[state] repression of dissent

Iran: Eighteen Arab and Egyptian human rights groups condemn the attack on Iranian women and activists for celebrating Women's International Day

Several Arab and Egyptian human rights organisations have condemned the use of violence by Iranian security forces to disperse a gathering in Tehran in commemoration of International Women's Day on March 8th.

ثماني عشر منظمات حقوقية مصرية وعربية تدين الاعتداء على النساء والناشطات الإيرانيات لمحاولتهن الاحتفال بيوم المرأة العالمي

Iran: Peaceful Iranian women's rights gathering on 8th March, ends in violence

The peaceful gathering of women's rights activists, women's groups and human rights defenders in Park Daneshjoo was attacked and women were assaulted by plain clothes militia, special anti riot forces of the Revolutionary guards, soldiers and police.

International: Concern for the independence of CEDAW experts

The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel (PCATI) express their concern about a member of CEDAW, Krisztina Morvai, who alleges the Israeli government is preventing the continuation of her mandate.

سـلطنة عمـــان:اطلاق سراح الناشطة الحقوقية والبرلمانية العمانية طيبة المعولي

Algeria: Cartoon publishers jailed

Two Algerian editors who published some of the cartoons have been arrested. Both were critical of the cartoons and were asking readers to complain to the Danish authorities. Both journalists now face between 3-5 years in jail for "insulting the prophet."

Afghanistan: Don’t allow warlords to silence Malalai Joya

Malalai Joya is a member of the Afghan parliament which comprises mostly warlords and fundamentalists who are directly or indirectly involved in the gross violations of human rights in Afghanistan. They currently dominate new parliament using their guns, power, money and intimidation.

Afghanistan: Afghan MP says she will not be silenced

Malalai Joya is one of the most popular MPs in Afghanistan and has many a time taken stand against the ex-Mujahideen fighters who dominate the country's new assembly. But Ms Joya and many of her supporters fear she will be assassinated.

UPDATE: Bahrain: Court clears Ghada Jamsheer of defamation

Egypt: Egypt awakes

Hosni Mubarak has been president of Egypt for 24 years, and repressive 'emergency laws' have been in force throughout. Finally, Egyptians have had enough. This is Ahdaf Soueif's diary of a long, hot summer of protest that shows no sign of ending.