Good news

Turkish government in landmark apology over death after custody - 20 October 2008

The Turkish Minister of Justice has accepted the responsibility of the state in the case of Engin Çeber who died after being held at the Metris Prison in Ista

Iran to end child executions - 17 October 2008

Iran has instructed all courts to stop issuing death sentences against juvenile offenders. However, it is not clear if the directive includes those convicted of murder

UK House of Lords rejects 42-day detention - 13 October 2008

The House of Lords rejected proposals on Monday that would allow the period of pre-charge detention in terrorism cases to be extended up to 42 days. 

Libyan prisoner of conscience released - 10 October 2008

Arrested for trying to organize a peaceful demonstration critical of the Libyan government, Idriss Boufayed has been released on humanitarian grounds, after being diag

Prominent Egyptian editor pardoned - 8 October 2008

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has pardoned Ibrahim Eissa, who was charged with publishing information considered "damaging to the public interest and Egypt's

Moroccan blogger freed - 18 September 2008

The Court of Appeal in Agadir, Morocco, has overturned the two-year sentence imposed on blogger Mohamed Erraji.

Argentina abolishes the death penalty - 12 September 2008

This latest initiative paves the way for other countries to follow suit, and makes Argentina the sixth country to ratify all the human rights instruments of the inte

Major step forward in Paraguay's investigations into sexual slavery of girls - 13 August 2008

Julia Ozorio Gamecho is the first woman to tell the Truth and Justice Commission about how she was sexually abused by the military during General Alfredo Stroessner's

Eight Bahraini nationals released - 13 August 2008

Eight male teachers were released without charge in Saudi Arabia on 12 July 2008, after over four months’ detention.

Syrian prisoner of conscience freed - 8 August 2008

The Syrian authorities unexpectedly released Dr. Aref Dalilah on Thursday following a presidential amnesty.