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Osman Kavala
Osman Kavala is a well-known philanthropist and rights advocate in Turkey. Yet, he has been behind bars for over 86 months (over 7 years), and his case has come to symbolize the decline of human rights and judicial independence in the country. Kavala’s imprisonment is not just an isolated case but a reflection of the…
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Saudi Arabia’s systemic abuse of migrant workers
Saudi Arabia’s demographics show that 42 percent of the population is made up of migrant workers, and yet the conditions and legislations to protect their rights and wellbeing are failing. The statistics indicate that 8 people a day die as a result of it that requires urgent attention. Individuals from Nepal, India and Bangladesh are…
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Goma Massacre
On August 30, 2023, a tragic and deliberate attack by the Congolese Army against unarmed protesters in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, resulted in the deaths of at least 56 individuals. The protesters, organized by the religious group “Wazalendo” (also known as “Messiatha”), were demanding the withdrawal of the UN Mission for the…
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José Rubén Zamora/Guatemala
José Rubén Zamora, a distinguished journalist and the director of the newspaper “El Periódico,” was arrested on July 29, 2022. Known for his investigative journalism, Zamora has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. His arrest has raised significant concerns regarding press freedom and human rights in Guatemala, particularly in light of the politically charged…
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Targeted for Activism: Hossam Bahgat Faces Escalating Charges in Egypt’s Crackdown on Dissent
Hossam Bahgat, a leading figure in Egypt’s human rights movement and founder of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), continues to face systematic state harassment. Over the years, Bahgat has been targeted with legal challenges and punitive measures for his outspoken advocacy for civil liberties and democracy. Most recently, in January 2025, he was…
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Enduring Injustice: The Ordeal of Alzheimer’s Patient Ibrahim Gungor in Turkish Prison
Ibrahim Gungor, an 72-year-old Alzheimer’s patient, has been subjected to severe human rights violations during his imprisonment in Turkey. Despite his advanced age and deteriorating health, Gungor remains incarcerated, highlighting the Turkish authorities’ disregard for the well-being of critically ill prisoners. Reports indicate that he has been denied access to adequate medical care, exacerbating his…
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Lawyer Dilek Ekmekci is facing Judicial Repression in Türkiye
Update: Dilek Ekmekci’s hunger strike that began on the 18th November ended on the 28th December. Her next court hearing is on the 10th of January. Dilek Ekmekci, a Turkish criminal lawyer, has been arrested in Türkiye. Since 2020, she has been working on the sexual exploitation of children in state care. In the case…
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Review of Turkey’s Human Rights Record
Regarding the UN Human Rights Committee Review Session in Geneva, November 2024 The UN Human Rights Committee reviewed Turkey’s human rights record in Geneva in November 2024. Rights Defenders Initiative attended the session with a representative and had the privilege to give a speech to the Committee based on the report they prepared and submitted.…
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Natalya Filonova
Natalya Filonova is a 61-year-old pensioner and a dedicated veteran human rights activist and journalist who has been advocating for social justice since the 1990s. She initially worked as a correspondent for a regional newspaper and later launched her own publication, “Vsemu naperekor” (Despite everything), to voice her concerns. On September 26, 2022, Natalya was…
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Exile and Resistance: The Trial and Punishment of Sergei Lukashevsky
Sergei Lukashevsky, a prominent Russian human rights advocate and director of the Sakharov Center in Moscow, was sentenced in absentia to eight years in prison by a Russian court in November 2024. The charges stemmed from his outspoken criticism of Russia’s war in Ukraine, including posts and broadcasts alleging misconduct by Russia’s armed forces. These…
