted were behind widespread abuses including extrajudicial killings, forced labour and torture in the country's system of prison camps for political detainees that has made North Korea "among the world's most repressive countries". They also were responsible for harsh censorship of media, academic and cultural activities, including imprisoning people accused of viewing foreign films. "Under Kim Jong-Un, North Korea continues to inflict intolerable cruelty and hardship on millions of its own people, including extrajudicial killings, forced labour, and torture," said Adam Szubin, acting treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. Treasury said that Kim, North Korea's 'Supreme Leader', was responsible for abuses in his roles as head of the country's ministry of state security and ministry of people's security. According to officials in Washington, the ministry of state security holds 80,000 to 120,000 prisoners in political prison camps where torture, execution, sexual assault, starvation, and slave labour are common. Meanwhile, the ministry of people's security overseen by Kim runs a network of police stations, detention centres and labour camps where suspects under interrogation "are systematically degraded and tortured", the United States said. Kim is "rather plainly ultimately responsible for the actions of his regime including its repressive policies", a senior US official said, speaking anonymously. But authorities in Washington for the first time identified other top officials directly involved in rights abuses, including Choe Pu Il, the minister of people's security, Ri Song Chol, a senior official in the ministry of people's security, and Kang Song Nam, a bureau director with the ministry of state security. Another on the new sanctions list, Cho Yon Jun of the powerful Organization and guidance department, is in charge of enforcing loyalty to Kim, including executing those who defy his will, the senior US official said. The sanctions were announced in parallel with the state department's release of a new report which documents the abuses throughout the North Korean security apparatus and political prison camp system. It is not the first time the United States has placed a head of state on a sanctions list. Previously sanctioned leaders include Saddam Hussein of Iraq, Charles Taylor of Liberia, and Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. Sanctions 'send a message' US officials said they do not expect immediate consequences from the sanctions, which freeze the US-based assets of those named, and forbids Americans from doing business with them. But senior officials said that naming those directly involved could make them think twice about what they are doing. "With these efforts, we aim to send a signal to all government officials who might be responsible for human rights abuses, including prison camp managers and guards, interrogators, and defector chasers, with the goal of changing their behavior," said state department spokesman John Kirby. The senior official said there was evidence that an increasing number of people inside North Korea, including inside Kim's regime, are conscious that Kim's strongman rule might have its limits. "What this report does is sends a message to people within the North Korean regime, particularly at those lower to mid levels, that if you become involved in abuses like running concentration camps or hunting down defectors, we will know who you are and you will end up on a blacklist that leaves you at a significant disadvantage in the future," Kirby said. (AFP)

In a first, US sanctions North Korea's Kim Jong-Un for 'serious' human rights abuses

Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on whether secret military tribunals set up in early 2015 to try civilians accused of terrorism have violated the constitutional rights of 12 people convicted by these courts. 
 
The military tribunals were established after the massacre in December, 2014, by Islamist militants of 134 students at an army-run school in the northwestern city of Peshawar. 
 
Lawmakers authorised the courts in January last year, handing over significant judicial control to a military that is already powerful and has ruled the country of 190 million people for about half of its existence. 
 
They have so far convicted 81 people, 77 of whom were sentenced to death, according to the military&#39;s press wing. There have been no acquittals, the military says.&nbsp; 
 
At least 27 convicts have filed appeals with civilian courts, alleging coercion of confessions and denial of access to lawyers and to evidence used against them, according to Reuters research and local media reports. 
 
Of the 12 cases that have come before the Supreme Court, the legal arguments have concluded in nine. The court has been hearing the case for the remaining appellants, and is expected to give a verdict on all 12 cases together, possibly in the coming weeks. 
 
Lawyers and relatives of 10 convicts contacted by Reuters have all complained of abuse by the military courts while in custody and of serious procedural shortcomings. 
 
Of those 10, three are before the Supreme Court, one is at Islamabad High Court and six at Lahore High Court. 
 
Reuters was unable to independently verify any of the accusations. 
 
Reuters provided written details of the specific allegations in all 10 cases to the military&#39;s public relations wing. The office declined to respond. 
 
 
Disappeared 
One of the convicts, Sabir Shah, was already on trial for murder in a civilian court when he disappeared from Lahore&#39;s central jail in April 2015, according to his family and lawyers. 
 
Five months later, his family read a press release saying he had been sentenced to death by a military court. 
 
His lawyers say they still do not know what evidence was used against him. Shah was originally on trial for murder as an alleged member of a sectarian group&#39;s hit squad, and that process had not been concluded. 
 
Even after the family filed an appeal with the Lahore High Court, Shah&#39;s lawyers said they were not allowed to view the military&#39;s evidence. 
 
&quot;All of these things will only become clear to us when we are provided the (military) judgment,&quot; said Malik Adeel, who has filed an appeal with the Lahore High Court. 
 
The military said in a press release that Shah confessed to having been involved in the murder of Lahore lawyer Syed Arshad Ali. 
 
Parliamentarians have explained that the courts were borne out of necessity in the face of the militant threat, because Pakistan&#39;s judicial system was inefficient and some judges were afraid to take on cases for fear of retaliation. 
 
&quot;It was endorsed by the parliament. If the normal courts could do the job, why would the military want to do it?&quot; said a senior security official, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media. 
 
At a recent Supreme Court hearing challenging the military tribunals, Pakistan&#39;s chief justice questioned whether convicts should be allowed basic legal rights. 
 
&quot;Terrorists are challenging the constitution and the law of the land, but their counsel are citing fundamental rights in their defence,&quot; said Anwar Zaheer Jamali, adding that international war crimes precedent allows summary trials and executions. 
 
At a separate hearing, he added: &quot;There are exceptional circumstances, therefore exceptional measures have to be taken by the state for proper dispensation of justice.&quot; 
 
The senior security source added: &quot;If someone kills 30 people, you are telling me I should give him justice? Justice should be given to those 30 people killed.&quot; 
 
 
&quot;Coerced&quot; confessions, threats 
All the lawyers representing the 10 convicts whose cases Reuters examined said they were denied access to court records and were not allowed to meet their clients for the duration of the military trial. 
 
They also said their clients were either coerced into confessing or deny confessing at all. According to the military&#39;s press wing, 78 of 81 accused were convicted on the basis of confessions. 
 
Human rights lawyer Asma Jehangir, counsel for two people who have appealed their death sentences, said her clients were forced to affix a thumbprint to a blank sheet of paper, which was later turned into a confession. 
 
The military declined to comment on those allegations. 
 
Two families and one lawyer also said they had been harassed or threatened after filing appeals. 
 
The father of one convict told Reuters that four family members were abducted by men in military uniform and beaten. 
 
&quot;They said that we have dishonoured them and the army as an institution, and that it would be better for us if we withdraw the [appeal],&quot; said the father, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. 
 
Reuters could not independently verify his account, and the military declined to comment. 
 
 
Who deserves justice? 
The International Commission of Jurists, a non-governmental organisation that promotes human rights through the rule of law, has criticised the army-run courts. 
 
&quot;Proceedings before Pakistani military courts fall well short of national and international standards requiring fair trials before independent and impartial courts,&quot; it said in a statement earlier this year. 
 
In a televised interview, the army&#39;s spokesman defended the courts. 
 
&quot;Through a due process of law the whole case proceeds, after which the court makes a decision. And then the death sentence or whatever sentence is confirmed,&quot; General Asim Bajwa said. 
 
Since 2007, more than 25,000 Pakistanis have been killed by Islamist extremists, according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal. 
 
Pakistan has for years been battling the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militants fighting to overthrow the government and impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law. 
 
The number of militant attacks has come down since Pakistan announced an anti-militancy plan after the assault on the Army Public School in December, 2014. 
 
(Reuters)

The courts have convicted 81 people so far, 77 of whom are sentenced to death

Pakistan's Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on whether secret military tribunals set up in early 2015 to try civilians accused of terrorism have violated the constitutional rights of 12 people convicted by these courts. The military tribunals were established after the massacre in December, 2014, by Islamist militants of 134 students at an army-run school in the northwestern city of Peshawar. Lawmakers authorised the courts in January last year, handing over significant judicial control to a military that is already powerful and has ruled the country of 190 million people for about half of its existence. They have so far convicted 81 people, 77 of whom were sentenced to death, according to the military's press wing. There have been no acquittals, the military says. At least 27 convicts have filed appeals with civilian courts, alleging coercion of confessions and denial of access to lawyers and to evidence used against them, according to Reuters research and local media reports. Of the 12 cases that have come before the Supreme Court, the legal arguments have concluded in nine. The court has been hearing the case for the remaining appellants, and is expected to give a verdict on all 12 cases together, possibly in the coming weeks. Lawyers and relatives of 10 convicts contacted by Reuters have all complained of abuse by the military courts while in custody and of serious procedural shortcomings. Of those 10, three are before the Supreme Court, one is at Islamabad High Court and six at Lahore High Court. Reuters was unable to independently verify any of the accusations. Reuters provided written details of the specific allegations in all 10 cases to the military's public relations wing. The office declined to respond. Disappeared One of the convicts, Sabir Shah, was already on trial for murder in a civilian court when he disappeared from Lahore's central jail in April 2015, according to his family and lawyers. Five months later, his family read a press release saying he had been sentenced to death by a military court. His lawyers say they still do not know what evidence was used against him. Shah was originally on trial for murder as an alleged member of a sectarian group's hit squad, and that process had not been concluded. Even after the family filed an appeal with the Lahore High Court, Shah's lawyers said they were not allowed to view the military's evidence. "All of these things will only become clear to us when we are provided the (military) judgment," said Malik Adeel, who has filed an appeal with the Lahore High Court. The military said in a press release that Shah confessed to having been involved in the murder of Lahore lawyer Syed Arshad Ali. Parliamentarians have explained that the courts were borne out of necessity in the face of the militant threat, because Pakistan's judicial system was inefficient and some judges were afraid to take on cases for fear of retaliation. "It was endorsed by the parliament. If the normal courts could do the job, why would the military want to do it?" said a senior security official, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media. At a recent Supreme Court hearing challenging the military tribunals, Pakistan's chief justice questioned whether convicts should be allowed basic legal rights. "Terrorists are challenging the constitution and the law of the land, but their counsel are citing fundamental rights in their defence," said Anwar Zaheer Jamali, adding that international war crimes precedent allows summary trials and executions. At a separate hearing, he added: "There are exceptional circumstances, therefore exceptional measures have to be taken by the state for proper dispensation of justice." The senior security source added: "If someone kills 30 people, you are telling me I should give him justice? Justice should be given to those 30 people killed." "Coerced" confessions, threats All the lawyers representing the 10 convicts whose cases Reuters examined said they were denied access to court records and were not allowed to meet their clients for the duration of the military trial. They also said their clients were either coerced into confessing or deny confessing at all. According to the military's press wing, 78 of 81 accused were convicted on the basis of confessions. Human rights lawyer Asma Jehangir, counsel for two people who have appealed their death sentences, said her clients were forced to affix a thumbprint to a blank sheet of paper, which was later turned into a confession. The military declined to comment on those allegations. Two families and one lawyer also said they had been harassed or threatened after filing appeals. The father of one convict told Reuters that four family members were abducted by men in military uniform and beaten. "They said that we have dishonoured them and the army as an institution, and that it would be better for us if we withdraw the [appeal]," said the father, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. Reuters could not independently verify his account, and the military declined to comment. Who deserves justice? The International Commission of Jurists, a non-governmental organisation that promotes human rights through the rule of law, has criticised the army-run courts. "Proceedings before Pakistani military courts fall well short of national and international standards requiring fair trials before independent and impartial courts," it said in a statement earlier this year. In a televised interview, the army's spokesman defended the courts. "Through a due process of law the whole case proceeds, after which the court makes a decision. And then the death sentence or whatever sentence is confirmed," General Asim Bajwa said. Since 2007, more than 25,000 Pakistanis have been killed by Islamist extremists, according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal. Pakistan has for years been battling the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militants fighting to overthrow the government and impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law. The number of militant attacks has come down since Pakistan announced an anti-militancy plan after the assault on the Army Public School in December, 2014. (Reuters)

Pakistan's new military courts challenged over abuse claims