Detention of China's most famous artist and political critic is a troubling development in a widening crackdown on dissent.

Liu Xianbin convicted of 'inciting subversion' for writing articles critical of the government, in a trial lasting only a few hours.

More than 100 detained or intimidated since February by security forces, following online calls for a Chinese 'Jasmine Revolution'.

Amnesty International research shows how some of those detained are being held secretly where they are vulnerable to a range of abuses, including torture or being killed in custody.

The executions come four weeks after President Ma Ying-jeou formally apologised for the execution of an innocent man in 1997.

Shahbaz Bhatti, the only Christian member of the cabinet and one of few politicians calling for changes to controversial blasphemy laws, died after gunmen attacked his car.

About 2,000 Indian farmers in Orissa state could lose their livelihoods in the next month if a proposed US$12 billion steel plant operation involving South Korean steel giant POSCO goes ahead, Amnesty International warns.

Government urged to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religion, in the face of calls from radical groups to outlaw a religious minority community.

Amnesty International urges the Chinese authorities to stop detaining and harassing more than 100 activists targeted in an apparent attempt to block anti-government demonstrations inspired by protests across the Middle East.