While I was in Geneva on 23 June for the launch of the OMCT’s international campaign against torture (by the way go and sign http://www.omct.org), two pieces of news fell on my desk within the space of one hour, so linked and still so contradictory:
1. BAD: The 2010 Laureate, Muhannad Al-Hassani from Syria, has been sentenced to 3 years imprisonment for having reported on legal proceedings before the State Security Court. In doing so, Mr. Al-Hassani has committed no crime and done nothing but defending the rights of others. Only a presidential pardon can rectify this injustice.
2. GOOD: The 2009 Laureate, Emad Baghi, has been released from detention – on bail – after having spent 6 months in very difficult conditions. As the picture shows he lost quite a bit of weight. We must now hope that the Iranian authorities will continue to respect Emad Baghi’s right to freedom of expression.
before and afer
Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards 