Good news

General during Argentina's military dictatorship sentenced to life in prison - 14 August 2009

Santiago Omar Riveros, who ran a detention centre, was found guilty of torturing and beating to death a 15 year old boy. He is also accused of over 40 crimes against humanity involving victims of the era's so-called "disappeared".

Zimbabwe student leaders released on bail - 10 August 2009

Four student leaders arrested and detained last week while addressing students at the University of Zimbabwe, Harare, have been released.

4000 Kenyans on death row get life - 5 August 2009

More than 4,000 prisoners facing execution in Kenya had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment on Monday in the largest commutation in history, news sources reported.

Safety for Brazilian activist after Amnesty International action - 23 July 2009

A Brazilian organization has thanked Amnesty International after an action by the organization brought safety to a peasant farmer and land rights activist.

Czech Republic commits to international justice - 22 July 2009

The Czech Republic finally ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court on Tuesday.

Wife of Guantánamo detainee released in Syria - 22 July 2009

Usra al-Hussein’s imprisonment for almost a year, may have been related to her efforts to communicate with an international organization regarding the detention conditions of her husband.

Palestinian prisoner released in Lebanon - 15 July 2009

A Palestinian imprisoned for 15 years for a murder he has always denied committing was released on Monday after being granted a presidential pardon.

Thirty Rio police to be charged with homicide - 7 July 2009

An investigation into 20 deaths by Rio de Janeiro's Public Prosecutors Office has implicated the officers in the formation of a death squad and unlawful killings.

India's ruling against 'sodomy' laws is first step to equality - 3 July 2009

A Delhi high court has decided to decriminalize homosexuality. The ruling overturns a 19th century British colonial law.

Togo: Fifteenth country in Africa to abolish the death penalty - 23 June 2009

Togo has decided to abolish the death penalty following a unanimous vote by the national assembly.