<![CDATA[just Gin · Storify]]>http://storify.com/ourworldsvoicesNodeJS RSS ModuleTue, 21 May 2013 16:27:36 GMT<![CDATA[Abuses and Military Trials Continue in Bahrain]]>

Storified by just Gin · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:08:03

Here are a number of articles on the latest in Bahrain on the military trials and those that have been detained including human rights advocate Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja.

Abuses and Trials Continue in Bahrain | Bahrain Center for Human RightsAbuses and Trials Continue in Bahrain | Bahrain Center for Human Rights
The POMED WIRE June 27, 2011 The trial of 28 doctors and nurses resumed today, with the judge refusing to allow defense witnesses to testify. The state-run Bahrain News Agency reports that a representative of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights was present at the trial today, which is untrue according to reports from the centre.
Kings, queens, and torture in Bahrain - Blog - Committee to Protect JournalistsKings, queens, and torture in Bahrain - Blog - Committee to Protect Journalists
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark visited Bahrain in February at the invitation of King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa. As part of the official program, the queen honored Hamad with the "Storkorset af Dannebrog," the second highest Danish royal order.
Sham Trials in Bahrain Prove Need for Greater U.S. Pressure | Human Rights FirstSham Trials in Bahrain Prove Need for Greater U.S. Pressure | Human Rights First
There has been word from family members that he had been beaten both before and after his sentencing. His daughter was violently removed from court after she shouted in response to the sentence. She was charged with contempt of court and later released.
Bahrain releases 20 more detained medicsBahrain releases 20 more detained medics
DUBAI | Tue Jun 28, 2011 1:34pm EDT DUBAI (Reuters) - Bahrain has released 20 more medical staff detained in connection with a wave of protests that hit the Gulf island kingdom earlier this year, relatives and lawyers said on Tuesday, but they still face military trial.
Bahraini Sentenced To Life, Daughter Speaks Out : NPRBahraini Sentenced To Life, Daughter Speaks Out : NPR
In Bahrain, leading human rights advocate Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja has received a lifelong prison sentence, as the case with seven other prominent Shiite activists. Guest host Tony Cox speaks with Maryam Al-Khawaja about her father's case and her family's history of opposition to the Bahraini government.
Here are tweets on the continuing situation in Bahrain
Powered by Storify
]]>http://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/abuses-and-military-trials-continue-in-bahrainhttp://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/abuses-and-military-trials-continue-in-bahrainTue, 28 Jun 2011 23:50:03 GMT<![CDATA[Egypt: Tweets about clashes in Tahrir lights up twittersphere]]>

Storified by just Gin · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:08:05

Egypt protesters clash with policeEgypt protesters clash with police
Security forces are firing tear gas to disperse around 3,000 protesters in Tahrir Square. Last Modified: 28 Jun 2011 22:36 Egyptian security forces are firing tear gas to disperse around 3,000 protesters, some of whom are throwing rocks and firebombs, in Cairo's Tahrir Square.
Protesters and Central Security Forces clash in Tahrir Square | Al-Masry Al-Youm: Today's News from EgyptProtesters and Central Security Forces clash in Tahrir Square | Al-Masry Al-Youm: Today's News from Egypt
Clashes erupted tonight between protesters and Central Security Forces in Cairo's Tahrir Square. The fighting began after 15 people from a group of families of people killed in Egypt's 25 January revolution were arrested, witnesses told Al-Masry Al-Youm. The protesters then attempted to march to the Ministry of the Interior, nearby Tahrir Square, when 20 more people were arrested, witnesses said.

Here's a live video feed, twitter density for Tahrir right now...will add more info as I find it. 

Bambuser | MOI Attack Now in Tahrir Square (RamyRaoof)Bambuser | MOI Attack Now in Tahrir Square (RamyRaoof)
Bambuser lets you broadcast live and interactive video from your mobile phone, webcam or DV-camera - and it's free!
The Tweeter Report: Find the present density of geo tweets anywhere in the worldThe Tweeter Report: Find the present density of geo tweets anywhere in the world

Twitter has been alight with tweets about clashes in Tahrir. Tweets indicate tear gas, injuries and need for medical supplies and response.

Tahrir now... More injuries by the second... More gunshots now http://twitpic.com/5ibays · msheshtawy
Powered by Storify
]]>http://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/egypt-tahrir-lights-up-twitterspherehttp://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/egypt-tahrir-lights-up-twittersphereTue, 28 Jun 2011 22:57:48 GMT<![CDATA[News and tweets on Libya]]>

Storified by just Gin · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:08:05

Here are some news articles on the rebels' progress against Gaddafi forces.
Rebels seize Gaddafi arms bunkerRebels seize Gaddafi arms bunker
Libyan rebels have captured a major complex of underground weapons bunkers from Col Muammar Gaddafi's forces in the west of the country. Rebels said they had cleared remaining guards from the arms dump, located just south of Zintan, after Nato forces attacked the area several days ago.
Hague Prosecutor Calls for Libya to Arrest QaddafiHague Prosecutor Calls for Libya to Arrest Qaddafi
One day after the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued arrest warrants for Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, one of his sons and his intelligence chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity during the first two weeks of the uprising in Libya, the court's chief prosecutor called on the Libyan leader's inner circle to arrest him.
LIVE Libyan Unrest: June 28, 2011 |LIVE Libyan Unrest: June 28, 2011 |
We are tracking the latest developments to keep you updated on the situation on the ground. There are interactive maps located in the Protest map page to keep up with the latest movements. Also check out the featured twitters on the sidebar. On the Go?
Libya: Germany replenishes Nato's arsenal of bombs and missilesLibya: Germany replenishes Nato's arsenal of bombs and missiles
With the number of "smart" bombs dropped on Libya estimated at more than 2,000 some Nato allies have seen their stocks dramatically depleted. Both Denmark and Norway are understood to have asked for more bombs through the Nato Maintenance and Supply Agency and the German defence minister Thomas de Maiziere has granted permission to release stocks.
Libya’s Rebels and the War with QaddafiLibya’s Rebels and the War with Qaddafi
On the morning of March 12th, Osama ben Sadik, a volunteer ambulance driver, arrived for duty at the Red Crescent clinic in Brega, an oil-refinery town in eastern Libya. The uprising against Muammar Qaddafi had turned from a protest movement into a shooting war, and casualties were expected.
Adviser: Obama acting lawfully on LibyaAdviser: Obama acting lawfully on Libya
WASHINGTON (AP) - A top State Department lawyer says President Barack Obama is acting within the law in ordering U.S. military intervention against Libya. Harold Koh told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday that four factors led Obama to conclude that the Libya operation did not fall within the 1973 War Powers Resolution that requires congressional authorization for military action within 60 days.
Libya rebels 'face health crisis'Libya rebels 'face health crisis'
A medical crisis is looming in eastern Libya with hospitals in Benghazi running short of supplies, the rebels' health minister says. Stocks of drugs and other items such as surgical gloves are said to be running out. Dr Nagi Barakat told the BBC that most emergency aid donated from abroad went straight to the front line.
An article listing the countries that recognize the TNC.
Factbox: International recognition of Libya's rebel movementFactbox: International recognition of Libya's rebel movement
Tue Jun 28, 2011 9:56am EDT (Reuters) - Libya's rebel National Transitional Council has declared itself the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan people and formed an interim government while it conducts military operations aimed at removing Muammar Gaddafi. At least 21 countries have publicly recognized the NTC as legitimately representing the Libyan people.
Tweets on Libya
Powered by Storify
]]>http://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/libya-todayhttp://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/libya-todayTue, 28 Jun 2011 23:51:42 GMT<![CDATA[Ayat al-Gormezi: One women among many detained in Bahrain]]>

Storified by just Gin · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:21:13

Today, Ayat al-Gormezi, the 20-year-old poet, artist and student teacher was sentenced by a military court to one year in prison for reading a poem at a pro-democracy rally. 

Bahraini Poet Ayat al-Gormezi Sentenced to One Year in JailBahraini Poet Ayat al-Gormezi Sentenced to One Year in Jail
Bahraini poet Ayat al-Gormezi has been sentenced to one-year in prison according to reports on Twitter and an account by Gulfnews.com Bahrain's National Safety Court of First Instance on Sunday reportedly said that Ayat was guilty of the charges of "inciting hatred of the regime and of being involved in a rally to commit crimes."
Sources: Bahrain tries ex-lawmakers, imprisons poetSources: Bahrain tries ex-lawmakers, imprisons poet
(CNN) -- At least two former Bahraini opposition lawmakers went on trial Sunday, sources said, as a military court sentenced a 20-year-old poet to a year in prison.
Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights » Blog Archive » Bahrain: Ms. Alqurmozi was sentenced to one year imprisonment due to freedom of speechBahrain Youth Society for Human Rights » Blog Archive » Bahrain: Ms. Alqurmozi was sentenced to one year imprisonment due to freedom of speech
Today ( 12 June 2011 ), National Safety court ( Military court) issued its ruling against Ms.Ayat Alqurmozi. Ms. Alqurmozi was sentenced to one year imprisonment. Charges: taking part in illegal protests and disrupting public security and Inciting publicly towards the hatred of the regime.
Amnesty International responded to her sentencing:

"By locking up a female poet merely for expressing her views in public, Bahrain’s authorities are demonstrating how free speech and assembly are brutally denied to ordinary Bahrainis,” said Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International’s Director for the Middle East and North Africa." (read the link below for the full article)
Bahraini activist jailed for reading poem | Amnesty InternationalBahraini activist jailed for reading poem | Amnesty International
Bahraini poet Ayat al-Qarmezi has been sentenced to a year in prison. A military court in Bahrain has sentenced a poet to one year in prison for reading out a poem criticizing the country's King.Ayat al-Qarmezi, 20, a poet and student was sentenced in a Manama court today following her arrest in March for reading out a poem at a pro-reform rally.
Just yesterday, The Independent reported that Ayat had been 

"beaten across the face with [an] electric cable...and forced to clean with her bare hands lavatories just used by police."
Detained poet 'beaten across the face with electric cable' - Middle East, World - The IndependentDetained poet 'beaten across the face with electric cable' - Middle East, World - The Independent
Bahraini security forces beat the detained poet Ayat al-Gormezi across the face with electric cable and forced her to clean with her bare hands lavatories just used by police, members of her family said yesterday in a graphic account of the torture and humiliation suffered by those rounded up in the Gulf nation's crackdown on dissent.
Just weeks ago, NPR reported on Bahrain's crackdown targeting women.
Women The Latest Target Of Bahrain's Crackdown : NPRWomen The Latest Target Of Bahrain's Crackdown : NPR
In the wake of massive protests, the government has cracked down brutally on opposition figures. Authorities detained thousands of men — and then went after the women. "They took me from my work," one woman says. "And from the beginning they slapped me on my face, on my head, shoulder."
The following video has translated subtitles.

"Since the beginning of the revolution until the finish of this video...

More than 110 women were detained in Bahrain...
Around 70 ladies are still tortured in the dark prisons..."
فلم يحكي قصة آيات القرمزي ضمن حملةأخرجوا حرائرنا من سجونكم إن كنتم مسلمين منتديات بحرين نيشنفلم يحكي قصة آيات القرمزي ضمن حملةأخرجوا حرائرنا من سجونكم إن كنتم مسلمين منتديات بحرين نيشن
Uploaded by abbas1alsffar on 2011-05-11.
Tweets about Ayat's sentencing
Powered by Storify
]]>http://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/the-women-of-bahrainhttp://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/the-women-of-bahrainSun, 12 Jun 2011 14:58:29 GMT<![CDATA[The NATO-led mission in Libya responds to a people in need.]]>

Storified by just Gin · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:22:33

Reports out today indicate that Gahddafi issued orders to use rape as a weapon.

Gaddafi faces new ICC charges for using rape as weapon in conflict | World news | The GuardianGaddafi faces new ICC charges for using rape as weapon in conflict | World news | The Guardian
The chief prosecutor of the international criminal court (ICC) is likely to add rape to the war crimes charges against Muammar Gaddafi on the back of mounting evidence that sexual attacks on women are being used as a weapon in the Libyan conflict.

Along with many of the world's leaders Secretary of State Clinton states that "Gaddafi's days are numbered.

Clinton says 'Gaddafi's days are numbered'Clinton says 'Gaddafi's days are numbered'
Leaders at International Contact Group on Libya meeting in Abu Dhabi pledge $1.3bn for rebel's transitional council. Last Modified: 09 Jun 2011 20:19 Muammar Gaddafi's days as leader of Libya are numbered, Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, has said at the International Contact Group [ICG] on Libya meeting in Abu Dhabi."Gaddafi's days are numbered.
The US along with other nations respond to Libyans' humanitarian needs.
Update: U.S. Government Humanitarian Assistance in Response to the Libya CrisisUpdate: U.S. Government Humanitarian Assistance in Response to the Libya Crisis
The United States is deeply concerned about the welfare of the hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced and caught up in the Libya conflict. We continue to call upon Libyan authorities to provide humanitarian actors with full access to those in need and to ensure the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance.

The following articles underscore that Gaddafi's time is up.

Qaddafi Son Told Rebels of Exit Plan: Aide |Qaddafi Son Told Rebels of Exit Plan: Aide |
Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam, has approached rebels to negotiate an exit from power for his father in the last few days, an aide to National Transitional Council leader Mahmoud Jebril said.
As NATO Bombs Tripoli, World Powers Chart Libya Without Gadhafi | North Africa | EnglishAs NATO Bombs Tripoli, World Powers Chart Libya Without Gadhafi | North Africa | English
NATO has launched more airstrikes near the residence of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi as global powers gathered to discuss a Libya without him. Loud explosions rocked the Libyan capital Tripoli late Wednesday, with the first bombs striking an area near Gadhafi's compound and the second attack near a hotel where foreign journalists have been staying.

There has been an estimated 10,000-15,000 lives lost in the conflict.

Up to 15,000 killed in Libya war-UN rights expert | Libya TVUp to 15,000 killed in Libya war-UN rights expert | Libya TV
An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people have been killed on both sides in four months of fighting in Libya, according to Cherif Bassiouni, who led a UN Human Rights Council mission in late April to Tripoli and areas held by the liberation forces.

Volunteers support the Freedom Fighters around the clock.

Volunteers keep revolution against Gaddafi alive | Libya TVVolunteers keep revolution against Gaddafi alive | Libya TV
As the war against Muammar Gaddafi drags on, revolutionaries' stocks of food and functioning weapons are dwindling and an army of volunteers has emerged to keep the campaign afloat. Restaurant staff cook around the clock to provide free meals for the front line.

Tweets that keep Libya in the forefront of our minds.

Powered by Storify
]]>http://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/why-we-cant-forget-about-libyahttp://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/why-we-cant-forget-about-libyaFri, 10 Jun 2011 02:12:11 GMT<![CDATA[Syrian blogger Amina Arraf kidnapped (with UPDATE)]]>

Storified by just Gin · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:26:12

UPDATE: Since I posted this, there has been some confusion and uncertainty about the story surrounding "Gay Girl in Damascus" and her real identity since the pictures circulating are of a woman living in London. 


Following are very good articles by NPR capturing the confusion that includes an interview by Sandra Bagaria in Montreal who corresponded with "Amina" via email for months. 

'Gay Girl In Damascus': Missing Or Mythical? : The Two-Way : NPR'Gay Girl In Damascus': Missing Or Mythical? : The Two-Way : NPR
We've been holding off on reporting about the mystery surrounding the blogger known as "Gay Girl in Damascus" and the reports that she was arrested by Syrian authorities. There are a growing number of questions about who she may or may not be and even whether such a person is actually in the hands of the authorities.
'Gay Girl In Damascus:' A Personal Friend Sifts Through What's Real : The Two-Way : NPR'Gay Girl In Damascus:' A Personal Friend Sifts Through What's Real : The Two-Way : NPR
Sandra Bagaria forged an online relationship with the Syrian-American blogger who goes by "Gay Girl In Damascus." She never thought to ask if her name was really Amina Abdallah Araf al Omari or if like a lot of bloggers in countries with authoritarian regimes, it was an alias.

A woman who claims to be the cousin of Syrian blogger, Amina Arraf of "Gay Girl in Damascus" posted on her blog that Amina had been apprehended by a group of men and forced into a car.


"Amina was seized by three men in their early 20’s. According to the witness (who does not want her identity known), the men were armed. Amina hit one of them and told the friend to go find her father."


Amina is reported to have dual Syrian-American citizenship.

Here are news reports.

Syria: ‘Gay Girl in Damascus’ Seized · Global VoicesSyria: ‘Gay Girl in Damascus’ Seized · Global Voices
Amina Arraf has seen a quick rise to fame. Blogging pseudonymously, as Amina Abdullah, she writes about politics, the recent uprising, and being a lesbian in Syria. A dual citizen of the United States and Syria, her powerful words have shown the reality on the ground in Syria over the past few weeks.
Syrian blogger Amina Abdallah kidnapped by armed men | World news | The GuardianSyrian blogger Amina Abdallah kidnapped by armed men | World news | The Guardian
Author of A Gay Girl in Damascus had shot to prominence for her frank views on Syrian uprising, politics and being a lesbian A blogger whose frank and witty thoughts on Syria's uprising, politics and being a lesbian in the country shot her to prominence was last night seized by armed men in Damascus.
'Gay Girl in Damascus' Allegedly Kidnapped – The Atlantic Wire'Gay Girl in Damascus' Allegedly Kidnapped – The Atlantic Wire
As the anti-government uprising in Syria has unfolded, Syrian-American blogger Amina Abdallah has attracted readers and been noticed by The Washington Post, CNN, Time,and The Guardian for her musings on the protest movement and what it's like to be gay in Syria.
'A Gay Girl In Damascus': Syrian Lesbian Blogger Reportedly Missing'A Gay Girl In Damascus': Syrian Lesbian Blogger Reportedly Missing
The half-American lesbian journalist whose blog has made her an unlikely hero of the Syrian uprising has reportedly been arrested. According to new posts that appeared today on "A Gay Girl In Damascus," the current whereabouts of regular author Amina Abdullah are unknown. A writer identifying themselves as Rania O.

#FreeAmina on Twitter

Powered by Storify
]]>http://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/syrian-blogger-amina-arraf-arrestedhttp://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/syrian-blogger-amina-arraf-arrestedSun, 12 Jun 2011 17:44:37 GMT<![CDATA[Woman imprisoned for reciting a poem in Bahrain]]>

Storified by just Gin · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:26:11

Here are news articles and posts highlighting the arrest and plight of 20-year-old artist, poet and student Ayat al-Ghermezi. She "was arrested on 30 March for reciting a poem critical of the government.." She was forced to turn herself in after family members were threatened. 

Ayat's story was on the front page of The Independent in the UK on 2 June. 

Ayat has not been seen since her arrest.

Locked up for reading a poem - Middle East, World - The IndependentLocked up for reading a poem - Middle East, World - The Independent
Ayat al-Gormezi, the woman who symbolises Bahrain's fight for freedom Bahrain's security forces are increasingly targeting women in their campaign against pro-democracy protesters despite yesterday lifting martial law in the island kingdom. Ayat al-Gormezi, 20, a poet and student arrested two months ago after reading out a poem at a pro-democracy rally, is due to go on trial today before a military tribunal, her mother said.
Female poet brought before Bahrain military tribunalFemale poet brought before Bahrain military tribunal
Ayat al-Ghermezi, who is 20, was charged with incitement and insulting members of the Al Khalifa royal family. Arrested after reading a self-penned poem to anti-government protesters in the Bahraini capital Manama, she has been in custody for two months. Bahraini human rights activists say that although Miss Ghermezi was not raped, she was badly tortured while in custody.
This is a good post with video and updates on Ayat.
Dear Kitty. Some blog :: Bahraini poetess Ayat al-Ghermezi survives torture, still in danger :: June :: 2011Dear Kitty. Some blog :: Bahraini poetess Ayat al-Ghermezi survives torture, still in danger :: June :: 2011
This is a video, in Arab, with Dutch subtitles, of Ayat Al-Qormezi (another Latin alphabet spelling of her name) reading a poem. Contrary to earlier reports of her death, Bahraini poetess Ayat al-Ghermezi seems to have survived torture. However, she is still in danger.
In addition to information about Ayat, this Wikipedia entry has an image of the front page article in The Independent.
Ayat al-Ghermezi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAyat al-Ghermezi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Ayat al-Ghermezi (Arabic: آيات القرمزي‎) is a 20-year-old poet and student at the Faculty of Teachers in Bahrain From Sadad, Bahrain. She was arrested on 30 March for reciting a poem critical of the government during the pro-democracy protests in Pearl Square, the main gathering place for demonstrators, in February.
Tweets from today about Ayat.
Ayat was to be tried today, but her trial has been delayed until 11 June.
Powered by Storify
]]>http://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/imprisoned-for-reading-a-poem-in-bahrainhttp://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/imprisoned-for-reading-a-poem-in-bahrainTue, 07 Jun 2011 13:15:01 GMT<![CDATA[Today's Reaction to Formula 1 Grand Prix in Bahrain]]>

Storified by just Gin · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:27:52

The FIA announced that the Formula One Grand Prix will be held in Bahrain. As this announcement was made, strong public reaction quickly followed with many outraged by the decision. 


Following is a petition to Red Bull to publicly declare that they won't race in the upcoming Formula 1. In just one day, the petition has garnered over 455,000 signatures.

Red Bull: don't race in brutal BahrainRed Bull: don't race in brutal Bahrain
Red Bull has built a reputation as a sporty, fun drink -- but by this Friday, it and other leading F1 teams may become better known for endorsing government torture and murder.
On June 2, Amnesty International released a statement expressing their great concern "about the continuing harassment of human rights defenders in Bahrain" even as the state of emergency was lifted.
Document - Bahrain: Harassment of human rights defenders must end | Amnesty InternationalDocument - Bahrain: Harassment of human rights defenders must end | Amnesty International
Bahrain: H arassment of human rights defenders must end Amnesty International is greatly concerned about the continuing harassment of human rights defenders in Bahrain despite the lifting yesterday of the state of emergency - termed the State of National Safety - imposed on 15 March at the height of popular protests in the capital, Manama.
The news reacts to FIA's Formula 1 announcement.
Bahrain Wins Back Formula One Grand Prix : The Two-Way : NPRBahrain Wins Back Formula One Grand Prix : The Two-Way : NPR
Just as Bahrain was scheduled to host it's first Formula One Grand Prix, the country erupted with protests. The country's Shiite majority demanded reform from the Sunni royalty. The Grand Prix was cancelled amid a bloody crackdown that culminated with the government calling in troops from the Gulf Cooperation Council and the dismantling of the Pearl Roundabout, which had become the Bahraini opposition's Tahrir Square.
F.I.A. Criticized Following Bahrain G.P. ApprovalF.I.A. Criticized Following Bahrain G.P. Approval
The Bahrain Grand Prix, the Formula One race that was postponed in February after widespread civil unrest broke out in the Gulf emirate, was reinstated on Friday by the race series' governing body, the F.I.A. The decision has been criticized from within and outside Bahrain.
Five concerns for Formula One teams over the Bahrain Grand Prix | Sport | The GuardianFive concerns for Formula One teams over the Bahrain Grand Prix | Sport | The Guardian
The race's rescheduling in October after turmoil in the Middle Eastern kingdom has thrown up a number of problems The No1 concern for every team and every driver. The issue will have to be addressed comprehensively by the FIA and the Bahraini government, and the teams must be absolutely convinced there is no risk to them or any of their personnel.
HRF: Bahrain Unsuitable to Host Formula 1 Race | Bahrain Center for Human RightsHRF: Bahrain Unsuitable to Host Formula 1 Race | Bahrain Center for Human Rights
Washington, D.C.-A decision from the Formula 1 authorities on whether Bahrain will be allowed to host a Grand Prix event later in 2011 is expected on Friday, June 3. Following recent reports that peaceful protestors across Bahrain have been attacked by security forces, it appears that the crackdown is continuing, despite yesterday's official lifting of Bahrain's State of Safety.
Bahrain police 'suppress protest'Bahrain police 'suppress protest'
Bahraini police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters marching against the government near the capital Manama, eyewitnesses say. The crackdown on Friday came just two days after the tiny Gulf kingdom's authorities lifted emergency rule.
Tweets speaking out against the decision to schedule the Formula One Grand Prix in Bahrain.
A bahraini thanking #f1 for running over us "@alb7rany: #Bahrain http://twitpic.com/56kj0q" · angryarabiya
Powered by Storify
]]>http://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/todays-reaction-to-formula-1-grand-prix-in-bahrainhttp://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/todays-reaction-to-formula-1-grand-prix-in-bahrainFri, 10 Jun 2011 02:14:26 GMT<![CDATA[Yemen President injured after attack on palace ]]>

Storified by just Gin · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:27:52

Yemen president speaks after attackYemen president speaks after attack
Ali Abdullah Saleh, the Yemeni president, says he is "well and in good health" after suffering injuries in an attack on his presidential palace in the capital, Sanaa. In an audio address delivered on state television late on Friday night, Saleh said the strike, where "seven officers were martyred", was by an "outlaw gang" - the opposition Hashed tribe led by powerful Sadiq al-Ahmar.
Yemen's President Saleh is ruling on borrowed time | Comment is free | The GuardianYemen's President Saleh is ruling on borrowed time | Comment is free | The Guardian
For a long time occupying Yemen's presidential hot seat led to exile and assassination. Two of Yemen's previous presidents were assassinated within a nine-month span and none of Saleh's predecessors lasted more than seven years in power. But Saleh managed to stay in the chair for so long that almost 75% of Yemen's population was born after he came to power in 1978.
Yemen leader defiant after injuryYemen leader defiant after injury
Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has broadcast a brief audio message, hours after being injured in an attack on his compound in the capital Sanaa. Mr Saleh said he was well and urged the army to confront his tribal opponents, who he blamed for the attack. Seven people were killed.
The Guardian (UK) reports that "President Saleh is ruling on borrowed time."
Crisis in Yemen - Alan Taylor - In Focus - The AtlanticCrisis in Yemen - Alan Taylor - In Focus - The Atlantic
Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh was reportedly wounded today in a rocket attack on his compound in Sanaa. Yemeni government troops have been engaged in street fights with tribal groups loyal to Sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar for nearly two weeks now, after al-Ahmar sided with thousands of Yemeni protesters who have been peacefully demonstrating and calling for President Saleh's ouster for nearly four months now.
Below is a photo essay by The Atlantic.
Yemen: Other States Should Freeze Officials' Assets | Human Rights WatchYemen: Other States Should Freeze Officials' Assets | Human Rights Watch
The fatal shootings of anti-government protesters and assaults on medical workers in Taizz coincides with sharply escalating clashes in Sanaa, the capital, and elsewhere between Saleh's forces and opposition tribal fighters and a shelling of the presidential palace on June 2 that injured Saleh.
Human Rights Watch and UNHCR speak out on the fatal shootings of protesters and the plight of refugees.
UNHCR - UNHCR worried about refugees and displaced people in strife-torn YemenUNHCR - UNHCR worried about refugees and displaced people in strife-torn Yemen
GENEVA, June 3 (UNHCR) - Two refugees are among those killed in recent clashes in Yemen that have displaced thousands of Yemenis and refugees alike. The UN refugee agency has expressed alarm at the deteriorating situation, which is affecting its ability to help these vulnerable groups.
Twitter reaction to the violence in Yemen.
Powered by Storify
]]>http://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/yemen-president-injured-after-attack-on-palacehttp://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/yemen-president-injured-after-attack-on-palaceSat, 04 Jun 2011 03:45:41 GMT<![CDATA[Eman al-Obeidi deported from Qatar to eastern Libya]]>

Storified by just Gin · Thu, Oct 27 2011 01:27:54

Eman al-Obeidi was dragged from a Tripoli hotel on March 26 after publicly accusing pro-government forces of rape. Her story has been heard around the world. On Thursday she was deported from Qatar "against her will" to eastern Libya.

As a recognized refugee, Eman's, deportation from Qatar on Thursday brought condemnation by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR):

"Yesterday's forced return of Libyan national, Eman Al Obeidi, by Qatar to Libya violates international law. Ms Al Obeidi has been recognized as a refugee by UNHCR."
UNHCR - UNHCR condemns refoulement of Eman Al Obeidi to LibyaUNHCR - UNHCR condemns refoulement of Eman Al Obeidi to Libya
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards - to whom quoted text may be attributed - at the press briefing, on 3 June 2011, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Yesterday's forced return of Libyan national, Eman Al Obeidi, by Qatar to Libya violates international law.

Amnesty International responds to Eman's deportation:

“It is outrageous that Eman al-Obeidi has again been taken away against her will,” said Amnesty International. “She is a recognized refugee and this deportation is a serious breach by Qatar of its international obligations.” 

Qatar deportation of Eman al-Obeidi violates international law | Amnesty InternationalQatar deportation of Eman al-Obeidi violates international law | Amnesty International
Al-Obeidi, who publically accused Libyan soldiers of rape, has been deported to eastern Libya against her will.
Below are several mainstream media news coverage of Eman's deportation.
Rape accuser's expulsion upsets U.S.Rape accuser's expulsion upsets U.S.
(CNN) -- A witness who met with Eman al-Obeidy after she was forced back to Libya from Qatar said the alleged rape victim appeared battered and bruised. Nasha Dawaji, a U.S.-based Libyan pro-freedom activist, said she was with three key members of the National Transitional Council, the rebels' government, when they first learned that al-Obeidy was forced from Doha and arrived in Benghazi on Thursday.
CNN Nic Robertson's tweets:
Additional news reports:
U.N.: Libya rape victim Obaidi deported to rebel-held areaU.N.: Libya rape victim Obaidi deported to rebel-held area
TRIPOLI, Libya - Alleged Libyan rape victim Iman al-Obaidi was deported from Qatar "against her will" on Thursday and sent to the rebel-held east of Libya, the office of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said. Obaidi burst into a Tripoli hotel where foreign journalists were staying in March, saying she had been repeatedly raped by militia members loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi.
Libyan 'rape' victim deported from QatarLibyan 'rape' victim deported from Qatar
A Libyan woman who said she was raped by Muammar Gaddafi's troops has been deported from Qatar where she sought refuge, and is now in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, a UN official has said.
Libyan Dissident Says She Was Beaten in Qatar During Forced DeportationLibyan Dissident Says She Was Beaten in Qatar During Forced Deportation
As my colleague David Kirkpatrick reported, on Thursday Qatar forcibly deported a Libyan woman whose mistreatment by the government of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi made her a symbol of its brutality.
Responses to Eman's deportation on Twitter below.
Powered by Storify
]]>http://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/eman-alobeidi-deported-from-qatar-to-eastern-libyahttp://storify.com/ourworldsvoices/eman-alobeidi-deported-from-qatar-to-eastern-libyaSat, 04 Jun 2011 01:37:17 GMT