Denial of entry – The Observatory For Defenders

Denial of entry – The Observatory For Defenders https://observatoryfordefenders.org Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:44:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/cropped-OB-eye-orange-32x32.png Denial of entry – The Observatory For Defenders https://observatoryfordefenders.org 32 32 Kenya: Denial of entry, detention and deportation of Zimbabwean human rights defender Mr Brian Kagoro https://observatoryfordefenders.org/alert/kenya-denial-of-entry-detention-and-deportation-of-zimbabwean-human-rights-defender-mr-brian-kagoro/ Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:44:54 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=24482 Description of the situation: The Observatory has been informed about the denial of entry, detention and deportation from Kenya of Mr Brian Kagoro, Zimbabwean human rights defender, constitutional lawyer, and Africa Director of the Open Society Foundations (OSF). Mr Brian Kagoro has long engaged in African human rights and governance initiatives. On 22 February 2026, Kenyan security authorities denied Mr Brian Kagoro entry into Kenya upon his arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Officers from the National Intelligence Service held him at the airport for more than 10 hours and questioned him on the basis of allegations made by the Kenyan authorities that he had been involved in financing and coordinating protest activities in Kenya. During this period, authorities denied him access to a lawyer and prevented him from contacting his family or colleagues. Mr Kagoro rejects all the allegations and as an illustration of the false nature of these accusations, the authorities did not present any formal charges or any material evidence. Following his detention, immigration officials issued a removal order authorising the air carrier to return him to Johannesburg, South Africa, from where he had travelled. The removal order reportedly cited Section 54 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011, which relates to documentation-related offences, without any written explanation clarifying the factual basis. At the time of publication of this urgent appeal, Kenyan authorities have not formally issued any public information to explain the circumstances that led to their actions, nor have they announced any criminal charges against Mr Kagoro. The Observatory recalls that his deportation from the country ended a two-decade presence in Nairobi, where Mr Kagoro had established professional, academic and civic activities since the mid-2000s, when Nairobi consolidated its position as a regional hub for governance initiatives. This incident follows increased scrutiny by Kenyan authorities of civic actors and alleged foreign involvement in protest movements, particularly after the 2024 nationwide demonstrations against the Finance Bill. Indeed, Mr Kagoro’s deportation is not an isolated case, as the Observatory has already expressed concern about the deportation of Mr Martin Mavenjina, a senior legal advisor at the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), on 5 July 2025 for similar reasons. As another illustration, Kenya has been added to the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlistdue to the escalation of repression of civic freedoms. These developments raise serious worries regarding the protection of civic space in Kenya and the ability of human rights defenders and civil society actors to operate without interference. The Observatory further recalls that Kenya must comply with its obligations under international and regional human rights law, including the rights to liberty, freedom of movement, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, as enshrined in Articles 9, 12, 19, 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as well as in Articles 9, 10 and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). Moreover, Article 47 of the Kenyan Constitution guarantees the right to fair administrative action, including the right to written reasons where rights are adversely affected. The Observatory considers that these administrative measures and patterns of harassment prevent human rights defenders from delivering public interventions or engaging in governance-related initiatives and undermine the democratic participation and respect of human rights in the country. The Observatory is extremely concerned about the absence of written reasons, the lack of formal charges, and the reliance on unsubstantiated allegations which raise serious concerns regarding due process guarantees and the principle of legality. Therefore, the Observatory strongly condemns the denial of entry, detention and deportation of Mr Brian Kagoro, which appear to be solely aimed at preventing him from engaging in legitimate human rights activities and interacting with civil society actors in Kenya. Actions requested: Please write to the authorities of Kenya asking them to: Guarantee in all circumstances the physical integrity and psychological well-being of Mr Brian Kagoro and all human rights defenders in Kenya; Provide a full, official, transparent and legally reasoned explanation of the legal and factual basis for denying Mr Brian Kagoro entry, detaining him and deporting him from Kenya; Ensure that all measures taken in relation to Mr Kagoro fully comply with Kenya’s obligations under the Constitution, the ICCPR and the ACHPR, including the rights to liberty, freedom of movement, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and the right to fair administrative action; Guarantee in all circumstances that human rights defenders, including foreign nationals engaging in legitimate civic activities, can carry out their work without arbitrary interference, harassment, intimidation, restrictions or reprisals.]]> Description of the situation: The Observatory has been informed about the denial of entry, detention and deportation from Kenya of Mr Brian Kagoro, Zimbabwean human rights defender, constitutional lawyer, and Africa Director of the Open Society Foundations (OSF). Mr Brian Kagoro has long engaged in African human rights and governance initiatives. On 22 February 2026, Kenyan security authorities denied Mr Brian Kagoro entry into Kenya upon his arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Officers from the National Intelligence Service held him at the airport for more than 10 hours and questioned him on the basis of allegations made by the Kenyan authorities that he had been involved in financing and coordinating protest activities in Kenya. During this period, authorities denied him access to a lawyer and prevented him from contacting his family or colleagues. Mr Kagoro rejects all the allegations and as an illustration of the false nature of these accusations, the authorities did not present any formal charges or any material evidence. Following his detention, immigration officials issued a removal order authorising the air carrier to return him to Johannesburg, South Africa, from where he had travelled. The removal order reportedly cited Section 54 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011, which relates to documentation-related offences, without any written explanation clarifying the factual basis. At the time of publication of this urgent appeal, Kenyan authorities have not formally issued any public information to explain the circumstances that led to their actions, nor have they announced any criminal charges against Mr Kagoro. The Observatory recalls that his deportation from the country ended a two-decade presence in Nairobi, where Mr Kagoro had established professional, academic and civic activities since the mid-2000s, when Nairobi consolidated its position as a regional hub for governance initiatives. This incident follows increased scrutiny by Kenyan authorities of civic actors and alleged foreign involvement in protest movements, particularly after the 2024 nationwide demonstrations against the Finance Bill. Indeed, Mr Kagoro’s deportation is not an isolated case, as the Observatory has already expressed concern about the deportation of Mr Martin Mavenjina, a senior legal advisor at the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), on 5 July 2025 for similar reasons. As another illustration, Kenya has been added to the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlistdue to the escalation of repression of civic freedoms. These developments raise serious worries regarding the protection of civic space in Kenya and the ability of human rights defenders and civil society actors to operate without interference. The Observatory further recalls that Kenya must comply with its obligations under international and regional human rights law, including the rights to liberty, freedom of movement, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, as enshrined in Articles 9, 12, 19, 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as well as in Articles 9, 10 and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). Moreover, Article 47 of the Kenyan Constitution guarantees the right to fair administrative action, including the right to written reasons where rights are adversely affected. The Observatory considers that these administrative measures and patterns of harassment prevent human rights defenders from delivering public interventions or engaging in governance-related initiatives and undermine the democratic participation and respect of human rights in the country. The Observatory is extremely concerned about the absence of written reasons, the lack of formal charges, and the reliance on unsubstantiated allegations which raise serious concerns regarding due process guarantees and the principle of legality. Therefore, the Observatory strongly condemns the denial of entry, detention and deportation of Mr Brian Kagoro, which appear to be solely aimed at preventing him from engaging in legitimate human rights activities and interacting with civil society actors in Kenya. Actions requested: Please write to the authorities of Kenya asking them to: Guarantee in all circumstances the physical integrity and psychological well-being of Mr Brian Kagoro and all human rights defenders in Kenya; Provide a full, official, transparent and legally reasoned explanation of the legal and factual basis for denying Mr Brian Kagoro entry, detaining him and deporting him from Kenya; Ensure that all measures taken in relation to Mr Kagoro fully comply with Kenya’s obligations under the Constitution, the ICCPR and the ACHPR, including the rights to liberty, freedom of movement, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and the right to fair administrative action; Guarantee in all circumstances that human rights defenders, including foreign nationals engaging in legitimate civic activities, can carry out their work without arbitrary interference, harassment, intimidation, restrictions or reprisals.]]> Kyrgyzstan: FIDH Delegation Barred from Entering Kyrgyzstan Following FIDH’s Designation as “Undesirable” by Russia https://observatoryfordefenders.org/alert/kyrgyzstan-fidh-delegation-barred-from-entering-kyrgyzstan-following-fidhs-designation-as-undesirable-by-russia/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:08:09 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=24254 Bishkek, Paris, 12 December 2025 - The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), strongly condemns the politically motivated refusal by the Kyrgyzstani authorities to allow a delegation of FIDH representatives into Kyrgyzstan. On the early morning of 12 December 2025, Kyrgyzstani border guards at the Manas International Airport in Bishkek denied three FIDH representatives scheduled to participate in a leading human rights film festival entry into the territory of Kyrgyzstan. The border officials confiscated the passports of all FIDH delegates and provided no motivated explanation or written notification detailing the reasons for the denial. Subsequently, all three delegates were escorted to the next flights, forced to return to their origin airports, where they received their passports back. The absence of legal grounds and formal procedure effectively blocks any avenue to appeal the decision. The delegation members were scheduled to participate in the 19th International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival organised by FIDH’s Kyrgyz member organisation, Bir Duino, which is taking place from 12 to 16 December 2025 in Bishkek, alongside other reputable human rights experts from the region. The program includes several workshops focused on the alarming human rights situation in the Kyrgyz Republic. The refusal to allow FIDH delegates into the country comes ten days after the Russian Federation included FIDH in the register of “undesirable organisations”, a decision condemned by the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation. The Observatory strongly underlines that this decision by the Kyrgyzstani authorities not only constitutes as a serious breach of Kyrgyzstan’s international obligations, including rights to freedom of movement, expression, and association, but also as a demonstration of alarming complicity with Russia’s campaign of repression against civil society and human rights defenders. It is also a direct attack on the work of FIDH’s Kyrgyzstani member organisations, who continue their legitimate work against government repression in a climate of increasing fear and hostility. The Observatory expresses its grave concern and urgently calls upon the Kyrgyzstani authorities to: 1. Immediately provide a full, official, and legally sound justification for the denial of entry and the deportation of FIDH’s delegation; 2. Allow immediate and unrestricted access to all human rights defenders possessing valid documentation into the country, refraining from any form of politically motivated discrimination; 3. Immediately cease all measures demonstrating complicity in Russia’s repression against civil society and human rights defenders, specifically against organisations and individuals labelled as “foreign agents” or “undesirable; 4. At all times uphold Kyrgyzstan’s obligation not to extradite individuals to countries where they face risks of torture or other forms of ill-treatment, such as the Russian Federation, Belarus, and others; and 5. Immediately cease all repressive measures that restrict, silence and stigmatise the legitimate work of Kyrgyz civil society organisations and human rights defenders inside the country, and ensure full respect of the country’s international human rights obligations, particularly regarding the rights to freedom of movement, freedom of association, and freedom of expression as enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and other international human rights instruments.]]> Bishkek, Paris, 12 December 2025 - The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), strongly condemns the politically motivated refusal by the Kyrgyzstani authorities to allow a delegation of FIDH representatives into Kyrgyzstan. On the early morning of 12 December 2025, Kyrgyzstani border guards at the Manas International Airport in Bishkek denied three FIDH representatives scheduled to participate in a leading human rights film festival entry into the territory of Kyrgyzstan. The border officials confiscated the passports of all FIDH delegates and provided no motivated explanation or written notification detailing the reasons for the denial. Subsequently, all three delegates were escorted to the next flights, forced to return to their origin airports, where they received their passports back. The absence of legal grounds and formal procedure effectively blocks any avenue to appeal the decision. The delegation members were scheduled to participate in the 19th International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival organised by FIDH’s Kyrgyz member organisation, Bir Duino, which is taking place from 12 to 16 December 2025 in Bishkek, alongside other reputable human rights experts from the region. The program includes several workshops focused on the alarming human rights situation in the Kyrgyz Republic. The refusal to allow FIDH delegates into the country comes ten days after the Russian Federation included FIDH in the register of “undesirable organisations”, a decision condemned by the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation. The Observatory strongly underlines that this decision by the Kyrgyzstani authorities not only constitutes as a serious breach of Kyrgyzstan’s international obligations, including rights to freedom of movement, expression, and association, but also as a demonstration of alarming complicity with Russia’s campaign of repression against civil society and human rights defenders. It is also a direct attack on the work of FIDH’s Kyrgyzstani member organisations, who continue their legitimate work against government repression in a climate of increasing fear and hostility. The Observatory expresses its grave concern and urgently calls upon the Kyrgyzstani authorities to: 1. Immediately provide a full, official, and legally sound justification for the denial of entry and the deportation of FIDH’s delegation; 2. Allow immediate and unrestricted access to all human rights defenders possessing valid documentation into the country, refraining from any form of politically motivated discrimination; 3. Immediately cease all measures demonstrating complicity in Russia’s repression against civil society and human rights defenders, specifically against organisations and individuals labelled as “foreign agents” or “undesirable; 4. At all times uphold Kyrgyzstan’s obligation not to extradite individuals to countries where they face risks of torture or other forms of ill-treatment, such as the Russian Federation, Belarus, and others; and 5. Immediately cease all repressive measures that restrict, silence and stigmatise the legitimate work of Kyrgyz civil society organisations and human rights defenders inside the country, and ensure full respect of the country’s international human rights obligations, particularly regarding the rights to freedom of movement, freedom of association, and freedom of expression as enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and other international human rights instruments.]]> Israel/Palestine: The Observatory condemns the arbitrary detention and ill-treatment of activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla in Israeli prisons https://observatoryfordefenders.org/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.

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.]]> Israel/Palestine : Illegal interception of the Sumud Flotilla and arrest of peaceful activists https://observatoryfordefenders.org/alert/israel-palestine-illegal-interception-of-the-sumud-flotilla-and-arrest-of-peaceful-activists/ Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:21:08 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=24038 Paris-Geneva, 2 October 2025 – Today, the Sumud Flotilla for Freedom, carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza and composed by international human rights defenders and activists committed to non-violent action, was violently boarded in international waters by the Israeli army. Hundreds of peaceful activists on board were kidnapped and illegaly arrested, including two International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) Vice-Presidents. The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (a partnership of FIDH and OMCT) strongly condemns the unlawful interception of the Sumud Flotilla and calls on the Israeli authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all those detained. The Observatory also calls on the governments of the detainees’ countries of origin to take all necessary diplomatic measures to put pressure on Israel to immediately release their nationals. During the night of 1st to 2nd October, 2025, the Israeli army violently intercepted the boats composing the Sumud Flotilla -a non-violent humanitarian initiative aimed at breaking the siege and delivering food and medical supplies to Gaza- in international waters. The peaceful activists on board of the vessels were illegaly arrested -as Israel has no legal authority in international waters- and their boats taken to the port of Ashdod. Two FIDH Vice-Presidents : Alexis Deswaef from Belgium and Aziz Rhali from Morroco, were among the participants and are now part of the detainees, along with many other participants of the flotilla. According to the Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel (Adalah), the hearings began early in the morning of 2 October, in the absence of lawyers. It was only at 4 p.m. that day that Adalah's lawyers were able to gain access to the activists and begin to accompany them. The Observatory recalls that the arbitrary arrest and detention of individuals engaging in peaceful human rights activities constitutes a flagrant violation of international human rights law, including the rights to liberty, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association. It further underscores that such actions form part of a broader pattern of repression aimed at silencing voices that expose the ongoing genocide in Gaza and challenge Israel’s crimes and gross violations of international humanitarian law. The Observatory urgently calls on the Israeli authorities to guarantee, in all circumstances, the physical integrity and psychological well-being of all the peaceful activists arrested and to immediately and unconditionally release all those illegally detained, including the two FIDH Vice-Presidents. The Observatory further requests the Israeli authorities to refrain from any further harassment or intimidation against human rights defenders, whether domestic or international, who seek to denounce the ongoing genocide in Gaza and to uphold the human rights of all Palestinians. The Observatory also calls on the governments of the detainees’ countries of origin -around 45 countries were represented among the participants of the Sumud Flotilla- to deploy all necessary diplomatic actions in order to put pressure on Israel to immediately release their nationals. The Observatory reaffirms its solidarity with all defenders who, through peaceful means, continue to stand for justice, dignity and human rights, and stresses that the international community must hold Israel accountable for its persistent violations of international law. The Observatory will continue to monitor this situation closely and mobilise all available mechanisms to ensure that those arbitrarily detained are immediately freed and able to continue their legitimate human rights work without fear of reprisal.]]> Paris-Geneva, 2 October 2025 – Today, the Sumud Flotilla for Freedom, carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza and composed by international human rights defenders and activists committed to non-violent action, was violently boarded in international waters by the Israeli army. Hundreds of peaceful activists on board were kidnapped and illegaly arrested, including two International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) Vice-Presidents. The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (a partnership of FIDH and OMCT) strongly condemns the unlawful interception of the Sumud Flotilla and calls on the Israeli authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all those detained. The Observatory also calls on the governments of the detainees’ countries of origin to take all necessary diplomatic measures to put pressure on Israel to immediately release their nationals. During the night of 1st to 2nd October, 2025, the Israeli army violently intercepted the boats composing the Sumud Flotilla -a non-violent humanitarian initiative aimed at breaking the siege and delivering food and medical supplies to Gaza- in international waters. The peaceful activists on board of the vessels were illegaly arrested -as Israel has no legal authority in international waters- and their boats taken to the port of Ashdod. Two FIDH Vice-Presidents : Alexis Deswaef from Belgium and Aziz Rhali from Morroco, were among the participants and are now part of the detainees, along with many other participants of the flotilla. According to the Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel (Adalah), the hearings began early in the morning of 2 October, in the absence of lawyers. It was only at 4 p.m. that day that Adalah's lawyers were able to gain access to the activists and begin to accompany them. The Observatory recalls that the arbitrary arrest and detention of individuals engaging in peaceful human rights activities constitutes a flagrant violation of international human rights law, including the rights to liberty, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association. It further underscores that such actions form part of a broader pattern of repression aimed at silencing voices that expose the ongoing genocide in Gaza and challenge Israel’s crimes and gross violations of international humanitarian law. The Observatory urgently calls on the Israeli authorities to guarantee, in all circumstances, the physical integrity and psychological well-being of all the peaceful activists arrested and to immediately and unconditionally release all those illegally detained, including the two FIDH Vice-Presidents. The Observatory further requests the Israeli authorities to refrain from any further harassment or intimidation against human rights defenders, whether domestic or international, who seek to denounce the ongoing genocide in Gaza and to uphold the human rights of all Palestinians. The Observatory also calls on the governments of the detainees’ countries of origin -around 45 countries were represented among the participants of the Sumud Flotilla- to deploy all necessary diplomatic actions in order to put pressure on Israel to immediately release their nationals. The Observatory reaffirms its solidarity with all defenders who, through peaceful means, continue to stand for justice, dignity and human rights, and stresses that the international community must hold Israel accountable for its persistent violations of international law. The Observatory will continue to monitor this situation closely and mobilise all available mechanisms to ensure that those arbitrarily detained are immediately freed and able to continue their legitimate human rights work without fear of reprisal.]]> Israel / Palestine: Calls for the protection of humanitarian activists sailing to Gaza aboard all the Global Sumud Flotilla https://observatoryfordefenders.org/alert/israel-palestine-calls-for-the-protection-of-humanitarian-activists-sailing-to-gaza-aboard-all-the-global-sumud-flotilla/ Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:26:54 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=23945 According to reports, more than 50 boats of humanitarian activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla - coordinated by the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Global Movement to Gaza, and the Sumud Nusantara - sailed to Gaza on 31st of August 2025, departing from Barcelona. They aim to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to the besieged population in Gaza. Israeli authorities have consistently intercepted vessels attempting to breach the blockade, redirecting them to Israeli ports and detaining humanitarian activists on board. The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (a partnership of FIDH and OMCT) expresses deep concern for the safety of all the human rights defenders and humanitarian activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels sailing to Gaza and calls on the Israeli authorities to take every possible measure to guarantee the opening of a safe and continuous humanitarian corridor to Gaza. Paris-Geneva, 11 September 2025 - Following its initial departure from the port of Barcelona on 31st of August 2025, the Global Sumud Flotilla launched more than 60 boats carrying humanitarian workers, medical professionals, and humanitarian activists volunteering from different disciplines across at least 50 countries. It resumed its voyage, with Tunisia as its first destination and a scheduled departure from there on 11 or 12 September 2025. The volunteers aboard are carrying vital food and medical supplies, seeking to provide much-needed relief to the people of Gaza, who have endured nearly 18 years of blockade. They are joining forces to challenge Israel's ongoing blockade, which has resulted in severe famine and critical shortages of supplies in Gaza. The situation is further exacerbated by reports of two suspected drone attacks against Global Sumud Flotilla vessels. On 8 September 2025, while docked at Sidi Bou Said port in Tunisia, the flotilla’s “Family Boat” is said to have come under fire from above. Video footage released by the organisers appears to show an aerial incendiary device descending onto the deck and igniting a blaze, which was later extinguished by the crew. Tunisian authorities initially denied any strike, attributing the fire to an onboard accident. On 9 September 2025, the British-flagged vessel “Alma” appears to have been similarly targeted. Witnesses and video recordings document an unmanned aerial vehicle dropping what looks like an incendiary munition onto the deck, causing a brief fire that crew members quickly extinguished. The Tunisian authorities have confirmed that this was an assault and that an investigation has been launched. The Observatory strongly condemns any drone attacks against humanitarian vessels, which represent acts of aggression and calls for a thorough and impartial investigation, along with accountability measures, to prevent further violations. The Observatory is acutely alarmed by Israel's well-documented pattern of intercepting humanitarian flotillas in international waters, in violation of international maritime law. Other incidents include the interception by Israeli forces on 9 June 2025, of the Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, with the detention of humanitarian workers on board. This interception follows similar events predating the launch of the Freedom Flotilla in 2010, when Israel killed and injured humanitarians in an attack on international waters. Such Israeli actions against people pursuing humanitarian missions constitute violations of established international humanitarian law. The Observatory is concerned that Israeli authorities may again intercept the Global Sumud Flotilla, potentially subjecting the volunteers on board to illegal arrest, detention and ill-treatment. This would delay breaking the siege and directly prevent the people of Gaza from receiving urgently needed food, medical supplies, and other essential assistance, thereby further aggravating the already dire humanitarian situation. In light of these grave risks, the Observatory further calls on the Government of Israel to allow the Global Sumud Flotilla safe passage to Gaza, refraining from any violent interception or arbitrary detention, and guaranteeing the protection of all humanitarian volunteers on board in full accordance with international law. The Observatory further recalls Israel’s legal obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law to end the blockade of Gaza by allowing safe, direct, and unrestricted access to aid and by ensuring the opening of a safe and continuous humanitarian corridor that guarantees civilians unimpeded access to essential aid. The Observatory affirms the right to engage in peaceful and non-violent humanitarian initiatives such as the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is dedicated to delivering aid, and stands in solidarity with the volunteers on board. It also urges the international community to take action for their protection by enhancing protective visibility through social media, press releases, diplomatic protection, and other public advocacy that highlight both the humanitarian and peaceful nature of the voyage, as well as the imperative to safeguard the fundamental rights of those on board and of the people of Gaza.]]> According to reports, more than 50 boats of humanitarian activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla - coordinated by the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Global Movement to Gaza, and the Sumud Nusantara - sailed to Gaza on 31st of August 2025, departing from Barcelona. They aim to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to the besieged population in Gaza. Israeli authorities have consistently intercepted vessels attempting to breach the blockade, redirecting them to Israeli ports and detaining humanitarian activists on board. The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (a partnership of FIDH and OMCT) expresses deep concern for the safety of all the human rights defenders and humanitarian activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels sailing to Gaza and calls on the Israeli authorities to take every possible measure to guarantee the opening of a safe and continuous humanitarian corridor to Gaza. Paris-Geneva, 11 September 2025 - Following its initial departure from the port of Barcelona on 31st of August 2025, the Global Sumud Flotilla launched more than 60 boats carrying humanitarian workers, medical professionals, and humanitarian activists volunteering from different disciplines across at least 50 countries. It resumed its voyage, with Tunisia as its first destination and a scheduled departure from there on 11 or 12 September 2025. The volunteers aboard are carrying vital food and medical supplies, seeking to provide much-needed relief to the people of Gaza, who have endured nearly 18 years of blockade. They are joining forces to challenge Israel's ongoing blockade, which has resulted in severe famine and critical shortages of supplies in Gaza. The situation is further exacerbated by reports of two suspected drone attacks against Global Sumud Flotilla vessels. On 8 September 2025, while docked at Sidi Bou Said port in Tunisia, the flotilla’s “Family Boat” is said to have come under fire from above. Video footage released by the organisers appears to show an aerial incendiary device descending onto the deck and igniting a blaze, which was later extinguished by the crew. Tunisian authorities initially denied any strike, attributing the fire to an onboard accident. On 9 September 2025, the British-flagged vessel “Alma” appears to have been similarly targeted. Witnesses and video recordings document an unmanned aerial vehicle dropping what looks like an incendiary munition onto the deck, causing a brief fire that crew members quickly extinguished. The Tunisian authorities have confirmed that this was an assault and that an investigation has been launched. The Observatory strongly condemns any drone attacks against humanitarian vessels, which represent acts of aggression and calls for a thorough and impartial investigation, along with accountability measures, to prevent further violations. The Observatory is acutely alarmed by Israel's well-documented pattern of intercepting humanitarian flotillas in international waters, in violation of international maritime law. Other incidents include the interception by Israeli forces on 9 June 2025, of the Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, with the detention of humanitarian workers on board. This interception follows similar events predating the launch of the Freedom Flotilla in 2010, when Israel killed and injured humanitarians in an attack on international waters. Such Israeli actions against people pursuing humanitarian missions constitute violations of established international humanitarian law. The Observatory is concerned that Israeli authorities may again intercept the Global Sumud Flotilla, potentially subjecting the volunteers on board to illegal arrest, detention and ill-treatment. This would delay breaking the siege and directly prevent the people of Gaza from receiving urgently needed food, medical supplies, and other essential assistance, thereby further aggravating the already dire humanitarian situation. In light of these grave risks, the Observatory further calls on the Government of Israel to allow the Global Sumud Flotilla safe passage to Gaza, refraining from any violent interception or arbitrary detention, and guaranteeing the protection of all humanitarian volunteers on board in full accordance with international law. The Observatory further recalls Israel’s legal obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law to end the blockade of Gaza by allowing safe, direct, and unrestricted access to aid and by ensuring the opening of a safe and continuous humanitarian corridor that guarantees civilians unimpeded access to essential aid. The Observatory affirms the right to engage in peaceful and non-violent humanitarian initiatives such as the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is dedicated to delivering aid, and stands in solidarity with the volunteers on board. It also urges the international community to take action for their protection by enhancing protective visibility through social media, press releases, diplomatic protection, and other public advocacy that highlight both the humanitarian and peaceful nature of the voyage, as well as the imperative to safeguard the fundamental rights of those on board and of the people of Gaza.]]> Israel: Stop the genocide against the Palestinian people, allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and release FFC volunteers. https://observatoryfordefenders.org/alert/israel-stop-the-genocide-against-the-palestinian-people-allow-humanitarian-aid-into-gaza-and-release-ffc-volunteers/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:33:14 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=23627 The Observatory for the protection of human rights defenders (FIDH-OMCT), along with the Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition (WHRD-IC) and the undersigned organisations, urge for an immediate end of Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people, demand unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza, and call for the unconditional release of all FFC volunteers. 12 June 2025 - The Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition (WHRD-IC), its members and allies in feminist and social justice movements worldwide, condemn the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) for ramming and intercepting the Madleen, and detaining the humanitarians on board. We see this as a continued escalation of the genocide, as Israel continues to block humanitarian aid and force the starvation of the people of Gaza. We understand the blockade not as an isolated violation, but as part of a premeditated act of genocide, occupation, and patriarchal state violence. The brave women and all human rights defenders on board of the UK-flagged humanitarian ship ‘Madleen’, have acted on behalf of the international community and all people of conscience worldwide; where powerful governments failed to act and continue to enable the genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The attack on the Madleen is de-facto a threat to the international community to stay silently complicit in the genocide of the Palestinian people. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) did not sail alone—it sailed in the wake of a long and courageous legacy of humanitarian missions that sought to break the siege on Gaza. The Madleen’s route went from international waters to Palestinian waters, and Israel has no jurisdiction over their route. We recognise the IOF’s interception of the Madleen and detention of its crew in international waters as only the latest attack on humanitarians and activists, which precede the launch of the Freedom Flotilla in 2010, when Israel killed and injured humanitarians in an attack on international waters. Each of Israel’s attacks on humanitarians are egregious and unwarranted violations of international humanitarian law. If any government deigns to consider itself a champion of human rights, they too must make every effort to open unrestricted humanitarian corridors. There is growing support to end the use of the UN Security Council veto in mass atrocity situations: governments must take action to stop the continuation of US vetos to ceasefire resolutions, halt all weapon exports to Israel, break the humanitarian barricade in Gaza and uphold their obligations under the Genocide Convention. We stand with all those resisting the genocide and the dehumanisation and destruction of Palestinian life. The Israeli genocide in Gaza and its brutal violence in the West Bank are not isolated events: they are a terrifying indication of a new world order of complete impunity and destruction of all international frameworks, of the right to life itself. We uphold International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law, not as distant legal frameworks, but as tools for collective survival. We further emphasise that we, the WHRD-IC and the signatories, stand with the Palestinian people and call for an end to this genocide. Our freedom is incomplete until Palestinians are free. Breaking the blockade and ending the genocide is at the core of our feminist struggle for life and liberation. The full, safe, and unrestricted flow of aid demands accountability, defies occupation and breaks the machinery of genocide. Our demands: We call on everyone to keep fighting and pushing for:

An immediate end to the genocide, including by applying political, economic and cultural pressure on Israel,
The immediate and unconditional release of the remaining 8 detained FFC activists and the release of the 10,400 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli jails, and a halt to all attacks on civilian missions seeking to deliver aid and challenge the illegal blockade.
Continue protesting, lobbying and pressuring states to uphold the international agreements and conventions they have signed. Without this accountability, the impunity will continue fueling daily massacres and utter destruction.

We call on all governments, particularly the signatories of UN Human Rights Charters and the Genocide Convention to:

Take immediate action to hold the Israeli war criminals accountable, including the enactment of standing arrest warrants against Israeli officials, the government and military personnel at all ranks.
Pressure Israel for the release of the activists, halt all weapon exports to the State of Israel, and publicly support humanitarian efforts toward Gaza and demand an end to the ongoing genocide.
Initiate, support, sponsor, and protect humanitarian ships seeking to break the siege and bring life-saving needs to the Gazan population.
Honor your commitment to Human Rights and hold the Israeli State accountable for all its war crimes.

An immediate end to the genocide, including by applying political, economic and cultural pressure on Israel,
The immediate and unconditional release of the remaining 8 detained FFC activists and the release of the 10,400 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli jails, and a halt to all attacks on civilian missions seeking to deliver aid and challenge the illegal blockade.
Continue protesting, lobbying and pressuring states to uphold the international agreements and conventions they have signed. Without this accountability, the impunity will continue fueling daily massacres and utter destruction.

We call on all governments, particularly the signatories of UN Human Rights Charters and the Genocide Convention to:

Take immediate action to hold the Israeli war criminals accountable, including the enactment of standing arrest warrants against Israeli officials, the government and military personnel at all ranks.
Pressure Israel for the release of the activists, halt all weapon exports to the State of Israel, and publicly support humanitarian efforts toward Gaza and demand an end to the ongoing genocide.
Initiate, support, sponsor, and protect humanitarian ships seeking to break the siege and bring life-saving needs to the Gazan population.
Honor your commitment to Human Rights and hold the Israeli State accountable for all its war crimes.

We call on the Israeli authorities to immediately and unconditionally release the remaining 8 detained FFC activists and to release the 10,400 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli jails, to end the blockade of Gaza and comply with international humanitarian law by allowing safe, direct, and unrestricted access to aid, including guaranteed freedom of operation for UNRWA and other aid, development and humanitarian agencies, along with the immediate closure of the GHF (Gaza Humanitarian Foundation) that serves as a displacement tool and death trap under the guise of humanitarian aid. We call on the United Nations and relevant human rights bodies, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Special Procedure mandate-holders, to continue to monitor the situation closely and take immediate and concrete steps to ensure accountability for violations of international law and obstruction of aid. We call on feminist, women’s rights and human rights movements globally to uplift the Palestinian struggle, amplify the voices and resistance of Palestinian communities, and expose the violence of occupation, genocide and siege. Real allies are loud allies: amplify, lobby, push and take action in any way possible. We invite readers and signatories to continue pressuring all relevant governments to ensure the unconditional release of all hostages on the Madleen Crew as requested by the FFC. You are also invited to send this statement to the 47 members of the UN Human Rights Council and the 15 members of the UN Security Council. We also invite you to amplify, support and keep an eye on The Caravane Al-Soumoud that has begun its journey by land, and that must be allowed to pass by Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, and onward to Gaza. To endorse this statement, click here.]]> Cambodia : British Environmental Journalist Denied Re-entry to the country https://observatoryfordefenders.org/alert/cambodia-british-environmental-journalist-denied-re-entry-to-the-country/ Tue, 04 Feb 2025 10:33:45 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=23071 The Cambodian government’s decision to deny British journalist Gerald Flynn re-entry to Cambodia and ban him from the country is a blatant attack on journalism and serves as yet another example of the Cambodian authorities’ intolerance of critical and investigative journalism. The Observatory (FIDH-OMCT) along with 19 other organisations condemn this arbitrary decision and call for authorities to immediately facilitate his return to Cambodia so he can continue his work. Gerald Flynn, an investigative and environmental reporter who has worked for local and foreign publications in Cambodia for years, was denied re-entry at the Siem Reap International Airport on 5 January 2025. Flynn, who is the president of the Overseas Press Club of Cambodia (OPCC), was returning from a holiday in Thailand. Immigration officials at Siem Reap airport informed Flynn that his visa was “fake”, but did not provide further details. The officials told Flynn that he would never be allowed to return to Cambodia because he had been placed on a “blacklist” on 25 November 2024. He was forced to board a flight to Thailand immediately and told that he was banned from returning to the country. A few days prior, on 2 January, the journalist was first flagged at immigration while departing from Siem Reap. After being taken aside and briefly questioned by officials, he was allowed to board his flight to Thailand. Flynn has a government-issued one-year Type-E work visa valid from February 2024, as well as a work permit, which is issued by the Labour Ministry based on a valid visa. His Information Ministry-issued press pass was valid until January 1 and he had already submitted an application for his 2025 press pass. Almost a month since Flynn was denied entry to Cambodia, the government is insisting he applied for a visa as an electrician rather than a journalist and has so far refused to confirm that Flynn is banned from the country or provide any information about possible appeals processes open to him. The apparent blacklisting of Flynn on 25 November 2024 came shortly after he was featured as a source in a France24 documentary that aired on 22 November 2024. The documentary scrutinised Cambodian’s carbon offsetting projects in the Cardamom Mountains and, without evidence, the government dismissed the documentary as “fake news.” Two other sources who were also featured in the documentary were detained on 23 November 2024 and released two days later. Flynn’s arbitrary ban from entering the country comes after five years of reporting in Cambodia, where he has uncovered rampant environmental crimes and the destruction of natural resources. Most recently, for US-based environmental news outlet Mongabay, Flynn has reported on the deforestation of protected areas, such as the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, illegal fishing operations off the southern coast of Cambodia and the failures of carbon credit projects that are globally feted. The Cambodian government has frequently dismissed facts brought to light by Flynn’s reporting, which has been featured in various local and international media. This latest attack on press freedoms comes a month after Siem Reap journalist Chhoeung Chheng was murdered after having previously reported on land clearings in the province. Likewise, in late November 2024, six prominent environmental activists were detained for three days and questioned by authorities while investigating an illicit timber trafficking network in Stung Treng province that Flynn had reported on for Mongabay. Additionally, in late September, Cambodian journalist Mech Dara was accused of fake news dissemination, leading to his detention in prison on incitement charges. Dara was released from prison on bail in October but only after sustained domestic and international pressure on the government. Over the past two years, Cambodia has fallen nine places in Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index, ranking 151st out of 180 countries in 2024. Flynn should be allowed to return to the country and resume his important journalism which is critical to conservation efforts to protect Cambodia’s fast-dwindling natural resources. The government must stop impeding journalists in the country through arbitrary arrests, intimidation and harassment.]]> The Cambodian government’s decision to deny British journalist Gerald Flynn re-entry to Cambodia and ban him from the country is a blatant attack on journalism and serves as yet another example of the Cambodian authorities’ intolerance of critical and investigative journalism. The Observatory (FIDH-OMCT) along with 19 other organisations condemn this arbitrary decision and call for authorities to immediately facilitate his return to Cambodia so he can continue his work. Gerald Flynn, an investigative and environmental reporter who has worked for local and foreign publications in Cambodia for years, was denied re-entry at the Siem Reap International Airport on 5 January 2025. Flynn, who is the president of the Overseas Press Club of Cambodia (OPCC), was returning from a holiday in Thailand. Immigration officials at Siem Reap airport informed Flynn that his visa was “fake”, but did not provide further details. The officials told Flynn that he would never be allowed to return to Cambodia because he had been placed on a “blacklist” on 25 November 2024. He was forced to board a flight to Thailand immediately and told that he was banned from returning to the country. A few days prior, on 2 January, the journalist was first flagged at immigration while departing from Siem Reap. After being taken aside and briefly questioned by officials, he was allowed to board his flight to Thailand. Flynn has a government-issued one-year Type-E work visa valid from February 2024, as well as a work permit, which is issued by the Labour Ministry based on a valid visa. His Information Ministry-issued press pass was valid until January 1 and he had already submitted an application for his 2025 press pass. Almost a month since Flynn was denied entry to Cambodia, the government is insisting he applied for a visa as an electrician rather than a journalist and has so far refused to confirm that Flynn is banned from the country or provide any information about possible appeals processes open to him. The apparent blacklisting of Flynn on 25 November 2024 came shortly after he was featured as a source in a France24 documentary that aired on 22 November 2024. The documentary scrutinised Cambodian’s carbon offsetting projects in the Cardamom Mountains and, without evidence, the government dismissed the documentary as “fake news.” Two other sources who were also featured in the documentary were detained on 23 November 2024 and released two days later. Flynn’s arbitrary ban from entering the country comes after five years of reporting in Cambodia, where he has uncovered rampant environmental crimes and the destruction of natural resources. Most recently, for US-based environmental news outlet Mongabay, Flynn has reported on the deforestation of protected areas, such as the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, illegal fishing operations off the southern coast of Cambodia and the failures of carbon credit projects that are globally feted. The Cambodian government has frequently dismissed facts brought to light by Flynn’s reporting, which has been featured in various local and international media. This latest attack on press freedoms comes a month after Siem Reap journalist Chhoeung Chheng was murdered after having previously reported on land clearings in the province. Likewise, in late November 2024, six prominent environmental activists were detained for three days and questioned by authorities while investigating an illicit timber trafficking network in Stung Treng province that Flynn had reported on for Mongabay. Additionally, in late September, Cambodian journalist Mech Dara was accused of fake news dissemination, leading to his detention in prison on incitement charges. Dara was released from prison on bail in October but only after sustained domestic and international pressure on the government. Over the past two years, Cambodia has fallen nine places in Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index, ranking 151st out of 180 countries in 2024. Flynn should be allowed to return to the country and resume his important journalism which is critical to conservation efforts to protect Cambodia’s fast-dwindling natural resources. The government must stop impeding journalists in the country through arbitrary arrests, intimidation and harassment.]]> Cambodia: Denial of entry and harassment against British journalist Gerald Flynn https://observatoryfordefenders.org/alert/cambodia-denial-of-entry-and-harassment-against-british-journalist-gerald-flynn/ Mon, 03 Feb 2025 11:30:14 +0000 https://observatoryfordefenders.org/?post_type=alert&p=22907 Gerald Flynn, a British journalist who has been reporting on the intersection between human rights, ecosystems, and natural resource governance, and has investigated illegal logging networks across Cambodia, where Mr Flynn had been based since 2019. On 5 January 2025, upon arriving at Siem Reap airport, Gerald Flynn was refused entry to the country, even though he was in possession of a valid visa. Mr Flynn and his wife were returning from a holiday in Thailand. Immigration officers at Siem Reap airport stopped him and took him and his wife aside for questioning. During their interrogation, immigration officials repeatedly took photos of them. Mr Flynn was then notified that he had not been allowed to enter Cambodia since 25 November 2024 and that he had been permanently blacklisted and banned from entering the country. He was subsequently accompanied to a plane bound for Bangkok, Thailand. Cambodian immigration officers justified this decision by claiming that Mr Flynn had lied on his latest visa extension application, an accusation that Mr Flynn has categorically denied. Before leaving Siem Reap to travel to Bangkok by air on 2 January 2025, Mr Flynn had been stopped by Cambodian immigration and informed that there was an issue with his visa, as a document had allegedly been incorrectly submitted as part of his visa application. Mr Flynn explained that he had not encountered any issue with his visa application process and the immigration officers eventually allowed him to board his flight, without giving him further explanation, nor specifying that he would not be allowed to return to Cambodia. The Observatory notes with concern that the decision to ban Mr Flynn from entering Cambodia from 25 November 2024 came shortly after Mr Flynn was featured as a primary source in a France24 documentary on deforestation in Cambodia’s Cardamom forest, which was aired on 22 November 2024. On 23 November 2024, six environmental activists, including two who were featured in the documentary, were arrested as they were investigating an illegal logging operation in Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park. They were released on 25 November 2024. On 27 November 2024, Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment issued a statement declaring that the France24 documentary presented “a distorted and misleading narrative about the impact of REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) projects on deforestation and indigenous communities’ access to land.” The Observatory recalls that Mr Flynn’s denial of entry comes against a backdrop of increasing repression of human rights defenders, and in particular environmental rights defenders, in Cambodia. On 6 November 2024, Koet Saray, Khmer Student Intelligent League Association (KSILA)’s President, was sentenced to four years in prison for “incitement to commit a felony” and “committing a misdemeanour after sentencing for a misdemeanour” for speaking to reporters about the plight of villagers evicted in Preah Vihear Province. On 2 July 2024, 10 environmental rights defenders with Mother Nature Cambodia were sentenced to between six and eight years in prison on charges of “plotting” and “insulting the King” for their participation in a Zoom meeting. The Observatory strongly condemns the harassment of Gerald Flynn and the arbitrary ban on his entry into Cambodia, which seem to be a direct retaliation to his legitimate human rights activities and journalism. The Observatory urges the Cambodian authorities to immediately and unconditionally lift the entry ban on Gerald Flynn and allow him to travel to Cambodia and to put an end to all acts of harassment - including at the administrative and judicial levels - against him and all other environmental human rights defenders and journalists in the country. The Observatory further urges the Cambodian authorities to guarantee in all circumstances the right to freedom of expression, as enshrined in international human rights law, and particularly in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Cambodia is a state party.]]> Gerald Flynn, a British journalist who has been reporting on the intersection between human rights, ecosystems, and natural resource governance, and has investigated illegal logging networks across Cambodia, where Mr Flynn had been based since 2019. On 5 January 2025, upon arriving at Siem Reap airport, Gerald Flynn was refused entry to the country, even though he was in possession of a valid visa. Mr Flynn and his wife were returning from a holiday in Thailand. Immigration officers at Siem Reap airport stopped him and took him and his wife aside for questioning. During their interrogation, immigration officials repeatedly took photos of them. Mr Flynn was then notified that he had not been allowed to enter Cambodia since 25 November 2024 and that he had been permanently blacklisted and banned from entering the country. He was subsequently accompanied to a plane bound for Bangkok, Thailand. Cambodian immigration officers justified this decision by claiming that Mr Flynn had lied on his latest visa extension application, an accusation that Mr Flynn has categorically denied. Before leaving Siem Reap to travel to Bangkok by air on 2 January 2025, Mr Flynn had been stopped by Cambodian immigration and informed that there was an issue with his visa, as a document had allegedly been incorrectly submitted as part of his visa application. Mr Flynn explained that he had not encountered any issue with his visa application process and the immigration officers eventually allowed him to board his flight, without giving him further explanation, nor specifying that he would not be allowed to return to Cambodia. The Observatory notes with concern that the decision to ban Mr Flynn from entering Cambodia from 25 November 2024 came shortly after Mr Flynn was featured as a primary source in a France24 documentary on deforestation in Cambodia’s Cardamom forest, which was aired on 22 November 2024. On 23 November 2024, six environmental activists, including two who were featured in the documentary, were arrested as they were investigating an illegal logging operation in Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park. They were released on 25 November 2024. On 27 November 2024, Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment issued a statement declaring that the France24 documentary presented “a distorted and misleading narrative about the impact of REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) projects on deforestation and indigenous communities’ access to land.” The Observatory recalls that Mr Flynn’s denial of entry comes against a backdrop of increasing repression of human rights defenders, and in particular environmental rights defenders, in Cambodia. On 6 November 2024, Koet Saray, Khmer Student Intelligent League Association (KSILA)’s President, was sentenced to four years in prison for “incitement to commit a felony” and “committing a misdemeanour after sentencing for a misdemeanour” for speaking to reporters about the plight of villagers evicted in Preah Vihear Province. On 2 July 2024, 10 environmental rights defenders with Mother Nature Cambodia were sentenced to between six and eight years in prison on charges of “plotting” and “insulting the King” for their participation in a Zoom meeting. The Observatory strongly condemns the harassment of Gerald Flynn and the arbitrary ban on his entry into Cambodia, which seem to be a direct retaliation to his legitimate human rights activities and journalism. The Observatory urges the Cambodian authorities to immediately and unconditionally lift the entry ban on Gerald Flynn and allow him to travel to Cambodia and to put an end to all acts of harassment - including at the administrative and judicial levels - against him and all other environmental human rights defenders and journalists in the country. The Observatory further urges the Cambodian authorities to guarantee in all circumstances the right to freedom of expression, as enshrined in international human rights law, and particularly in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Cambodia is a state party.]]>