Thursday, October 23, 2008

Human Rights in the News

NYT -- Hu Jia Wins Prestigious Human Rights Award, Chinese Government Upset.
Hu Jia is a human rights activist in China who has been jailed for his
criticism of China's human rights violations and his testimony before the European Parliament. He is an example on an individual who has rightly placed the value of human rights above others, dedicating his life to help AIDS victims, advocate for the legal rights of political dissidents, protect the environment, and promote democratic reforms.

Market Watch -- Basic Freedoms Threatened in Trial Against Singaporean Opposition Leader
The opposition leader in Singapore has gone on trial for assembly without a permit. This basic freedom is fundamental, and its violations completely inhibit true political freedom. The American Founding Fathers faced similar restrictions from the British, which is why the First Amendment protects the freedom of assembly.

Re
uters -- Malaysia Revokes Speaking Invitation to Human Rights Advocate
In face of pressure from the Iranian government, Shirin Ebadi, who was awarded the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize, has been denied the previously offered opportunity to speak at the University of Malaya. Ebadi has been a strong, vocal proponent of the rights of women and children in Iran and thus the Iranian government has viewed her as a problem and sought to stifle her voice.

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