Some Current Human Rights Issues

Lately we've looked at mainly what has been going on in the U. S.  But there are problems all over. 

Things in Egypt are getting very dangerous for protesters and dissenters - and journalists. A key Egyptian activist was jailed after a questionable trial. Read about it here.   This is in addition to the death sentences handed down to some dissenters.  The U. N. is concerned with these developments.  At least some have taken note.  There was a protest in London reported on in photos.  Latest word is that some journalists were jailed. This from the article:
"That a guilty verdict was still reached hours later, despite Kerry confirming the return of US military and economic aid to Egypt, represented an embarrassment for US diplomacy, analysts argued."

What were we thinking - didn't Washington read about those death sentences?  What, no sanctions?  Unbelievable!

Also, read this which talks a bit more about the situation in Egypt, including the fact that hundreds of political prisoners are being detained.

Elsewhere, China arrested a well-known dissident and sent a white paper to Hong Kong, asserting its final jurisdiction over that special district.  This white paper was distributed days after protests commemorating Tienanmen Square and before activists hold an unofficial referendum on options for 2017 elections in Hong Kong.

Then there are the protests against the World Cup in Brazil.  Here's one article from The Guardian about the experience of some activists.  Why aren't "we" condemning this? In the latest story from Reuters it was noted that the protests are smaller now, peaceful, and the protesters are definitely outnumbered by riot police. Riot police, really?  Why are governments so threatened by small, peaceful protests?  And I wonder why World Cup fever seems to drown out the important message they have.

 Look around.  Be aware that dissent and protest are seen as threatening in so many places around the world.  We all should take a stand for the right to speak freely, assemble freely,  and protest peacefully both at home and elsewhere.