The Syrian Minister of Agriculture has issued a decree to distribute around 14.000 decares of agricultural land, located in the predominantly Kurdish areas to 150 families from South Abdulaziz Mountains. This “Ethnic belt” is a real humanitarian catastrophe and will have disastrous consequences.
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Iran: Prisoner of conscience Mr. Salehi Released
Mr. Mahmoud Salehi was detained on 9 April 2007. Mr. Salehi has only one kidney, suffers from kidney stones, and requires chronic dialysis treatment. DI urged the authorities to release him immediately, noting that he was arrested solely for his peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression and association. In 2008, he was released on bail.
Iran: 2 journalists facing death penalty
Kurdish Journalists Adnan Hasanpoor and Abdel Wahd (Hiwa) Butimar have allegedly been tortured and have reportedly received death penalties on July 17, 2007. According to the Iranian Revolutionary Court in Sanandaj their writings were aimed to topple the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Yemen: Al-Khaiwani Will Be Released
Defend International welcomes the decision of the Specialised Criminal Court in Yemen today on the release of prisoners of opinion Mr. Abdel Karim Al-Khaiwani.