Police violence

NEPAL: Death in custody of a teenage boy has not been properly investigated one year on

Dear friends,  The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received updated information regarding the death in custody of a sixteen-year old teenage boy, one year ago in Rupandehi District. The boy was arrested by the police at 12.30 pm on 3 July 2010 regarding a lethal bicycle accident. He was dead when he was taken […]

PHILIPPINES: AHRC welcomes prosecution for torture of policemen in torture video

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) welcomes the decision of the Department of Justice (DoJ) after its investigation to prosecute the policemen seen in a torture video in August 2010 for violation of the Anti-Torture Act of 2009. As reported, in their 24-page resolution dated August 22, 2011, the DoJ prosecutors recommended “the filing of […]

INDIA: Three persons abducted by West Bengal police and reported missing

Dear friends,  The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information from Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM) concerning the abduction by the West Bengal state police of three persons from west Midnapore district. It is reported that the police abducted Mr Kishor Krishna Mahato, Mr Dulal Mahato and Mr Abani Mahato on 6 and 7 […]

INDIA: Yet another human rights defender at risk in West Bengal

Dear friends,  The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has once again received information from Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM) concerning the case of threats to a human rights defender Mr Kanai Mondal, since he dared to help a victim of torture, Mr Mahadeb Mondal.  It is reported that the on 30 August 2011, the Camp […]

INDIA: West Bengal police attempting to cover-up crime, colluding with local smugglers

Dear friends,  The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information from Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM) concerning the case of threats to a human rights defender Mr Faizuddin Biswas, since he dared to complain against a gang of smugglers to the local police. The incident happened on 26 August 2011 at about 2.30 pm. Biswas […]

SRI LANKA: A young man’s complaint of imminent threat to life

An Open Letter from the Asian Human Rights Commission to the Inspector General of Police and the Secretary, Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka  Dear Sirs, SRI LANKA: A young man’s complaint of imminent threat to life Re: A young man’s complaint of imminent threat to life due to a powerful businessman working hand-in-hand with […]

PAKISTAN: Absence of rule of law provides impunity to military officials

There is an urgent need to bring military officials under the rule of law after a high police officer was tortured to death and army men attacked a police station in broad daylight and beat the policemen In the recent days it is observed that officials of the Pakistan army and Para-military have been on […]

INDIA: Shadow of indignity a shade!

Statement | India | 09-08-2011

For a government, when its law enforcement agencies are accused of housing criminals in uniform, it is an embarrassment, to the say the least. When the accusation, that the state police have become a roost for criminals, is made by a superior court, it must carry certain credence. That the court makes such worrying observation, […]

NEPAL: A young man’s spine is broken following police torture

Dear friends,  The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information regarding alleged illegal arrest and torture of a 21-year old man whose spine was broken as a result of the abuse. Mr. Nijamuddin Sekh was arrested on 21 July 2011 in Nepalgunj from police officers from the District Police Office, Banke under allegations of […]

NEPAL: Police refuse to provide medical treatment to a woman whose hand was broken due to torture

Dear friends,  The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information regarding the torture of a woman, Ms. Harkali Pun, by two policewomen following order from a higher-ranking officer in District Police Office, Banke, on 12 July 2011. The victim’s hand was broken as a result of the torture but the police have consistently refused […]

SRI LANKA: Mass protest against murders of seven women in Kahawatte

According to reports yesterday, July 5, 2011, about 2,000 persons from the Kahawatte area participated in a protest demanding the removal of the police working in the area. The reason behind this protest is the inability of the police to effectively investigate the murders of seven women who were killed in separate incidents. The people […]

INDONESIA: Surabaya police beat journalists – regional police cover up the case

Dear friends,  Surabaya District Police officers attacked several journalists during a public parade when they refused to stop video recording the arrest and beating of a fellow journalist. The journalists later reported the case to the Surabaya resort police. The East Java Regional Police who had later taken over the case gave a false announcement […]

ASIA: Widespread torture in Asia explained in a new video production

On the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Pictures by the Wayside and the Asian Human Rights Commission, present explaining why torture remains a key problem in Asia. The 15 minute video explains why torture is one of the most difficult human rights issues to address, why the continued use […]

NEPAL: Torture victim in need of immediate medical treatment

Dear friends,  The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information regarding repeated torture inflicted on Mr. Kedar K.C. by a police team deployed from Hanumandhoka Metropolitan Police Crime Division, Kathmandu under interrogation regarding his alleged involvement in a robbery case. The victim is denied medical treatment and is kept in the custody of the […]

SRI LANKA: Use of live bullets on protesters – A discussion on video

(Hong Kong, June 3, 2011) On May 30, 2011 the Sri Lankan police used live ammunition on a group of demonstrating workers. As a result a 22-year-old man has died and about 200 people were injured. The incident shocked Sri Lankan society and there is an ongoing public debate on this issue. In this lecture […]

SRI LANKA: AHRC condemns attacks on peaceful demonstrators

The Asian Human Rights Commission condemns the brutal attack that injured at least 250 peaceful demonstrators yesterday, the 30th of May, at Katunayake. They were protesting against a proposed law which threatens the workers’ provident fund. At the same we congratulate the protesters, who were able to get the government to make an announcement stating […]

SRI LANKA: Who gave the orders to use live bullets on protesters at Katunayake?

The government of Sri Lanka has announced the appointment of a one-man commission to inquire into the shooting at Katunayake on May 30, where, according to reports over 200 persons were injured when police opened fire against demonstrators using live ammunition. About 20 workers are reported to have been critically wounded and are being treated […]

NEPAL: Court acknowledges torture but no sanction is taken against the perpetrators

Dear friends,  The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received updated information regarding the case of torture of Mahima Kusule, a 26-year old woman who was tortured by officers of the Dolakha Police on 14 July 2010 to force her to confess to a theft. On 22 May 2011, the District Court, Dolakha ordered compensation […]

INDONESIA: Police ill-treat peaceful protesters and charge them with rebellion in a flawed process

Dear friends,  After the Manokwari District Police in West Papua arrested peaceful protesters following a flag raising event on 14 December, 2010, seven persons were charged with rebellion. The detainees were ill-treated and denied medical care for weeks resulting in serious health conditions. Police forced the victims to sign the dossier of the case before […]

BANGLADESH: Police inaction narrows the path of justice for wounded human rights defender, who needs constant supports for survival

Dear All,  The Asian Human Rights Commission has earlier informed you about the attack on FMA Razzak instantiated by army officer, Major Mustafizur Rahman Bokul and his family, who attempted to gouge out Razzak’s eyes. The right leg and hand were broken with several bones suffered fractures. The police have not yet started a credible […]