Uzbekistan: Unrest Poses Key Human Rights Test

At least 18 people died and over 240 were injured during recent unrest in Uzbekistan’s autonomous region of Karakalpakstan, in the worst such violence in the Central Asian country for many years.

Maldives New ‘Evidence’ Law Undermines Media Freedom

In a serious setback for media freedom, the Maldives parliament today enacted legislation allowing courts to force journalists and media outlets to reveal their sources.

Uganda: President Pledges Rights Improvements

(Kampala) – President Yoweri Museveni should accelerate steps toward fulfilling his commitments to end abuses by security forces and restrictions on civil society and journalists in Uganda, Human Rights Watch said following its meeting with him on June 29, 2022. Uganda should hold to account high-level officials responsible for human rights

Iran Moves to Police 'Misinformation' Online

Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has called for laws to be passed to stop “rumors and false claims” from spreading online, in a move that mirrors the actions of numerous governments around the world, as well as Silicon Valley companies. In a recent speech,

India: Free, Drop Charges Against Teesta Setalvad

(New York) – The Indian authorities should immediately release the prominent human rights activist Teesta Setalvad, drop all charges against her, and stop their relentless attacks against her, Human Rights Watch said today. The police said they are investigating Setalvad, and two former senior police officers who turned whistleblowers, for criminal