Belarus: Human Rights Defender Andrei Chapiuk Finally Free, yet Forced Into Exile

Belarus: Human rights defender Andrei Chapiuk finally free, yet forced into exile

Human rights defender and member of Human Rights Center “Viasna” Andrei Chapiuk has safely left Belarus, one month after his release from prison. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders express their deep relief that Andrei Chapiuk is no longer at immediate risk of further repression but recall that…

Russian Federation: Authorities must immediately release lawyer Maria Bontsler

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) condemns the arrest and detention of prominent Kaliningrad lawyer and human rights defender Maria Bontsler and calls on the Russian authorities to release her immediately. The ICJ is concerned that the charges against Maria are spurious and likely to be related to Bontsler’s legitimate activities. Proceedings against her have been undertaken in a shroud of secrecy and the ICJ calls on the authorities…