Press releases

Myanmar: Constitutional referendum flouts human rights - 9 May 2008

Despite the devastating consequences of Cyclone Nargis, which killed tens of thousands of people and displaced nearly a million more, Myanmar’s government has announced that it will proceed with its plans for holding a national referendum regarding a new constitution on May 10.

Morocco / Western Sahara: Investigate migrants’ deaths - 8 May 2008

Amnesty International today called on the Moroccan government to immediately open a comprehensive, independent and impartial investigation into claims that at least 28 migrants drowned at sea after their boat was jostled and punctured by members of the Moroccan security forces.

Myanmar: Cooperate with international community to ensure appropriate aid for victims - 7 May 2008

Following the impact of Cyclone Nargis on Myanmar, which killed tens of thousands of people and displaced around a million more, Amnesty International is calling urgently on the government to open its borders to relief workers and ensure aid is provided on the basis of need without discrimination.

Killing of civilians now routine in Somalia - 6 May 2008

(Nairobi) Amnesty International today released a groundbreaking report revealing the dire human rights and humanitarian crisis facing the people of Somalia.

USA: Release or fair trials for all remaining Guantánamo detainees - 2 May 2008

As nine more detainees were freed from Guantánamo, Amnesty International today reiterated that the Guantánamo detentions are a travesty of justice. The US administration must either bring to fair trial or release, with full protections against further abuse, the 270 detainees still held there.

India: Time to end the lethal lottery of India’s death penalty system - 2 May 2008

(New Delhi): The first major study into India’s legal judgements on death penalty cases has revealed that the system is riddled with fatal flaws and that the only remedy is to abolish the death penalty completely, said the study authors in New Delhi today.

Viet Nam: At least 14 arrests under the excuse of Olympic torch relay - 1 May 2008

Using the Olympic torch as an excuse to crack down on peaceful critics is yet another bitter twist in Viet Nam’s pattern of repressing legitimate and peaceful dissent. Those arrested before and during the torch relay should be released immediately, said Amnesty International.

Turkey: Respect the rights and safety of demonstrators - 30 April 2008

On the eve of May Day demonstrations, Amnesty International calls upon the Turkish authorities to respect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and to ensure that  force is used only where strictly necessary 

Mozambique: Violent police assume ‘licence to kill’ - 29 April 2008

In a report published today, Amnesty International revealed the extent of police violence in Mozambique, saying that police are killing and torturing people with near total impunity.

Pakistan: Restore judges deposed under emergency law - 28 April 2008

Ahead of a 30 April deadline set by the ruling coalition, Amnesty International calls on the Pakistan government to reinstate around 60 judges of the higher courts removed by President Pervez Musharraf under emergency law, in defiance of the country’s constitution.