Menchi Barriocanal and Oscar Acosta, Paraguayan journalists and married couple, were threatened with imprisonment by president Horacio Cartes on 23 June during his participation in a rally in Ciudad del Este, where he falsely accused them of inciting violence during demonstrations that took place in March.

Chechnya - Stop abducting and killing gay men

Over a hundred men suspected of being gay have been abducted, tortured and some even killed in the southern Russian republic of Chechnya. We urgently need your help to call out the Chechen government on the persecution of people who are, as they put it, of 'non-traditional orientation', and urge immediate action to ensure their safety.

People peacefully protesting against a mining project in Casillas, Guatemala, and by-standers were tear gassed and dispersed by riot police on 22 June. There are concerns of further excessive use of force as police presence continues in the community.

Human rights defender and lawyer Siti Kasim has been charged with “obstruction” in connection with a raid on a transgender event held in April 2016. She could face up to two years in prison or a maximum fine of RM10,000 (USD 2,331) or both, if convicted.

The health of Suleiman Abdulmajid Oussou has critically deteriorated since 21 June. The Syrian Kurdish opposition activist has been arbitrarily detained by the Asayish, the police force of the Democratic Union Party (PYD)-led Autonomous Administration, in the north-eastern region of Syrian, since 23 May.

Professor and political figure Mustafa al-Mutawakel has been held incommunicado by the internationally recognized Yemeni government forces in an unknown location for almost two months.

Iranian human rights defender Omid Alishenas has been detained in Tehran’s Evin prison in poor conditions for more than six months.

Human rights lawyer Lê Quốc Quân has received warnings from Việt Nam’s Ministry of Public Security officials that he and his family could be killed if he meets with visiting foreign dignitaries.

In May 2017, the Dominican Senate voted to reject the President’s recommendations to decriminalize abortion. The President’s recommendations are now being discussed by the Justice Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, which is expected to vote on the recommendations soon.

The confirmed death in custody of a child detained in November 2016 in northern Rakhine State as part of “clearance operations” increases fears for the safety of hundreds of detained Rohingya men and boys.