Good news for November 2013

Clara Nsegue Eyi, Equatorial Guinea - This teacher and founder of the Democratic Party for Social Justice was arrested and imprisoned during the country's general elections. She was later held from 26th June at the police station in Mongomo in NE Equatorial Guinea, without charge or trial and with no medical treatment for a tumour requiring urgent attention. Such arrests were illegal under national law and violated her rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association, as well as her freedom of movement. Also known as Lola, she was released on 9th October 2013. AI believes international pressure played a part in this.



Nasrin Sotoudeh and at least 11 political activists, IRAN - release 18 September 2013

In September 2010, this prominent human right lawyer was sentenced to 6 years in prison on charges of "spreading propaganda against the system" and "acting against national security", including membership of the Centre for Human Rights Defenders.

AI adopted her as a prisoner of conscience and has campaigned for her immediate and unconditional release. Iranian auhorities have given no reason for her release and no indication of whether it is unconditional. Nasrin thanked AI for all their efforts.



Sierra Leone: new law promotes transparency 29 October 2013

The Sierra Leone parliament has passed a freedom of information law as a major step to ensure greater government transparency, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. Enacted on 29 October 2013, this legislation is crucial for effective, transparent and accountable governance, according to AI. Records must be publicly available and a penalty will be imposed for willful obstruction of its provisions. The president must sign it for it to come into force.