https://observatoryfordefenders.org/es/ Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:39:55 +0000 es-ES hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/cropped-OB-eye-orange-32x32.png https://observatoryfordefenders.org/es/ 32 32 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/es/alert/tunisie-la-defenseure-des-droits-humains-saadia-mosbah-doit-etre-liberee/ Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:09:08 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=24568 Saadia Mosbah, défenseure des droits humains tunisienne, militante antiraciste et présidente de l’association M’nemty, engagée contre les discriminations raciales et pour les droits des personnes en déplacement en Tunisie. Elle a notamment contribué aux mobilisations ayant conduit à l’adoption en 2018 d’une loi tunisienne criminalisant les discriminations raciales. Le 12 mars 2026, Mme Saadia Mosbah a comparu devant la chambre criminelle du tribunal de première instance de Tunis, dans le cadre d’une affaire dans laquelle elle est poursuivie pour blanchiment d’argent en vertu de la loi n°26 de 2015 relative à la lutte contre le terrorisme et le blanchiment d’argent, pour enrichissement illicite et constitution d’une entente criminelle en lien avec les activités de l’association M’nemty, qu’elle préside. Lors de cette audience, ses avocat·es et ses proches ont demandé sa libération, dénonçant un « dossier vide et sans preuves ». Selon sa défense, l’état de santé de Mme Mosbah s’est fortement dégradé au cours de sa détention prolongée. La juridiction a toutefois rejeté sa demande de remise en liberté, et a fixé la prochaine audience au 19 mars 2026 afin d’examiner l’affaire sur le fond. Le 6 mai 2024, les autorités tunisiennes ont arrêté Mme Saadia Mosbah à son domicile dans le cadre d’une enquête judiciaire visant l’association M’nemty. L’enquête porte notamment sur les financements reçus par M’nemty dans le cadre de ses activités de soutien aux personnes en déplacement et de lutte contre les discriminations raciales. Le lendemain de cette arrestation, le 7 mai, les forces de l’ordre ont perquisitionné le siège de l’association M’nemty ainsi que le domicile de Mme Mosbah à Tunis. À l’issue de cette opération, les autorités ont placé la défenseure en détention provisoire à la prison pour femmes de Manouba, au nord du pays. Plusieurs membres de l’association ont également été convoqué·es, interrogé·es puis poursuivi·es pour les mêmes accusations par les autorités judiciaires dans les jours et semaines qui ont suivi, sans être incarcéré·es. Au cours des mois qui ont suivi l’arrestation de Mme Mosbah, le parquet près le tribunal de première instance de Tunis a prolongé à plusieurs reprises sa détention provisoire. En mars 2025, un rapport d’expertise comptable versé au dossier a conclu que les financements de l’association M’nemty étaient légaux, transparents et de faible ampleur, ce qui contredit les accusations de blanchiment d’argent portées contre Mme Mosbah. Malgré ces conclusions, les poursuites ont été maintenues. Le 22 décembre 2025, le procès de Mme Saadia Mosbah s’était ouvert devant la chambre criminelle du tribunal de première instance de Tunis, où plusieurs dizaines de personnes se sont rassemblées pour demander sa libération. Plusieurs membres de l’association M’nemty, également poursuivi·es, comparaissaient libres. Depuis le début de sa détention, Mme Mosbah a également dénoncé des conditions de détention difficiles. Transférée de la prison pour femmes de Manouba vers celle de Béni Khalled, dans le gouvernorat de Nabeul, elle a signalé dans des lettres rendues publiques en septembre et octobre 2025 des difficultés d’accès à l’eau potable, des restrictions concernant la réception de livres ainsi que des limitations dans les visites familiales. L’Observatoire rappelle qu’en février 2023, le président tunisien Kaïs Saïed a prononcé un discours dénonçant l’arrivée de personnes migrantes d’Afrique subsaharienne et évoquant un prétendu complot visant à modifier la composition démographique du pays. L’arrestation de Mme Mosbah est intervenue dans ce contexte de campagnes de diffamation et de harcèlement visant l’association M’nemty et plusieurs de ses membres sur les réseaux sociaux, accusant notamment l’organisation de participer à ce prétendu complot. L’Observatoire rappelle également que les poursuites visant Mme Mosbah s’inscrivent dans un contexte de répression croissante de la société civile en Tunisie, marqué par des poursuites judiciaires contre des défenseur·es des droits humains, des campagnes de dénigrement dans les médias et des restrictions visant les organisations travaillant sur les questions migratoires. L’Observatoire exprime sa vive inquiétude face au maintien en détention de Mme Saadia Mosbah depuis près de deux ans et considère que les poursuites engagées contre elle semblent viser à entraver ses activités légitimes de défense des droits humains, notamment son engagement contre le racisme et pour la défense des droits des personnes en déplacement. L’Observatoire appelle les autorités tunisiennes à libérer immédiatement Mme Mosbah et note également que ces conditions de détention, compte tenu notamment de son âge (66 ans) et des préoccupations relatives à son état de santé, pourraient constituer des traitements cruels, inhumains ou dégradants contraires aux obligations internationales de la Tunisie, notamment de l’article 7 et de l’article 10 du Pacte international relatif aux droits civils et politiques, ainsi que de l’article 16 de la Convention des Nations unies contre la torture. Actions requises : L’Observatoire vous prie de bien vouloir écrire aux autorités tunisiennes en leur demandant de : Garantir en toutes circonstances l’intégrité physique et le bien-être psychologique de Saadia Mosbah et de l’ensemble des défenseur·es des droits humains en Tunisie, et garantir son accès à des soins adéquats et aux visites ; Libérer immédiatement et de manière inconditionnelle Saadia Mosbah et tou·tes les défenseur·es des droits humains arbitrairement détenu·es pour leur travail légitime de défense des droits humains ; Mettre un terme à tout acte de harcèlement, y compris au niveau judiciaire, à l’encontre de Saadia Mosbah ainsi que de tou·tes les défenseur·es des droits humains ; Garantir le respect effectif du droit à un procès équitable pour Saadia Mosbah et l’ensemble des défenseur·es des droits humains et détenu·e·s en Tunisie ; et Cesser de cibler les défenseur.es et les organisations de droits humains, les journalistes et les médias en Tunisie et garantir en toutes circonstances qu’ils et elles puissent mener leurs activités légitimes en faveur des droits humains sans entraves ni crainte de représailles. Adresses : • M. Kaïs Saïed, Président de la République, Email : contact@carthage.tn ; X : @TnPresidency • Mme Sarra Zaafrani Zanzri, Cheffe de gouvernement, Email : boc@pm.gov.tn ; X : @TunisiaPM • Mme Leila Jaffel, Ministre de la Justice, Email : info@e-justice.tn • M. Khaled Nouri , Ministre de l’Intérieur, Email : boc@interieur.gov.tn • M. Sabri Bachtobji, Ambassadeur, Représentant permanent de la Tunisie auprès des Nations unies à Genève, Suisse, Email : at.geneve@diplomatie.gov.tn • M. Sahbi Khalfallah, Ambassadeur, Ambassade de la Tunisie à Bruxelles, Belgique, Email : at.belgique@diplomatie.gov.tn Prière d’écrire également aux représentations diplomatiques de Tunisie dans vos pays respectifs. *** Genève-Paris, le 18 Mars 2026 Merci de bien vouloir informer l’Observatoire de toutes actions entreprises en indiquant le code de cet appel. L’Observatoire partenariat de la FIDH et de l’OMCT, a vocation à protéger les défenseur·es des droits humains victimes de violations et à leur apporter une aide aussi concrète que possible. La FIDH et l’OMCT sont membres de ProtectDefenders.eu, le mécanisme de l’Union européenne pour les défenseur·es des droits humains mis en œuvre par la société civile internationale. Pour contacter l’Observatoire, appeler La Ligne d’Urgence : · E-mail : alert@observatoryfordefenders.org · Tel FIDH : +33 1 43 55 25 18 · Tel OMCT : + 41 22 809 49 39]]> Saadia Mosbah, défenseure des droits humains tunisienne, militante antiraciste et présidente de l’association M’nemty, engagée contre les discriminations raciales et pour les droits des personnes en déplacement en Tunisie. Elle a notamment contribué aux mobilisations ayant conduit à l’adoption en 2018 d’une loi tunisienne criminalisant les discriminations raciales. Le 12 mars 2026, Mme Saadia Mosbah a comparu devant la chambre criminelle du tribunal de première instance de Tunis, dans le cadre d’une affaire dans laquelle elle est poursuivie pour blanchiment d’argent en vertu de la loi n°26 de 2015 relative à la lutte contre le terrorisme et le blanchiment d’argent, pour enrichissement illicite et constitution d’une entente criminelle en lien avec les activités de l’association M’nemty, qu’elle préside. Lors de cette audience, ses avocat·es et ses proches ont demandé sa libération, dénonçant un « dossier vide et sans preuves ». Selon sa défense, l’état de santé de Mme Mosbah s’est fortement dégradé au cours de sa détention prolongée. La juridiction a toutefois rejeté sa demande de remise en liberté, et a fixé la prochaine audience au 19 mars 2026 afin d’examiner l’affaire sur le fond. Le 6 mai 2024, les autorités tunisiennes ont arrêté Mme Saadia Mosbah à son domicile dans le cadre d’une enquête judiciaire visant l’association M’nemty. L’enquête porte notamment sur les financements reçus par M’nemty dans le cadre de ses activités de soutien aux personnes en déplacement et de lutte contre les discriminations raciales. Le lendemain de cette arrestation, le 7 mai, les forces de l’ordre ont perquisitionné le siège de l’association M’nemty ainsi que le domicile de Mme Mosbah à Tunis. À l’issue de cette opération, les autorités ont placé la défenseure en détention provisoire à la prison pour femmes de Manouba, au nord du pays. Plusieurs membres de l’association ont également été convoqué·es, interrogé·es puis poursuivi·es pour les mêmes accusations par les autorités judiciaires dans les jours et semaines qui ont suivi, sans être incarcéré·es. Au cours des mois qui ont suivi l’arrestation de Mme Mosbah, le parquet près le tribunal de première instance de Tunis a prolongé à plusieurs reprises sa détention provisoire. En mars 2025, un rapport d’expertise comptable versé au dossier a conclu que les financements de l’association M’nemty étaient légaux, transparents et de faible ampleur, ce qui contredit les accusations de blanchiment d’argent portées contre Mme Mosbah. Malgré ces conclusions, les poursuites ont été maintenues. Le 22 décembre 2025, le procès de Mme Saadia Mosbah s’était ouvert devant la chambre criminelle du tribunal de première instance de Tunis, où plusieurs dizaines de personnes se sont rassemblées pour demander sa libération. Plusieurs membres de l’association M’nemty, également poursuivi·es, comparaissaient libres. Depuis le début de sa détention, Mme Mosbah a également dénoncé des conditions de détention difficiles. Transférée de la prison pour femmes de Manouba vers celle de Béni Khalled, dans le gouvernorat de Nabeul, elle a signalé dans des lettres rendues publiques en septembre et octobre 2025 des difficultés d’accès à l’eau potable, des restrictions concernant la réception de livres ainsi que des limitations dans les visites familiales. L’Observatoire rappelle qu’en février 2023, le président tunisien Kaïs Saïed a prononcé un discours dénonçant l’arrivée de personnes migrantes d’Afrique subsaharienne et évoquant un prétendu complot visant à modifier la composition démographique du pays. L’arrestation de Mme Mosbah est intervenue dans ce contexte de campagnes de diffamation et de harcèlement visant l’association M’nemty et plusieurs de ses membres sur les réseaux sociaux, accusant notamment l’organisation de participer à ce prétendu complot. L’Observatoire rappelle également que les poursuites visant Mme Mosbah s’inscrivent dans un contexte de répression croissante de la société civile en Tunisie, marqué par des poursuites judiciaires contre des défenseur·es des droits humains, des campagnes de dénigrement dans les médias et des restrictions visant les organisations travaillant sur les questions migratoires. L’Observatoire exprime sa vive inquiétude face au maintien en détention de Mme Saadia Mosbah depuis près de deux ans et considère que les poursuites engagées contre elle semblent viser à entraver ses activités légitimes de défense des droits humains, notamment son engagement contre le racisme et pour la défense des droits des personnes en déplacement. L’Observatoire appelle les autorités tunisiennes à libérer immédiatement Mme Mosbah et note également que ces conditions de détention, compte tenu notamment de son âge (66 ans) et des préoccupations relatives à son état de santé, pourraient constituer des traitements cruels, inhumains ou dégradants contraires aux obligations internationales de la Tunisie, notamment de l’article 7 et de l’article 10 du Pacte international relatif aux droits civils et politiques, ainsi que de l’article 16 de la Convention des Nations unies contre la torture. Actions requises : L’Observatoire vous prie de bien vouloir écrire aux autorités tunisiennes en leur demandant de : Garantir en toutes circonstances l’intégrité physique et le bien-être psychologique de Saadia Mosbah et de l’ensemble des défenseur·es des droits humains en Tunisie, et garantir son accès à des soins adéquats et aux visites ; Libérer immédiatement et de manière inconditionnelle Saadia Mosbah et tou·tes les défenseur·es des droits humains arbitrairement détenu·es pour leur travail légitime de défense des droits humains ; Mettre un terme à tout acte de harcèlement, y compris au niveau judiciaire, à l’encontre de Saadia Mosbah ainsi que de tou·tes les défenseur·es des droits humains ; Garantir le respect effectif du droit à un procès équitable pour Saadia Mosbah et l’ensemble des défenseur·es des droits humains et détenu·e·s en Tunisie ; et Cesser de cibler les défenseur.es et les organisations de droits humains, les journalistes et les médias en Tunisie et garantir en toutes circonstances qu’ils et elles puissent mener leurs activités légitimes en faveur des droits humains sans entraves ni crainte de représailles. Adresses : • M. Kaïs Saïed, Président de la République, Email : contact@carthage.tn ; X : @TnPresidency • Mme Sarra Zaafrani Zanzri, Cheffe de gouvernement, Email : boc@pm.gov.tn ; X : @TunisiaPM • Mme Leila Jaffel, Ministre de la Justice, Email : info@e-justice.tn • M. Khaled Nouri , Ministre de l’Intérieur, Email : boc@interieur.gov.tn • M. Sabri Bachtobji, Ambassadeur, Représentant permanent de la Tunisie auprès des Nations unies à Genève, Suisse, Email : at.geneve@diplomatie.gov.tn • M. Sahbi Khalfallah, Ambassadeur, Ambassade de la Tunisie à Bruxelles, Belgique, Email : at.belgique@diplomatie.gov.tn Prière d’écrire également aux représentations diplomatiques de Tunisie dans vos pays respectifs. *** Genève-Paris, le 18 Mars 2026 Merci de bien vouloir informer l’Observatoire de toutes actions entreprises en indiquant le code de cet appel. L’Observatoire partenariat de la FIDH et de l’OMCT, a vocation à protéger les défenseur·es des droits humains victimes de violations et à leur apporter une aide aussi concrète que possible. La FIDH et l’OMCT sont membres de ProtectDefenders.eu, le mécanisme de l’Union européenne pour les défenseur·es des droits humains mis en œuvre par la société civile internationale. Pour contacter l’Observatoire, appeler La Ligne d’Urgence : · E-mail : alert@observatoryfordefenders.org · Tel FIDH : +33 1 43 55 25 18 · Tel OMCT : + 41 22 809 49 39]]> https://observatoryfordefenders.org/es/alert/bahrain-release-human-rights-defender-dr-abduljalil-al-singace/ Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:10:09 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=24557 18 March 2026 His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa King of Bahrain His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince and Prime Minister Your Majesties, We are writing to respectfully urge Your Majesties to order the release of human rights defender Dr Abduljalil Al-Singace, who has now completed 15 years of arbitrary imprisonment while serving a life sentence for his role in the pro-democracy movement. Bahrain is currently facing unprecedented challenges as the regional conflict intensifies. The country has been subjected to multiple attacks and its airspace has been closed. At such a difficult time for the nation, acts that promote compassion, unity, and reconciliation are more important than ever. The release of Dr Al-Singace and others imprisoned for their human rights work and political views would send an important message during this difficult time. Dr Al-Singace, now 64 years old, has been held in medical facilities since July 2021 and is currently detained at Muharraq Specialised Health Care Centre. He began a hunger strike in protest of the confiscation of his manuscripts and academic research. Since then, he has survived primarily on liquid intake, including multivitamin supplements. At times, he has resorted to full hunger strikes to protest the denial of medication and access to specialised medical treatment. In November 2025, the UN Committee against Torture expressed serious concerns regarding his ongoing detention and urged Bahrain to release Dr Al-Singace, alongside fellow human rights defenders Hassan Mushaima and Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja. We remain deeply concerned that Dr Al-Singace continues to suffer from the systematic denial of adequate medical care. For example, since 2021, he has experienced severe shoulder pain. After prolonged delays in obtaining a proper diagnosis, he finally received an MRI scan last year and doctors advised that surgery is required. However, there has been no indication as to when this operation will take place. He also continues to be denied physiotherapy despite his disability. These medical concerns should be addressed without further delay. With Eid Al-Fitr approaching, an occasion traditionally marked by royal pardons, we respectfully ask that Dr Al-Singace be included among those pardoned. In the meantime, we urge Your Majesties to ensure that he is held in conditions that meet international standards, receives his medication without delay, and has access to adequate healthcare in compliance with medical ethics. We also urge the relevant authorities to facilitate the return of his confiscated research to his family at the earliest opportunity. At a time when the region is experiencing profound turmoil, the release of political prisoners, including Dr Al-Singace, would offer a meaningful gesture of compassion and help ease the suffering felt by many families in Bahrain. Yours sincerely,]]> 18 March 2026 His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa King of Bahrain His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa Crown Prince and Prime Minister Your Majesties, We are writing to respectfully urge Your Majesties to order the release of human rights defender Dr Abduljalil Al-Singace, who has now completed 15 years of arbitrary imprisonment while serving a life sentence for his role in the pro-democracy movement. Bahrain is currently facing unprecedented challenges as the regional conflict intensifies. The country has been subjected to multiple attacks and its airspace has been closed. At such a difficult time for the nation, acts that promote compassion, unity, and reconciliation are more important than ever. The release of Dr Al-Singace and others imprisoned for their human rights work and political views would send an important message during this difficult time. Dr Al-Singace, now 64 years old, has been held in medical facilities since July 2021 and is currently detained at Muharraq Specialised Health Care Centre. He began a hunger strike in protest of the confiscation of his manuscripts and academic research. Since then, he has survived primarily on liquid intake, including multivitamin supplements. At times, he has resorted to full hunger strikes to protest the denial of medication and access to specialised medical treatment. In November 2025, the UN Committee against Torture expressed serious concerns regarding his ongoing detention and urged Bahrain to release Dr Al-Singace, alongside fellow human rights defenders Hassan Mushaima and Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja. We remain deeply concerned that Dr Al-Singace continues to suffer from the systematic denial of adequate medical care. For example, since 2021, he has experienced severe shoulder pain. After prolonged delays in obtaining a proper diagnosis, he finally received an MRI scan last year and doctors advised that surgery is required. However, there has been no indication as to when this operation will take place. He also continues to be denied physiotherapy despite his disability. These medical concerns should be addressed without further delay. With Eid Al-Fitr approaching, an occasion traditionally marked by royal pardons, we respectfully ask that Dr Al-Singace be included among those pardoned. In the meantime, we urge Your Majesties to ensure that he is held in conditions that meet international standards, receives his medication without delay, and has access to adequate healthcare in compliance with medical ethics. We also urge the relevant authorities to facilitate the return of his confiscated research to his family at the earliest opportunity. At a time when the region is experiencing profound turmoil, the release of political prisoners, including Dr Al-Singace, would offer a meaningful gesture of compassion and help ease the suffering felt by many families in Bahrain. Yours sincerely,]]> https://observatoryfordefenders.org/es/alert/china-released-tibetan-environmental-defender-anya-sengdra-subjected-to-ongoing-harassment/ Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:45:51 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=24469 Paris-Geneva, 25 February 2026. Anya Sengdra, Tibetan nomad and prominent community leader from Gade County in the Tibetan region of Golog (Qinghai Province) was originally due for release on 3 September 2025. However, Chinese authorities failed to free him on that date and instead imposed a one-year extension of his sentence reportedly on the grounds of alleged “prison rule violations” for theft, without any official announcement or transparent judicial procedure. This unlawful extension constituted an arbitrary detention in total violation of international human rights, including the fundamental right to liberty and the right to a fair trial. On 6 December 2019, the Gade County Court sentenced Anya Sengdra to seven years’ imprisonment on charges of “provoking troubles, forming a mob to disturb public order, and other malicious acts” under Article 293 of China’s Criminal Law for his peaceful environmental and anti-corruption activities. Through the grassroots initiative “Mangdon Ling” (“Public Affairs Forum”), he campaigned against illegal mining, poaching of endangered species, and the misappropriation of public funds by local officials for relocated Tibetan nomads. In the early stages of his detention, Anya Sengdra was beaten by officers of the Gade County Public Security Bureau and denied access to legal counsel for 48 days. He was also subjected to years of restricted family visits. Deprived of adequate medical care, his health severely deteriorated in prison, leading to vision loss, kidney disease, and high blood pressure. Although he has now returned to his home in Gade County’s Kyangche Township, he remains prohibited from speaking publicly about his case, sharing images or information online, and seeking necessary medical treatment. The Observatory recalls that in August 2023, three United Nations Special Rapporteurs raised Anya Sengdra’s case in a press release, urging the Chinese government to clarify his whereabouts, the legal basis for his detention, and his health condition. They further urged Chinese authorities to provide him with adequate medical care and to allow visits from his family. The Observatory expresses serious concern over the ongoing restrictions on Anya Sengdra’s freedom of expression and access to healthcare, which amount to continued judicial harassment. The Observatory urges the Chinese authorities to immediately lift all restrictions imposed on Anya Sengdra, ensure his fundamental right to liberty, and guarantee prompt and unhindered access to adequate medical care. It further calls on the authorities to put an end to the criminalisation and harassment of Tibetan environmental rights defenders and ensure that they can carry out their legitimate and peaceful human rights activities without fear of reprisals. The Observatory expresses its full and unequivocal support for Tibetan human rights defenders.]]> Paris-Geneva, 25 February 2026. Anya Sengdra, Tibetan nomad and prominent community leader from Gade County in the Tibetan region of Golog (Qinghai Province) was originally due for release on 3 September 2025. However, Chinese authorities failed to free him on that date and instead imposed a one-year extension of his sentence reportedly on the grounds of alleged “prison rule violations” for theft, without any official announcement or transparent judicial procedure. This unlawful extension constituted an arbitrary detention in total violation of international human rights, including the fundamental right to liberty and the right to a fair trial. On 6 December 2019, the Gade County Court sentenced Anya Sengdra to seven years’ imprisonment on charges of “provoking troubles, forming a mob to disturb public order, and other malicious acts” under Article 293 of China’s Criminal Law for his peaceful environmental and anti-corruption activities. Through the grassroots initiative “Mangdon Ling” (“Public Affairs Forum”), he campaigned against illegal mining, poaching of endangered species, and the misappropriation of public funds by local officials for relocated Tibetan nomads. In the early stages of his detention, Anya Sengdra was beaten by officers of the Gade County Public Security Bureau and denied access to legal counsel for 48 days. He was also subjected to years of restricted family visits. Deprived of adequate medical care, his health severely deteriorated in prison, leading to vision loss, kidney disease, and high blood pressure. Although he has now returned to his home in Gade County’s Kyangche Township, he remains prohibited from speaking publicly about his case, sharing images or information online, and seeking necessary medical treatment. The Observatory recalls that in August 2023, three United Nations Special Rapporteurs raised Anya Sengdra’s case in a press release, urging the Chinese government to clarify his whereabouts, the legal basis for his detention, and his health condition. They further urged Chinese authorities to provide him with adequate medical care and to allow visits from his family. The Observatory expresses serious concern over the ongoing restrictions on Anya Sengdra’s freedom of expression and access to healthcare, which amount to continued judicial harassment. The Observatory urges the Chinese authorities to immediately lift all restrictions imposed on Anya Sengdra, ensure his fundamental right to liberty, and guarantee prompt and unhindered access to adequate medical care. It further calls on the authorities to put an end to the criminalisation and harassment of Tibetan environmental rights defenders and ensure that they can carry out their legitimate and peaceful human rights activities without fear of reprisals. The Observatory expresses its full and unequivocal support for Tibetan human rights defenders.]]> https://observatoryfordefenders.org/es/alert/mauritanie-arrestations-detentions-et-poursuites-judiciaires-arbitraires-contre-huit-defenseur%c2%b7es-des-droits-humains-anti-esclavagistes/ Wed, 11 Mar 2026 09:01:08 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=24504 Paris, Genève, Nouakchott, le 6 mars 2026. Au cours du mois de février, à la suite de la révélation d’un cas présumé d’esclavage impliquant une jeune enfant de 11 ans à Nouakchott et d’un rassemblement devant le commissariat de Police de Dar Naïm 2 de Nouakchott, six membres de l’IRA, dont une journaliste, ainsi que deux lanceuses d’alerte ont été arrêté·es et poursuivi·es par les autorités mauritaniennes. Iels sont accusé·es de « diffusion de fausses informations » et « association de malfaiteurs ». Le 4 février 2026, des membres de l’IRA ont rendu publiques des allégations relatives à l’asservissement de Nouha Mohamed, une jeune fille de la communauté haratine âgée de 11 ans, qui aurait été maintenue en situation de servitude domestique par un couple dans la capitale, Nouakchott. Faisant suite à cette dénonciation, les autorités ont ouvert une enquête et les personnes soupçonnées ont été brièvement placées en garde à vue avant d’être relâchées. Le 6 février 2026, durant l’interrogatoire des personnes soupçonnées dans l’affaire d’esclavage présumé, des militant·es de l’IRA se sont rassemblé·es devant le commissariat de Police de Dar Naïm 2 à Nouakchott afin d’exiger que les investigations soient menées de manière diligente et que la victime présumée et sa famille soient protégées. Les forces de police auraient alors dispersé violemment les militant·es présent·es devant le commissariat, blessant plusieurs d’entre elles et eux. Dans ce contexte, la journaliste et membre de la commission de communication de l’IRA, Warda Souleymane, a publié sur les réseaux sociaux, le 6 février, une déclaration dénonçant les violences subies par les manifestant·es ainsi que les conditions de détention de certain·es militant·es. Suite à une plainte de la Haute Autorité de la Presse et de l’Audiovisuel (HAPA) le 10 février 2026, elle a été convoquée puis arrêtée par la police à Nouakchott et placée en détention à la prison des femmes de Nouakchott, où elle demeure détenue pour diffusion présumée de fausses informations. Le 13 février 2026, Lemrabet Mahmoud, chef de la section de l’IRA à Nouadhibou, a, à son tour, été arrêté par les autorités et placé en détention dans la prison de Nouadhibou, après avoir dénoncé sur les réseaux sociaux l’arrestation de Warda Souleymane. Inculpé pour « incitation à la haine et à la discrimination » et pour « utilisation de moyens électroniques pour diffuser des discours haineux », M. Mahmoud a comparu le 5 mars devant le tribunal de Nouadhibou, qui l’a condamné à un an de prison avec sursis. Le 16 février 2026, les lanceuses d’alerte Lalla Vatma et Rachida Saleck ainsi que les membres de l’IRA Abdallahi Abou Diop, chargé de la protection des droits humains, Elhaj Elid, coordinateur national des sections, Bounass Hmeida, coordonnateur national adjoint, et Med Vadel Aleyatt, chef de section dans la commune de Koumbi Saleh, ont été arrêté·es après avoir été convoqué·es par la police de Dar Naïm. Après leur garde à vue au commissariat de Dar Naim 2, iels ont comparu devant un juge d’instruction du tribunal de Nouakchott Nord (cabinet n°2) le 23 février, qui les a inculpé·es pour « diffusion de fausses informations » et d’« association de malfaiteurs » et placé·es sous mandat de dépôt. Les hommes ont été transférés à la prison centrale de Nouakchott, communément appelée « prison des Salafistes », tandis que les deux lanceuses d’alerte ont été incarcérées à la prison des femmes de Nouakchott. Ces 6 détenu•es ont comparu le 4 mars devant le juge d’instruction pour l’interrogatoire sur le fond, lors duquel iels ont soulevé son incompétence. Les avocat·es de la défense contestent la base juridique de ces poursuites, estimant qu’elles visent à criminaliser les personnes ayant dénoncé un cas d’esclavage. L’Observatoire relève que la procédure aurait été marquée par plusieurs irrégularités, notamment des transferts de compétence entre juridictions, les requalifications successives susmentionnées et des restrictions dans l’accès à l’assistance juridique et aux soins médicaux pour certain·es détenu·es, alors même que plusieurs auraient été blessé·es lors de leur arrestation et subi des sévices corporels et psychologiques en détention. Or, la Mauritanie a ratifié la Convention contre la torture (CAT) en 2004 et son Protocole facultatif (OPCAT) en 2012, et a mis en place en 2015 un Mécanisme National de Prévention de la Torture (MNP), en vertu desquels elle s’est engagée à prévenir et punir ces pratiques. Ces événements s’inscrivent dans un contexte plus large de pressions récurrentes contre les défenseur·es des droits humains engagé·es dans la lutte contre l’esclavage en Mauritanie et en particulier contre les membres de l’IRA. Bien que l’esclavage ait été aboli en 1981 et qualifié de crime contre l’humanité par la loi de 2015, des organisations internationales et de la société civile continuent de documenter des pratiques esclavagistes affectant principalement la communauté haratine. A cet égard, les victimes, militant·es anti-esclavagistes et lanceur·ses d’alerte qui dénoncent ces faits sont régulièrement exposé·es à des représailles et à des poursuites judiciaires. Entre 2010 et 2018, le président de l’IRA et député Biram Dah Abeid a été arrêté à plusieurs reprises, notamment en août 2018, sur la base d’accusations liées à l’incitation à la violence et au discours de haine. De même, illustration d’un harcèlement judiciaire acharné, Warda Souleymane avait été arrêtée par les autorités mauritaniennes le 31 octobre 2025, à son retour de Banjul (Gambie), pour avoir dénoncé publiquement la discrimination raciale à l’encontre des populations noires mauritaniennes lors de la 85ᵉ session de la Commission africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples (CADHP), avant d’être libérée sous contrôle judiciaire le 6 novembre 2025. Le 28 novembre 2025, neuf personnes, dont Dieynaba Ndiom, défenseure des droits des femmes, responsable des subventions pour l’Initiative Pananetugri pour le Bien-Être de la Femme (IPBF), avaient été arbitrairement arrêté·es avant d’être libéré·es sous caution et contrôle judiciaire le 5 décembre 2025. Ces arrestations répétées suscitent de vives préoccupations quant à l’utilisation du système judiciaire pour restreindre l’action légitime de défense des droits humains en Mauritanie. L’Observatoire note que l’arrestation et la poursuite de défenseur·es pour avoir dénoncé des faits présumés d’esclavage et participé à un rassemblement pacifique constituent des restrictions aux droits reconnus par le Pacte international relatif aux droits civils et politiques (PIDCP) et à la Charte africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples, ratifiés par la Mauritanie. L’invocation d’infractions telles que la « diffusion de fausses informations » ou l’« association de malfaiteurs » afin de sanctionner la dénonciation de violations graves des droits humains soulève de sérieuses inquiétudes quant à la possibilité des défenseur·es de poursuivre leurs activités sans représailles, et contrevient à ce titre aux dispositions contenues dans la Déclaration des Nations unies sur les défenseur·es des droits humains. L’Observatoire condamne ainsi fermement l’arrestation, la détention et le harcèlement judiciaire visant les membres de l’IRA, dont la journaliste Warda Souleymane, ainsi que les deux lanceuses d’alerte, qui semblent directement liés à leurs activités légitimes et pacifiques de défense des droits humains. L’Observatoire appelle les autorités mauritaniennes à procéder à leur libération immédiate, à abandonner les charges à leur encontre et à garantir que l’ensemble des défenseur·es des droits humains puisse exercer leurs activités sans entrave ni représailles.]]> Paris, Genève, Nouakchott, le 6 mars 2026. Au cours du mois de février, à la suite de la révélation d’un cas présumé d’esclavage impliquant une jeune enfant de 11 ans à Nouakchott et d’un rassemblement devant le commissariat de Police de Dar Naïm 2 de Nouakchott, six membres de l’IRA, dont une journaliste, ainsi que deux lanceuses d’alerte ont été arrêté·es et poursuivi·es par les autorités mauritaniennes. Iels sont accusé·es de « diffusion de fausses informations » et « association de malfaiteurs ». Le 4 février 2026, des membres de l’IRA ont rendu publiques des allégations relatives à l’asservissement de Nouha Mohamed, une jeune fille de la communauté haratine âgée de 11 ans, qui aurait été maintenue en situation de servitude domestique par un couple dans la capitale, Nouakchott. Faisant suite à cette dénonciation, les autorités ont ouvert une enquête et les personnes soupçonnées ont été brièvement placées en garde à vue avant d’être relâchées. Le 6 février 2026, durant l’interrogatoire des personnes soupçonnées dans l’affaire d’esclavage présumé, des militant·es de l’IRA se sont rassemblé·es devant le commissariat de Police de Dar Naïm 2 à Nouakchott afin d’exiger que les investigations soient menées de manière diligente et que la victime présumée et sa famille soient protégées. Les forces de police auraient alors dispersé violemment les militant·es présent·es devant le commissariat, blessant plusieurs d’entre elles et eux. Dans ce contexte, la journaliste et membre de la commission de communication de l’IRA, Warda Souleymane, a publié sur les réseaux sociaux, le 6 février, une déclaration dénonçant les violences subies par les manifestant·es ainsi que les conditions de détention de certain·es militant·es. Suite à une plainte de la Haute Autorité de la Presse et de l’Audiovisuel (HAPA) le 10 février 2026, elle a été convoquée puis arrêtée par la police à Nouakchott et placée en détention à la prison des femmes de Nouakchott, où elle demeure détenue pour diffusion présumée de fausses informations. Le 13 février 2026, Lemrabet Mahmoud, chef de la section de l’IRA à Nouadhibou, a, à son tour, été arrêté par les autorités et placé en détention dans la prison de Nouadhibou, après avoir dénoncé sur les réseaux sociaux l’arrestation de Warda Souleymane. Inculpé pour « incitation à la haine et à la discrimination » et pour « utilisation de moyens électroniques pour diffuser des discours haineux », M. Mahmoud a comparu le 5 mars devant le tribunal de Nouadhibou, qui l’a condamné à un an de prison avec sursis. Le 16 février 2026, les lanceuses d’alerte Lalla Vatma et Rachida Saleck ainsi que les membres de l’IRA Abdallahi Abou Diop, chargé de la protection des droits humains, Elhaj Elid, coordinateur national des sections, Bounass Hmeida, coordonnateur national adjoint, et Med Vadel Aleyatt, chef de section dans la commune de Koumbi Saleh, ont été arrêté·es après avoir été convoqué·es par la police de Dar Naïm. Après leur garde à vue au commissariat de Dar Naim 2, iels ont comparu devant un juge d’instruction du tribunal de Nouakchott Nord (cabinet n°2) le 23 février, qui les a inculpé·es pour « diffusion de fausses informations » et d’« association de malfaiteurs » et placé·es sous mandat de dépôt. Les hommes ont été transférés à la prison centrale de Nouakchott, communément appelée « prison des Salafistes », tandis que les deux lanceuses d’alerte ont été incarcérées à la prison des femmes de Nouakchott. Ces 6 détenu•es ont comparu le 4 mars devant le juge d’instruction pour l’interrogatoire sur le fond, lors duquel iels ont soulevé son incompétence. Les avocat·es de la défense contestent la base juridique de ces poursuites, estimant qu’elles visent à criminaliser les personnes ayant dénoncé un cas d’esclavage. L’Observatoire relève que la procédure aurait été marquée par plusieurs irrégularités, notamment des transferts de compétence entre juridictions, les requalifications successives susmentionnées et des restrictions dans l’accès à l’assistance juridique et aux soins médicaux pour certain·es détenu·es, alors même que plusieurs auraient été blessé·es lors de leur arrestation et subi des sévices corporels et psychologiques en détention. Or, la Mauritanie a ratifié la Convention contre la torture (CAT) en 2004 et son Protocole facultatif (OPCAT) en 2012, et a mis en place en 2015 un Mécanisme National de Prévention de la Torture (MNP), en vertu desquels elle s’est engagée à prévenir et punir ces pratiques. Ces événements s’inscrivent dans un contexte plus large de pressions récurrentes contre les défenseur·es des droits humains engagé·es dans la lutte contre l’esclavage en Mauritanie et en particulier contre les membres de l’IRA. Bien que l’esclavage ait été aboli en 1981 et qualifié de crime contre l’humanité par la loi de 2015, des organisations internationales et de la société civile continuent de documenter des pratiques esclavagistes affectant principalement la communauté haratine. A cet égard, les victimes, militant·es anti-esclavagistes et lanceur·ses d’alerte qui dénoncent ces faits sont régulièrement exposé·es à des représailles et à des poursuites judiciaires. Entre 2010 et 2018, le président de l’IRA et député Biram Dah Abeid a été arrêté à plusieurs reprises, notamment en août 2018, sur la base d’accusations liées à l’incitation à la violence et au discours de haine. De même, illustration d’un harcèlement judiciaire acharné, Warda Souleymane avait été arrêtée par les autorités mauritaniennes le 31 octobre 2025, à son retour de Banjul (Gambie), pour avoir dénoncé publiquement la discrimination raciale à l’encontre des populations noires mauritaniennes lors de la 85ᵉ session de la Commission africaine des droits de l’Homme et des peuples (CADHP), avant d’être libérée sous contrôle judiciaire le 6 novembre 2025. Le 28 novembre 2025, neuf personnes, dont Dieynaba Ndiom, défenseure des droits des femmes, responsable des subventions pour l’Initiative Pananetugri pour le Bien-Être de la Femme (IPBF), avaient été arbitrairement arrêté·es avant d’être libéré·es sous caution et contrôle judiciaire le 5 décembre 2025. Ces arrestations répétées suscitent de vives préoccupations quant à l’utilisation du système judiciaire pour restreindre l’action légitime de défense des droits humains en Mauritanie. L’Observatoire note que l’arrestation et la poursuite de défenseur·es pour avoir dénoncé des faits présumés d’esclavage et participé à un rassemblement pacifique constituent des restrictions aux droits reconnus par le Pacte international relatif aux droits civils et politiques (PIDCP) et à la Charte africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples, ratifiés par la Mauritanie. L’invocation d’infractions telles que la « diffusion de fausses informations » ou l’« association de malfaiteurs » afin de sanctionner la dénonciation de violations graves des droits humains soulève de sérieuses inquiétudes quant à la possibilité des défenseur·es de poursuivre leurs activités sans représailles, et contrevient à ce titre aux dispositions contenues dans la Déclaration des Nations unies sur les défenseur·es des droits humains. L’Observatoire condamne ainsi fermement l’arrestation, la détention et le harcèlement judiciaire visant les membres de l’IRA, dont la journaliste Warda Souleymane, ainsi que les deux lanceuses d’alerte, qui semblent directement liés à leurs activités légitimes et pacifiques de défense des droits humains. L’Observatoire appelle les autorités mauritaniennes à procéder à leur libération immédiate, à abandonner les charges à leur encontre et à garantir que l’ensemble des défenseur·es des droits humains puisse exercer leurs activités sans entrave ni représailles.]]> https://observatoryfordefenders.org/es/alert/azerbaijan-unlawfully-detained-women-journalists-face-sexual-violence-amidst-on-going-crackdown-on-civil-society/ Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:59:08 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=24393 5 February 2026- The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (OMCT-FIDH) and the undersigned organisations, express their serious concern regarding the recent letter of Azerbaijani journalist Aysel Umudova sent to media outlets from Baku Pre-trial Investigation Facility, in which she has reported being subjected to sexual harassment and ill-treatment by police officers during her arrest on 6 December 2024. Umudova’s letter published in December 2025 echoes the earlier case of a journalist and human rights defender, Ulviyya (Ali) Guliyeva, who faced arbitrary detention, torture, and explicit rape threats by a police officer while in police custody on 6 May 2025. Umudova’s letter describes her arbitrary detention in connection with the so-called “Meydan TV case”, three-hour long transfer to Baku, denial of timely access to legal and medical assistance, and degrading conditions of detention. During transportation, while experiencing a panic attack and in a state of acute vulnerability, she reported having been subjected to an “unwanted physical contact”, constituting sexual harassment according to Article 40 of the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention, by a police officer sitting next to her in a police car, an incident she clearly resisted, and which has had lasting psychological consequences. Upon arrival at the Baku City Police Department, she was further subjected to intimidation and coercion, including threats related to unlocking her phone, before being taken to the investigator. Umudova has stated that it took her approximately one year to stabilise and bring herself to publicly disclose the psychological impact of these events, which continue to affect her well-being. These allegations are similar to the case of a journalist and human rights defender, Ulviyya (Ali) Guliyeva, who has faced sustained harassment in connection with the same so-called “Meydan TV case”. Since early 2025, she has been repeatedly summoned for questioning, subjected to an unlawful travel ban, and ultimately detained on 6 May 2025. While in police custody, she reported being subjected to beatings and explicit rape threats by a police officer aimed at forcing her to disclose passwords to her electronic devices. Her apartment was searched in the absence of a lawyer, and evidence allegedly discovered during that search was later used against her in criminal proceedings. Following that treatment, she submitted contemporaneous handwritten complaints to her lawyer and the authorities. Thereafter, she described ongoing symptoms such as severe headaches, vomiting, dizziness, and fainting, which also aggravated her pre-existing mental health condition. Despite the seriousness of these allegations and the clear risk of long-term harm, the authorities have refused to order an independent forensic examination or provide adequate medical care. These events unfolded in relation to the “Meydan TV case”, under which on 6 December 2024 six journalists, including Aysel Umudova, and the head of Baku Journalism School were arrested and then remanded in custody on 8 December 2024 by the Baku City Khatai District Court. Under the same case, three other journalists were arrested on 5 February, 21 February, and 1 March 2025, and Ulviyya (Ali) Guliyeva was arrested on 6 May 2025. As the next hearing in the so-called “Meydan TV case” is scheduled for 6 February 2026 before the Baku Grave Crimes Court, these credible and consistent allegations raise serious concerns. In the continued absence of any effective, independent investigation, they call into question whether Azerbaijan’s judicial and investigative authorities will fulfil their duties to take prompt, meaningful, and independent accountability measures in response to such grave violations of fundamental rights and human dignity. Aysel Umudova and Ulviyya (Ali) Guliyeva, along with their journalist colleagues arrested and still remaining in custody in connection with the so-called “Meydan TV case”, have been charged under multiple provisions of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including illegal entrepreneurship and smuggling carried out by an organised group. These charges, which are widely regarded by independent observers as fabricated and politically motivated, have been systematically used against dozens of other journalists and civil society members in Azerbaijan over the past two years. The beatings, rape threats and sexual harassment against Guliyeva and Umudova constitute sexual and gender-based violence and the treatment they experienced violates the prohibition of torture and of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The authorities’ failure to investigate allegations of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and ill-treatment, together with their disregard of multiple requests for timely medical care and their failure to ensure independent investigations, constitutes a clear breach of their duty to prevent, investigate, and punish ill-treatment and sexual violence against women, contrary to Azerbaijan’s Constitution and other domestic law, as well as the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the Convention Against Torture (CAT) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), all ratified by Azerbaijan. The cases of Aysel Umudova and Ulviyya (Ali) Guliyeva indicate a deeply troubling pattern within the broader context of politically motivated prosecutions in Azerbaijan, in which punitive pre-trial detention and sexual violence appear to be used as instruments to intimidate, silence, and punish human rights defenders and independent women journalists in Azerbaijan. We call on the authorities of Azerbaijan to:

• Immediately and unconditionally release Ulviyya Guliyeva and Aysel Umudova and drop all politically motivated charges against them and other political prisoners;
• Conduct independent, impartial, prompt, and effective investigations into allegations of torture, ill-treatment, sexual harassment, and other violations, in line with international standards, and ensure accountability for all those responsible;
• Guarantee access to adequate, independent medical care, including specialist examinations, for both journalists;
• End the judicial harassment of journalists, human rights defenders, and other critical voices in Azerbaijan with abusive criminal prosecutions.

We also urge Azerbaijan’s international partners, including the Council of Europe, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and relevant United Nations bodies and Special Procedures, to:

• Publicly condemn the arbitrary detention and sexual harassment of Ulviyya Guliyeva and Aysel Umudova and other political prisoners cases;
• Raise their cases at the highest political levels;
• Closely monitor court proceedings and detention conditions; and
• Ensure that concrete and measurable progress in ending the crackdown on independent media and ensuring accountability for torture, ill-treatment and gender-based violence are central in all steps toward developing closer cooperation with Azerbaijan.

]]> 5 February 2026- The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (OMCT-FIDH) and the undersigned organisations, express their serious concern regarding the recent letter of Azerbaijani journalist Aysel Umudova sent to media outlets from Baku Pre-trial Investigation Facility, in which she has reported being subjected to sexual harassment and ill-treatment by police officers during her arrest on 6 December 2024. Umudova’s letter published in December 2025 echoes the earlier case of a journalist and human rights defender, Ulviyya (Ali) Guliyeva, who faced arbitrary detention, torture, and explicit rape threats by a police officer while in police custody on 6 May 2025. Umudova’s letter describes her arbitrary detention in connection with the so-called “Meydan TV case”, three-hour long transfer to Baku, denial of timely access to legal and medical assistance, and degrading conditions of detention. During transportation, while experiencing a panic attack and in a state of acute vulnerability, she reported having been subjected to an “unwanted physical contact”, constituting sexual harassment according to Article 40 of the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention, by a police officer sitting next to her in a police car, an incident she clearly resisted, and which has had lasting psychological consequences. Upon arrival at the Baku City Police Department, she was further subjected to intimidation and coercion, including threats related to unlocking her phone, before being taken to the investigator. Umudova has stated that it took her approximately one year to stabilise and bring herself to publicly disclose the psychological impact of these events, which continue to affect her well-being. These allegations are similar to the case of a journalist and human rights defender, Ulviyya (Ali) Guliyeva, who has faced sustained harassment in connection with the same so-called “Meydan TV case”. Since early 2025, she has been repeatedly summoned for questioning, subjected to an unlawful travel ban, and ultimately detained on 6 May 2025. While in police custody, she reported being subjected to beatings and explicit rape threats by a police officer aimed at forcing her to disclose passwords to her electronic devices. Her apartment was searched in the absence of a lawyer, and evidence allegedly discovered during that search was later used against her in criminal proceedings. Following that treatment, she submitted contemporaneous handwritten complaints to her lawyer and the authorities. Thereafter, she described ongoing symptoms such as severe headaches, vomiting, dizziness, and fainting, which also aggravated her pre-existing mental health condition. Despite the seriousness of these allegations and the clear risk of long-term harm, the authorities have refused to order an independent forensic examination or provide adequate medical care. These events unfolded in relation to the “Meydan TV case”, under which on 6 December 2024 six journalists, including Aysel Umudova, and the head of Baku Journalism School were arrested and then remanded in custody on 8 December 2024 by the Baku City Khatai District Court. Under the same case, three other journalists were arrested on 5 February, 21 February, and 1 March 2025, and Ulviyya (Ali) Guliyeva was arrested on 6 May 2025. As the next hearing in the so-called “Meydan TV case” is scheduled for 6 February 2026 before the Baku Grave Crimes Court, these credible and consistent allegations raise serious concerns. In the continued absence of any effective, independent investigation, they call into question whether Azerbaijan’s judicial and investigative authorities will fulfil their duties to take prompt, meaningful, and independent accountability measures in response to such grave violations of fundamental rights and human dignity. Aysel Umudova and Ulviyya (Ali) Guliyeva, along with their journalist colleagues arrested and still remaining in custody in connection with the so-called “Meydan TV case”, have been charged under multiple provisions of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including illegal entrepreneurship and smuggling carried out by an organised group. These charges, which are widely regarded by independent observers as fabricated and politically motivated, have been systematically used against dozens of other journalists and civil society members in Azerbaijan over the past two years. The beatings, rape threats and sexual harassment against Guliyeva and Umudova constitute sexual and gender-based violence and the treatment they experienced violates the prohibition of torture and of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The authorities’ failure to investigate allegations of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and ill-treatment, together with their disregard of multiple requests for timely medical care and their failure to ensure independent investigations, constitutes a clear breach of their duty to prevent, investigate, and punish ill-treatment and sexual violence against women, contrary to Azerbaijan’s Constitution and other domestic law, as well as the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the Convention Against Torture (CAT) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), all ratified by Azerbaijan. The cases of Aysel Umudova and Ulviyya (Ali) Guliyeva indicate a deeply troubling pattern within the broader context of politically motivated prosecutions in Azerbaijan, in which punitive pre-trial detention and sexual violence appear to be used as instruments to intimidate, silence, and punish human rights defenders and independent women journalists in Azerbaijan. We call on the authorities of Azerbaijan to:

• Immediately and unconditionally release Ulviyya Guliyeva and Aysel Umudova and drop all politically motivated charges against them and other political prisoners;
• Conduct independent, impartial, prompt, and effective investigations into allegations of torture, ill-treatment, sexual harassment, and other violations, in line with international standards, and ensure accountability for all those responsible;
• Guarantee access to adequate, independent medical care, including specialist examinations, for both journalists;
• End the judicial harassment of journalists, human rights defenders, and other critical voices in Azerbaijan with abusive criminal prosecutions.

We also urge Azerbaijan’s international partners, including the Council of Europe, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and relevant United Nations bodies and Special Procedures, to:

• Publicly condemn the arbitrary detention and sexual harassment of Ulviyya Guliyeva and Aysel Umudova and other political prisoners cases;
• Raise their cases at the highest political levels;
• Closely monitor court proceedings and detention conditions; and
• Ensure that concrete and measurable progress in ending the crackdown on independent media and ensuring accountability for torture, ill-treatment and gender-based violence are central in all steps toward developing closer cooperation with Azerbaijan.

]]> https://observatoryfordefenders.org/es/alert/myanmar-arbitrary-detention-and-torture-of-student-leader-htet-myat-aung/ Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:17:35 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=24316 Htet Myat Aung, a student leader and prominent pro-democracy activist in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city. Mr Htet Myat Aung is the former president of the Yadanabon University Students’ Union and an active member of several civil resistance coordination groups. He has been at the forefront of non-violent protests since the military coup d’état of 1 February 2021. On 14 December 2025, Mr Htet Myat Aung was violently arrested by the military authorities in Mandalay. Before his arrest he had been subject to an arrest warrant with a bounty of 20 million kyats (approximately 8,000 Euros) on his head for his anti-junta activities. Reliable sources report that he was tortured during his arrest. This arrest followed his participation in a peaceful silent protest on International Human Rights Day on 10 December 2025, which aimed to oppose the fraudulent elections organised by the junta. On 3 December 2025, Mr Htet Myat Aung and nine other pro-democracy activists, were charged under Section 23(b) of the Law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic Elections from Obstruction, Disruption and Destruction for allegedly “misleading the public regarding electoral processes” and distributing protest materials. This law, enacted by the military junta on 29 July 2025, has been widely used to arrest, charge, and prosecute critics of the elections. If convicted, Mr Htet Myat Aung risks an imprisonment of up to 10 years. At the time of publication of this Urgent Appeal, Mr. Htet Myat Aung remains detained incommunicado in an undisclosed location in Mandalay. There is no further information regarding his situation since his arrest on 14 December 2025, raising grave and immediate concerns for his life and physical safety. The Observatory considers that this arrest is part of Myanmar military’s campaign of repression, which has targeted its opponents, including human rights defenders, student leaders, and civil society activists. Between 18 August and 12 December 2025, the junta arbitrarily arrested and detained at least 1,932 people, including peaceful protesters, politicians, human rights defenders, activists and journalists. The Observatory strongly condemns the arbitrary detention and torture of Mr Htet Myat Aung, which appear to be a reprisal for his human rights activities as part of civil society’s struggle for democracy in Myanmar. These actions constitute a serious violation of international human rights law, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and protection against arbitrary detention. Therefore, the Observatory urges the military junta to immediately reveal the fate and whereabouts of Mr Htet Myat Aung, release him, and put an end to all acts of harassment against him and all other human rights defenders in the country.]]> Htet Myat Aung, a student leader and prominent pro-democracy activist in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city. Mr Htet Myat Aung is the former president of the Yadanabon University Students’ Union and an active member of several civil resistance coordination groups. He has been at the forefront of non-violent protests since the military coup d’état of 1 February 2021. On 14 December 2025, Mr Htet Myat Aung was violently arrested by the military authorities in Mandalay. Before his arrest he had been subject to an arrest warrant with a bounty of 20 million kyats (approximately 8,000 Euros) on his head for his anti-junta activities. Reliable sources report that he was tortured during his arrest. This arrest followed his participation in a peaceful silent protest on International Human Rights Day on 10 December 2025, which aimed to oppose the fraudulent elections organised by the junta. On 3 December 2025, Mr Htet Myat Aung and nine other pro-democracy activists, were charged under Section 23(b) of the Law on the Protection of Multiparty Democratic Elections from Obstruction, Disruption and Destruction for allegedly “misleading the public regarding electoral processes” and distributing protest materials. This law, enacted by the military junta on 29 July 2025, has been widely used to arrest, charge, and prosecute critics of the elections. If convicted, Mr Htet Myat Aung risks an imprisonment of up to 10 years. At the time of publication of this Urgent Appeal, Mr. Htet Myat Aung remains detained incommunicado in an undisclosed location in Mandalay. There is no further information regarding his situation since his arrest on 14 December 2025, raising grave and immediate concerns for his life and physical safety. The Observatory considers that this arrest is part of Myanmar military’s campaign of repression, which has targeted its opponents, including human rights defenders, student leaders, and civil society activists. Between 18 August and 12 December 2025, the junta arbitrarily arrested and detained at least 1,932 people, including peaceful protesters, politicians, human rights defenders, activists and journalists. The Observatory strongly condemns the arbitrary detention and torture of Mr Htet Myat Aung, which appear to be a reprisal for his human rights activities as part of civil society’s struggle for democracy in Myanmar. These actions constitute a serious violation of international human rights law, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and protection against arbitrary detention. Therefore, the Observatory urges the military junta to immediately reveal the fate and whereabouts of Mr Htet Myat Aung, release him, and put an end to all acts of harassment against him and all other human rights defenders in the country.]]> https://observatoryfordefenders.org/es/alert/iran-narges-mohammadi-several-other-human-rights-defenders-arbitrarily-arrested-in-massive-crackdown/ Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:23:12 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=24278 Paris-Geneva, 18 December 2025 – More than 50 people were arrested, including five women human rights defenders, while they were taking part in a memorial ceremony honouring a recently deceased fellow human rights defender. The Observatory (FIDH-OMCT) and the League for the Defence of Human Rights in Iran (LDDHI) strongly condemn these new arrests and call on the Iranian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all those arbitrarily detained, including human rights defenders. On 12 December 2025, more than 50 people were arbitrarily arrested by plainclothes agents of the Ministry of Intelligence and the Intelligence Unit of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) using batons and tear gas canisters in the city of Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province, at a memorial honouring human rights lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, who died on 5 December 2025 under suspicious circumstances. Detainees include: journalist, spokesperson of Defenders of Human Rights Centre (DHRC), and 2023 Nobel Peace laureate Narges Mohammadi; documentary filmmaker and vice-president of the Iranian Association for Defence of Press Freedom Alieh Motallebzadeh; labour rights activist and freelance journalist Sepideh Gholian; students’ rights activist Hasti Amiri; writer and civil rights activist Pooran Nazemi; human rights lawyer Javad Alikordi, brother of the deceased; two other lawyers; family members of victims of post September 2022 protests; and several members of Khosrow Alikordi’s family. A few of the arrested people have been released on bail, while the Mashhad prosecutor confirmed the detention of 39 persons. Some of the detainees are being held in Mashhad’s Vakilabad prison, some others in Mashhad’s Soroush detention centre. The whereabouts of others remain unknown. Narges Mohammadi, Sepideh Gholian, Javad Alikordi‎ and a number of other detainees have been charged with “spreading propaganda against the system” and “assembly and collusion against national security”. Some of the cases have been referred to Branch 902 of Mashhad Justice Department, including that of Narges Mohammadi, and some others to Branch 901. Detaining agents also accused Narges Mohammadi of “collaborating with Israel.” Narges Mohammadi was able to call her family and reported that she was violently beaten with batons and sticks on the head and neck by security forces during her arrest, and was taken to the hospital twice since her detention due to the injuries she suffered. Sepideh Gholian and Pooran Nazemi were also beaten during their arrest, according to eyewitnesses. The Observatory and LDDHI recall that Narges Mohammadi had been released in December 2024, under a three-week temporary medical leave, which was extended as she was undergoing medical treatment. Prior to her temporary release, Narges Mohammadi had been arbitrarily detained in Tehran’s Evin prison since November 2021. During her three years of arbitrary detention, her health condition deteriorated severely, as the prison administration repeatedly denied her medical care. The Observatory and LDDHI further recall that Narges Mohammadi was brutally arrested in November 2021 while taking part in a ceremony to pay tribute to a victim killed during anti-government protests in November 2019. She was sent to Evin prison, where she was sometimes placed in solitary confinement. Since 2021, Narges Mohammadi has been sentenced while in detention to a total of 15 years and six months in prison, 154 lashes, and bans on travelling abroad, conducting political and social activities, and using smartphones. As her release in December 2024 was granted on medical grounds, if she is convicted again, she may face the enforcement of all those sentences and the remainder of any pending sentence. Between 2015 and 2020, she was arbitrarily detained in Zanjan prison, Zanjan Province, where her health deteriorated. Throughout her imprisonment, she has suffered physical assaults and sexual abuses. Alieh Motallebzadeh, Sepideh Gholian, Hasti Amiri, and Pooran Nazemi all previously served prison terms as well, and some of them have pending cases against them. Pooran Nazemi is in poor health. The Observatory and LDDHI strongly condemn the arbitrary arrest of Narges Mohammadi, Alieh Motallebzadeh, Sepideh Gholian, Hasti Amiri, Pooran Nazemi, Javad Alikordi, and all others detained at the memorial service. The Observatory and LDDHI express their utmost concern over the great risk of deterioration of the health in detention of Narges Mohammadi and Pooran Nazemi, as their conditions warrant timely and adequate medical treatment, which cannot be provided in prison due to the deplorable sanitary conditions, as evidenced during their previous detentions. The Observatory and LDDHI urge the Iranian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Narges Mohammadi, Alieh Motallebzadeh, Sepideh Gholian, Hasti Amiri, Pooran Nazemi, Javad Alikordi, and all other human rights defenders and activists arbitrarily detained, including women human rights defenders, who are deprived of their liberty solely because of their legitimate and peaceful human rights activities. The signatories further urge the Iranian authorities to provide Ms Mohammadi, Ms Nazemi, and any other detainee in need, with timely and adequate medical care while they remain detained.]]> Paris-Geneva, 18 December 2025 – More than 50 people were arrested, including five women human rights defenders, while they were taking part in a memorial ceremony honouring a recently deceased fellow human rights defender. The Observatory (FIDH-OMCT) and the League for the Defence of Human Rights in Iran (LDDHI) strongly condemn these new arrests and call on the Iranian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all those arbitrarily detained, including human rights defenders. On 12 December 2025, more than 50 people were arbitrarily arrested by plainclothes agents of the Ministry of Intelligence and the Intelligence Unit of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) using batons and tear gas canisters in the city of Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province, at a memorial honouring human rights lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, who died on 5 December 2025 under suspicious circumstances. Detainees include: journalist, spokesperson of Defenders of Human Rights Centre (DHRC), and 2023 Nobel Peace laureate Narges Mohammadi; documentary filmmaker and vice-president of the Iranian Association for Defence of Press Freedom Alieh Motallebzadeh; labour rights activist and freelance journalist Sepideh Gholian; students’ rights activist Hasti Amiri; writer and civil rights activist Pooran Nazemi; human rights lawyer Javad Alikordi, brother of the deceased; two other lawyers; family members of victims of post September 2022 protests; and several members of Khosrow Alikordi’s family. A few of the arrested people have been released on bail, while the Mashhad prosecutor confirmed the detention of 39 persons. Some of the detainees are being held in Mashhad’s Vakilabad prison, some others in Mashhad’s Soroush detention centre. The whereabouts of others remain unknown. Narges Mohammadi, Sepideh Gholian, Javad Alikordi‎ and a number of other detainees have been charged with “spreading propaganda against the system” and “assembly and collusion against national security”. Some of the cases have been referred to Branch 902 of Mashhad Justice Department, including that of Narges Mohammadi, and some others to Branch 901. Detaining agents also accused Narges Mohammadi of “collaborating with Israel.” Narges Mohammadi was able to call her family and reported that she was violently beaten with batons and sticks on the head and neck by security forces during her arrest, and was taken to the hospital twice since her detention due to the injuries she suffered. Sepideh Gholian and Pooran Nazemi were also beaten during their arrest, according to eyewitnesses. The Observatory and LDDHI recall that Narges Mohammadi had been released in December 2024, under a three-week temporary medical leave, which was extended as she was undergoing medical treatment. Prior to her temporary release, Narges Mohammadi had been arbitrarily detained in Tehran’s Evin prison since November 2021. During her three years of arbitrary detention, her health condition deteriorated severely, as the prison administration repeatedly denied her medical care. The Observatory and LDDHI further recall that Narges Mohammadi was brutally arrested in November 2021 while taking part in a ceremony to pay tribute to a victim killed during anti-government protests in November 2019. She was sent to Evin prison, where she was sometimes placed in solitary confinement. Since 2021, Narges Mohammadi has been sentenced while in detention to a total of 15 years and six months in prison, 154 lashes, and bans on travelling abroad, conducting political and social activities, and using smartphones. As her release in December 2024 was granted on medical grounds, if she is convicted again, she may face the enforcement of all those sentences and the remainder of any pending sentence. Between 2015 and 2020, she was arbitrarily detained in Zanjan prison, Zanjan Province, where her health deteriorated. Throughout her imprisonment, she has suffered physical assaults and sexual abuses. Alieh Motallebzadeh, Sepideh Gholian, Hasti Amiri, and Pooran Nazemi all previously served prison terms as well, and some of them have pending cases against them. Pooran Nazemi is in poor health. The Observatory and LDDHI strongly condemn the arbitrary arrest of Narges Mohammadi, Alieh Motallebzadeh, Sepideh Gholian, Hasti Amiri, Pooran Nazemi, Javad Alikordi, and all others detained at the memorial service. The Observatory and LDDHI express their utmost concern over the great risk of deterioration of the health in detention of Narges Mohammadi and Pooran Nazemi, as their conditions warrant timely and adequate medical treatment, which cannot be provided in prison due to the deplorable sanitary conditions, as evidenced during their previous detentions. The Observatory and LDDHI urge the Iranian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Narges Mohammadi, Alieh Motallebzadeh, Sepideh Gholian, Hasti Amiri, Pooran Nazemi, Javad Alikordi, and all other human rights defenders and activists arbitrarily detained, including women human rights defenders, who are deprived of their liberty solely because of their legitimate and peaceful human rights activities. The signatories further urge the Iranian authorities to provide Ms Mohammadi, Ms Nazemi, and any other detainee in need, with timely and adequate medical care while they remain detained.]]> https://observatoryfordefenders.org/es/alert/el-salvador-detencion-arbitraria-de-jose-angel-perez-y-alejandro-henriquez/ Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:08:08 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=24161 José Ángel Pérez Godínez y del abogado y ambientalista Sr. Alejandro Antonio Henríquez Flores, ambos privados de libertad desde mayo de 2025, tras participar en una protesta pacífica contra el desalojo de decenas de familias de la comunidad El Bosque, una comunidad del distrito de Santa Tecla, cerca de San Salvador. El 29 de octubre de 2025, el Centro Judicial Integrado de Santa Tecla decidió mantener la detención provisional de los Sres. José Ángel Pérez y Alejandro Henríquez, alegando “arraigos - laborales, domiciliares y familiares- insuficientes”, pese a que su defensa presentó amplia documentación, garantías y una caución económica superior a la voluntariamente presentada inicialmente. El 12 de mayo de 2025, decenas de miembros de la comunidad El Bosque, incluidos los Sres. José Ángel Pérez y Alejandro Henríquez, se reunieron frente al Centro Comercial Las Palmas, en Santa Tecla, lugar por donde suele transitar la caravana presidencial, en camino hacia la residencia del Presidente. El punto fue elegido con la esperanza de que el presidente Nayib Bukele los viera con sus carteles y escuchara sus demandas, ya que llevaban meses solicitando diálogo sin obtener respuesta. La manifestación fue un último recurso para evitar una orden de desalojo que amenazaba con desplazar a unas 300 familias campesinas de sus hogares. Durante la manifestación, desarrollada de forma pacífica, agentes de la Policía Militar y unidades antimotines se acercaron a los manifestantes preguntando por los líderes comunitarios, afirmando que querían “hablar” con ellos en una patrulla. Ante la negativa de la comunidad, las autoridades rodearon, empujaron y rociaron con gas pimienta a campesinos, mujeres y niños, generando caos en la concentración. En ese contexto fue capturado el pastor Pérez, mientras que al día siguiente, 13 de mayo de 2025, fue detenido en San Salvador el abogado Alejandro Henríquez, frente a sus oficinas de la organización comunitaria ECOS El Salvador, quien trabaja en defensa del medio ambiente y los derechos territoriales en el país. De acuerdo con la información recopilada, la Policía Militar fue desplegada para contener la protesta, y existen videos e imágenes que muestran que los desórdenes fueron provocados por la intervención policial, no por la comunidad. Además, tras los hechos, el presidente Nayib Bukele culpó públicamente a organizaciones de la sociedad civil de los disturbios y promovió una “Ley de Agentes Extranjeros”, que impone un impuesto del 30 % sobre fondos internacionales, obliga a las ONG a registrarse ante el gobierno y restringe su accionar. Diversas organizaciones nacionales e internacionales, incluido el Observatorio, han denunciado que esta ley busca silenciar o forzar el cierre de la sociedad civil independiente en el país. Ambos defensores fueron posteriormente acusados de los delitos de “resistencia agresiva” y “desórdenes públicos”, contemplados en los artículos 337-A y 348 del Código Penal salvadoreño. Sin embargo, estos delitos son de carácter común, y no justifican su reclusión en un centro penal de máxima seguridad, donde permanecen desde hace casi seis meses. Cabe destacar que la figura de “resistencia agresiva” fue introducida en reformas legislativas para combatir estructuras de crimen organizado, no para aplicarse a defensores de derechos humanos o manifestantes pacíficos. Tras la audiencia celebrada el 30 de mayo de 2025, un juez ordenó prisión preventiva para ambos defensores, quienes fueron inicialmente recluidos en una comisaría del distrito de Colón (departamento de La Libertad) y posteriormente trasladados al Centro Penal La Esperanza (Mariona), conocido por albergar a personas consideradas de alta peligrosidad. En este recinto se han documentado denuncias de torturas, tratos crueles y condiciones insalubres. Durante su reclusión, José Ángel Pérez ha perdido completamente la audición del oído izquierdo tras sufrir una fiebre alta sin recibir atención médica, mientras que Alejandro Henríquez presenta lesiones dermatológicas visibles ocasionadas por las condiciones precarias del lugar. Pese a las múltiples solicitudes de asistencia médica, las autoridades no han garantizado atención sanitaria adecuada. De acuerdo con el equipo de defensa técnica, la Procuraduría para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos (PDDH) no ha realizado visitas ni verificaciones en el penal desde el ingreso de los defensores. Desde su detención, han permanecido en total incomunicación, sin acceso al mundo exterior, y se les ha negado toda visita de familiares o abogados. La única ocasión en que fueron vistos fue durante las audiencias judiciales del 30 de mayo y del 29 de octubre de 2025, donde se constató su deteriorado estado físico y emocional. El plazo de instrucción vence el 16 de diciembre de 2025, y la audiencia preliminar se podría programar para enero de 2026. De ser declarados culpables, podrían enfrentar penas de entre dos y seis años de prisión. El Observatorio condena enérgicamente la detención arbitraria y el acoso judicial de los Sres. José Ángel Pérez y Alejandro Henríquez, que constituyen represalias e intimidación por su legítima labor de defensa de los derechos humanos y el ejercicio de su derecho a la reunión pacífica en El Salvador. El Observatorio exige a las autoridades de El Salvador la liberación inmediata e incondicional de los Sres. José Ángel Pérez y Alejandro Henríquez, como lo han reclamado diversas instancias internacionales, entre ellas la Relatora Especial de las Naciones Unidas sobre la situación de las personas defensoras de derechos humanos. El Observatorio insta también las autoridades a cesar de inmediato la persecución sistemática, el hostigamiento físico y judicial contra los Sres. Pérez y Henríquez, así como contra todas las personas defensoras, comunidades y organizaciones de derechos humanos que trabajan por la protección del medio ambiente, la tierra y la justicia social en el país.]]> José Ángel Pérez Godínez y del abogado y ambientalista Sr. Alejandro Antonio Henríquez Flores, ambos privados de libertad desde mayo de 2025, tras participar en una protesta pacífica contra el desalojo de decenas de familias de la comunidad El Bosque, una comunidad del distrito de Santa Tecla, cerca de San Salvador. El 29 de octubre de 2025, el Centro Judicial Integrado de Santa Tecla decidió mantener la detención provisional de los Sres. José Ángel Pérez y Alejandro Henríquez, alegando “arraigos - laborales, domiciliares y familiares- insuficientes”, pese a que su defensa presentó amplia documentación, garantías y una caución económica superior a la voluntariamente presentada inicialmente. El 12 de mayo de 2025, decenas de miembros de la comunidad El Bosque, incluidos los Sres. José Ángel Pérez y Alejandro Henríquez, se reunieron frente al Centro Comercial Las Palmas, en Santa Tecla, lugar por donde suele transitar la caravana presidencial, en camino hacia la residencia del Presidente. El punto fue elegido con la esperanza de que el presidente Nayib Bukele los viera con sus carteles y escuchara sus demandas, ya que llevaban meses solicitando diálogo sin obtener respuesta. La manifestación fue un último recurso para evitar una orden de desalojo que amenazaba con desplazar a unas 300 familias campesinas de sus hogares. Durante la manifestación, desarrollada de forma pacífica, agentes de la Policía Militar y unidades antimotines se acercaron a los manifestantes preguntando por los líderes comunitarios, afirmando que querían “hablar” con ellos en una patrulla. Ante la negativa de la comunidad, las autoridades rodearon, empujaron y rociaron con gas pimienta a campesinos, mujeres y niños, generando caos en la concentración. En ese contexto fue capturado el pastor Pérez, mientras que al día siguiente, 13 de mayo de 2025, fue detenido en San Salvador el abogado Alejandro Henríquez, frente a sus oficinas de la organización comunitaria ECOS El Salvador, quien trabaja en defensa del medio ambiente y los derechos territoriales en el país. De acuerdo con la información recopilada, la Policía Militar fue desplegada para contener la protesta, y existen videos e imágenes que muestran que los desórdenes fueron provocados por la intervención policial, no por la comunidad. Además, tras los hechos, el presidente Nayib Bukele culpó públicamente a organizaciones de la sociedad civil de los disturbios y promovió una “Ley de Agentes Extranjeros”, que impone un impuesto del 30 % sobre fondos internacionales, obliga a las ONG a registrarse ante el gobierno y restringe su accionar. Diversas organizaciones nacionales e internacionales, incluido el Observatorio, han denunciado que esta ley busca silenciar o forzar el cierre de la sociedad civil independiente en el país. Ambos defensores fueron posteriormente acusados de los delitos de “resistencia agresiva” y “desórdenes públicos”, contemplados en los artículos 337-A y 348 del Código Penal salvadoreño. Sin embargo, estos delitos son de carácter común, y no justifican su reclusión en un centro penal de máxima seguridad, donde permanecen desde hace casi seis meses. Cabe destacar que la figura de “resistencia agresiva” fue introducida en reformas legislativas para combatir estructuras de crimen organizado, no para aplicarse a defensores de derechos humanos o manifestantes pacíficos. Tras la audiencia celebrada el 30 de mayo de 2025, un juez ordenó prisión preventiva para ambos defensores, quienes fueron inicialmente recluidos en una comisaría del distrito de Colón (departamento de La Libertad) y posteriormente trasladados al Centro Penal La Esperanza (Mariona), conocido por albergar a personas consideradas de alta peligrosidad. En este recinto se han documentado denuncias de torturas, tratos crueles y condiciones insalubres. Durante su reclusión, José Ángel Pérez ha perdido completamente la audición del oído izquierdo tras sufrir una fiebre alta sin recibir atención médica, mientras que Alejandro Henríquez presenta lesiones dermatológicas visibles ocasionadas por las condiciones precarias del lugar. Pese a las múltiples solicitudes de asistencia médica, las autoridades no han garantizado atención sanitaria adecuada. De acuerdo con el equipo de defensa técnica, la Procuraduría para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos (PDDH) no ha realizado visitas ni verificaciones en el penal desde el ingreso de los defensores. Desde su detención, han permanecido en total incomunicación, sin acceso al mundo exterior, y se les ha negado toda visita de familiares o abogados. La única ocasión en que fueron vistos fue durante las audiencias judiciales del 30 de mayo y del 29 de octubre de 2025, donde se constató su deteriorado estado físico y emocional. El plazo de instrucción vence el 16 de diciembre de 2025, y la audiencia preliminar se podría programar para enero de 2026. De ser declarados culpables, podrían enfrentar penas de entre dos y seis años de prisión. El Observatorio condena enérgicamente la detención arbitraria y el acoso judicial de los Sres. José Ángel Pérez y Alejandro Henríquez, que constituyen represalias e intimidación por su legítima labor de defensa de los derechos humanos y el ejercicio de su derecho a la reunión pacífica en El Salvador. El Observatorio exige a las autoridades de El Salvador la liberación inmediata e incondicional de los Sres. José Ángel Pérez y Alejandro Henríquez, como lo han reclamado diversas instancias internacionales, entre ellas la Relatora Especial de las Naciones Unidas sobre la situación de las personas defensoras de derechos humanos. El Observatorio insta también las autoridades a cesar de inmediato la persecución sistemática, el hostigamiento físico y judicial contra los Sres. Pérez y Henríquez, así como contra todas las personas defensoras, comunidades y organizaciones de derechos humanos que trabajan por la protección del medio ambiente, la tierra y la justicia social en el país.]]> https://observatoryfordefenders.org/es/alert/israel-palestine-the-observatory-condemns-the-arbitrary-detention-and-ill-treatment-of-activists-aboard-the-global-sumud-flotilla-in-israeli-prisons/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:00:24 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=24051 Geneva-Paris, 8 October 2025. On the night of 1-2 October 2025, the Israeli army violently intercepted the boats composing the Global Sumud Flotilla, a non-violent humanitarian initiative aimed at breaking the illegal siege on Gaza and delivering food and medical supplies, while sailing in international waters. 462 peaceful activists on board, including human rights defenders, NGO representatives, journalists, medical workers, and lawmakers were forcibly taken to the port of Ashdod and subjected to arbitrary detention and ill-treatment. Among those abducted and detained were two FIDH Vice-Presidents, Alexis Deswaef (Belgium) and Aziz Rhali (Morocco), former President of the Moroccan Human Rights Association (Association marocaine des droits humains - AMDH), member of OMCT’s SOS-Torture Network. The interception and abduction of the Flotilla participants in international waters constitute a grave breach of international law and of the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. At the time of publication of this statement, almost all activists had been released except Aziz Rhali and 5 others. After their unlawful arrest, which, according to United Nations experts, constitutes a grave violation of international law and humanitarian principles, detainees were held in Ketziot prison in the Naqab (Negev) desert under inhumane conditions. According to Adalah - The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, some detainees were denied access to legal representation for several hours and some have still not been granted access to legal support to this day. Some detainees have reported physical violence, verbal harassment, deprivation of food, clean drinking water, life-sustaining medication, sleep, and confinement in painful stressful positions. These acts and omissions violate the absolute prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment. The Observatory recalls that OMCT, FIDH, and their respective network members have extensively documented the systematic use of torture by Israeli authorities, including in the context of the reviews of Israel by the United Nations Committee against torture, as a means of dehumanisation and control over the Palestinian people - a pattern that has reached unprecedented levels of brutality since October 2023. Testimonies, legal analyses, and case studies reveal torture as a tool of political subjugation and war in the context of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. The Observatory recalls that the Global Sumud Flotilla is a legitimate, peaceful, and non-violent initiative, carried out in line with the principles of solidarity and the right to defend human rights. The violent repression of this initiative and the ongoing mistreatment of its participants are part of a broader pattern of state-sanctioned violence against Palestinians that seeks to silence voices denouncing Israel’s ongoing genocide and concrete acts to challenge the illegal siege in Gaza. The Observatory condemns in the strongest possible terms the humiliating and stigmatising declarations made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who publicly stated that he was “proud” of the treatment of Flotilla activists, calling them “supporters of terrorism” who “deserve the conditions of terrorists.” Such statements not only legitimise torture and abuse, and indicate that such treatment is a state policy, but also aim to stigmatise and criminalise international solidarity and dehumanise peaceful defenders acting to uphold human rights and international law. The Observatory further condemns the silence and inaction of some members of the international community and the European Union, which have failed to take protective diplomatic measures to secure the release of their nationals and to uphold international law. This failure emboldens Israeli impunity and undermines the credibility of the EU’s own human rights commitments. On the night of 7-8 October, Israeli forces attacked and unlawfully intercepted a new peaceful humanitarian flotilla in international waters. The operation targeted the Conscience, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s flagship vessel, and eight sailboats of the Thousands Madleens to Gaza initiative, carrying around 145 participants from around the world, including human rights defenders, medical workers, and journalists. According to Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the participants are being transported to an Israeli port. Considering this, the Observatory therefore:

• Urges the Israeli authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all Freedom Flotilla Coalition activists arbitrarily detained for their peaceful humanitarian action;
• Demands an immediate end to the systematic and widespread use of torture and other ill-treatment in Israeli detention facilities;
• Calls on the EU and the international community to address the systematic and widespread nature of torture in Israel and to ensure accountability for crimes committed under international law;
• Urges EU member states and all States, to use all their leverage and deploy all necessary diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the arbitrarily detained activists and to publicly condemn Israel’s violations.

The Observatory reaffirms its solidarity with all defenders and activists who, through peaceful means, continue to stand for justice, dignity, and human rights in Palestine. The Observatory will continue to closely monitor the situation, pursuing accountability for Israel’s persistent and systematic violations of international law and demanding the immediate release and protection of those arbitrarily detained.]]> Geneva-Paris, 8 October 2025. On the night of 1-2 October 2025, the Israeli army violently intercepted the boats composing the Global Sumud Flotilla, a non-violent humanitarian initiative aimed at breaking the illegal siege on Gaza and delivering food and medical supplies, while sailing in international waters. 462 peaceful activists on board, including human rights defenders, NGO representatives, journalists, medical workers, and lawmakers were forcibly taken to the port of Ashdod and subjected to arbitrary detention and ill-treatment. Among those abducted and detained were two FIDH Vice-Presidents, Alexis Deswaef (Belgium) and Aziz Rhali (Morocco), former President of the Moroccan Human Rights Association (Association marocaine des droits humains - AMDH), member of OMCT’s SOS-Torture Network. The interception and abduction of the Flotilla participants in international waters constitute a grave breach of international law and of the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. At the time of publication of this statement, almost all activists had been released except Aziz Rhali and 5 others. After their unlawful arrest, which, according to United Nations experts, constitutes a grave violation of international law and humanitarian principles, detainees were held in Ketziot prison in the Naqab (Negev) desert under inhumane conditions. According to Adalah - The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, some detainees were denied access to legal representation for several hours and some have still not been granted access to legal support to this day. Some detainees have reported physical violence, verbal harassment, deprivation of food, clean drinking water, life-sustaining medication, sleep, and confinement in painful stressful positions. These acts and omissions violate the absolute prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment. The Observatory recalls that OMCT, FIDH, and their respective network members have extensively documented the systematic use of torture by Israeli authorities, including in the context of the reviews of Israel by the United Nations Committee against torture, as a means of dehumanisation and control over the Palestinian people - a pattern that has reached unprecedented levels of brutality since October 2023. Testimonies, legal analyses, and case studies reveal torture as a tool of political subjugation and war in the context of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. The Observatory recalls that the Global Sumud Flotilla is a legitimate, peaceful, and non-violent initiative, carried out in line with the principles of solidarity and the right to defend human rights. The violent repression of this initiative and the ongoing mistreatment of its participants are part of a broader pattern of state-sanctioned violence against Palestinians that seeks to silence voices denouncing Israel’s ongoing genocide and concrete acts to challenge the illegal siege in Gaza. The Observatory condemns in the strongest possible terms the humiliating and stigmatising declarations made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who publicly stated that he was “proud” of the treatment of Flotilla activists, calling them “supporters of terrorism” who “deserve the conditions of terrorists.” Such statements not only legitimise torture and abuse, and indicate that such treatment is a state policy, but also aim to stigmatise and criminalise international solidarity and dehumanise peaceful defenders acting to uphold human rights and international law. The Observatory further condemns the silence and inaction of some members of the international community and the European Union, which have failed to take protective diplomatic measures to secure the release of their nationals and to uphold international law. This failure emboldens Israeli impunity and undermines the credibility of the EU’s own human rights commitments. On the night of 7-8 October, Israeli forces attacked and unlawfully intercepted a new peaceful humanitarian flotilla in international waters. The operation targeted the Conscience, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s flagship vessel, and eight sailboats of the Thousands Madleens to Gaza initiative, carrying around 145 participants from around the world, including human rights defenders, medical workers, and journalists. According to Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the participants are being transported to an Israeli port. Considering this, the Observatory therefore:

• Urges the Israeli authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all Freedom Flotilla Coalition activists arbitrarily detained for their peaceful humanitarian action;
• Demands an immediate end to the systematic and widespread use of torture and other ill-treatment in Israeli detention facilities;
• Calls on the EU and the international community to address the systematic and widespread nature of torture in Israel and to ensure accountability for crimes committed under international law;
• Urges EU member states and all States, to use all their leverage and deploy all necessary diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the arbitrarily detained activists and to publicly condemn Israel’s violations.

The Observatory reaffirms its solidarity with all defenders and activists who, through peaceful means, continue to stand for justice, dignity, and human rights in Palestine. The Observatory will continue to closely monitor the situation, pursuing accountability for Israel’s persistent and systematic violations of international law and demanding the immediate release and protection of those arbitrarily detained.]]>