Salem-News.com Civil Rights articles Page 39

The Life of a Sri Lankan Tamil Bishop (and others) in Danger

A plea for the safety of Christian clergy in the embattled island nation.

(BRISBANE, Aust.) - This is an urgent appeal to prevent the possible assassination/ ‘disappearance’ of the outspoken Roman Catholic Bishop of Mannar and others, who are the only voices of the Tamil people in that part of Sri Lanka.

It is hoped that the followers of Christ, such as Bishop Rayappu Joseph, his fellow priests (and others), are not murdered...

`Public awaking against injustice` - Nilantha Ilangamuwa

Salem News interviewed one of the exiled journalists of Sri Lanka.

(CHENNAI / COLOMBO) - Nilantha Ilangamuwa is an ambitious young journalist purged by the government for his conviction to uphold freedom of speech and independence of media in the island nation.

He was taunted by the agents of the government and its secret service for fearlessly managing the Sri Lanka Guardian that is continuing to expose several sensitive news that is causing major irritation to the government.

Force of 150 Tamil Tigers Reportedly Deployed to Sri Lanka
India Says Not True

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne believes a conspiracy is underway to create a new civil war in Sri Lanka.

(SALEM) - The Sri Lankan police on Monday denied claims that Tamil Tiger rebels had infiltrated the island through southern India.

Local media reports quoting police intelligence said that 150 Tamil Tigers had infiltrated the north and east of the country after receiving training in southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Philippines: Address Human Rights Violations the Armed Forces

Salem-News.com Eye on the World report.

(HONG KONG) - In a December 2011 change of command ceremony, the Chief of Staff with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lt. Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa, addressed corruption within the military.

It is imperative that he uses his leadership as an opportunity to end impunity for human rights abuses within the armed forces, and leave as his legacy a professional, accountable military.

Peru: Support of the Right to Voluntary, Effective Treatment for all Those Who Need It

Salem-News.com Eye on the World report.

(HONG KONG) - Law No. 29737 and related provisions in Peru's legal system, permit involuntary detention for treatment of people who suffer from psychosocial or mental disabilities.

It also affects those who suffer from addiction, in circumstances that do not comply with international human rights law.

Sri Lanka Genocide: Mass-Rape Alleged in Theavipuram Amid Civilian Slaughter

More evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Sri Lanka Genocide against Tamils.

(WASHINGTON DC TamilNet) - The US-based activist group Tamils Against Genocide, that seeks legal redress to Tamil war victims, is piecing together evidence of mass rapes near the village of Theavipuram, in April 2009.

Eye-witnesses testified that up to 20 women were alleged to have been raped by Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers near the village in this event.

China Warns Against Joint Exercises in South China Seas

There have been a series of run-ins involving fishermen, military patrols, and other vessels in the disputed region in recent months, increasing tension over the competing territorial claims.

(BEIJING VOA) - Chinese officials in Beijing are warning against any joint military patrols or exercises between Vietnam and the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea.

Vietnam and Philippines military officials have discussed conducting joint exercises in the disputed region in meetings earlier this month.

Trayvon Martin Killing: Let Investigations Run Their Course

Everyday we hear about the public outrage about the incident. Isn't it time for everyone to step back and wait for the Justice Department and the State of Florida to complete their investigations.

(SAN FRANCISCO) - On Feb. 26, 2012, Trayvon Martin, an unarmed teenager, was shot to death by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watchman captain.

The teen was walking inside a gated community in Sanford, Florida, where his father and stepmother lived.

Deadly Syndrome Stalks the Mexican Elections

“The existence of insecure zones in some regions of the country hurts social harmony and could eventually inhibit the development of democratic life,” - Leonardo Valdes Zurita, president of the Federal Electoral Institute (IFE)

(LAS CRUCES, NM) - Call it the Michoacan Plus Syndrome.

Exposed during last fall’s elections in the Mexican state of Michoacan, kidnappings and other crimes against actual or potential political candidates are now surfacing in Mexico’s state and federal elections scheduled for July 1.

Blowback

Since America is supplying much of the military hardware used to annihilate these children, Americans don’t want to hear the extent to which their tax dollars are used.

(MANAMA, Bahrain) - Call it revenge. Call it retribution. Describe it as “chickens coming home to roost.” Don’t call it terrorism. Call it Blowback - the unintended consequences of our foreign policy.

Among the stories that don't get much Western press coverage, but should is one by Rosa Schiano about 12-year-old Ayoub Asalya who was killed by an Israeli missile while he was going to school.