Latest Amnesty International News

Congo frees 600 inmates at main prison in a bid to ease overcrowding

Sep. 21, 2024 14:52 PM EDT

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Authorities in Congo said they released 600 prisoners in the country's main prison on Saturday as part of a process aimed at decongesting overcrowded prisons. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba announced the move during a ceremony at Makala Central Prison in...

Cambodia's leader says arrested protesters were trying to overthrow the government

Sep. 05, 2024 11:54 AM EDT

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s leader on Thursday condemned international human rights groups for criticizing the arrest of nearly 100 people for protesting against a decades-old regional development agreement with neighboring countries. London-based Amnesty International...

Most suspects in a 2023 anti-Christian rampage in Pakistan are still at large, a rights group says

Aug. 16, 2024 09:26 AM EDT

MULTAN, Pakistan (AP) — Most of the suspects in a rampage last year against minority Christians in eastern Pakistan over alleged blasphemy are not in custody and authorities have failed to deliver justice to the victims, a human rights group said Friday. “More than 90% of the...

As Nigerians marched against hunger, security forces responded with gunshots and force, killing 22

Aug. 08, 2024 12:07 PM EDT

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Ismail Musa was out having tea with his brother Jamilu when they first heard the gunshots. Musa ran to hide under a table but was hit by a bullet fired to disperse protesters in northern Nigeria’s Kano state. The 23-year-old barely made it halfway to the hospital. ...

Nigerian leader calls for end to hardship protests, blaming 'political agenda' for violence

Aug. 04, 2024 17:48 PM EDT

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s leader on Sunday called for an end to mass protests over economic hardship, saying the rallies have turned violent and blaming “a few with a political agenda” for driving them. The protests, however, continued for a fourth day in a few places, including in...

Rights group says security forces have killed 9 as Nigeria protests over hardship enter a second day

Aug. 02, 2024 16:04 PM EDT

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigerian security forces clashed with protesters during mass demonstrations over the country's economic crisis, leaving at least nine people dead, a rights group said Friday. One police officer was killed as the military threatened to intervene to quell any violence. ...

Paul Kagame appears set to extend his long presidency of Rwanda in an election Monday

Jul. 12, 2024 00:16 AM EDT

KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) — Rwandans vote Monday in an election that will almost certainly extend the long rule of President Paul Kagame, who is running virtually unopposed after three decades in power in the eastern African nation. Kagame has been met by crowds of admiring supporters at...