Azimjan Askarov is a Kyrgyz HRD working against corruption and for civil and political rights in the country, including for the ethnic minority Uzbek population.  He was arrested during the violent clashes in southern Kyrgyzstan in 2010 between ethnic Uzbeks and Kyrgyz, though he had long been targeted by the authorities because of his human rights work.  Read more about his persecution on his case history page.  Masha Chichtchenkova is Front Line Defenders Protection Coo

Front Line Defenders is extremely saddened and would like to express its deep condolences for the sudden death of renowned human rights defender from the Philippines, Mr. Max de Mesa, on 28 September 2016.

Yolanda Baranco Hernández nunca olvidará la mañana del 18 de mayo de 2013. Primero escuchó un estruendo, siete hombres, que portaban armas de grueso calibre, derribaron la puerta de su hogar. Buscaban a Damián Gallardo Martínez, su esposo. No presentaron orden judicial, solo dijeron que debían arrestarle y se lo llevaron.

Between 4-5 September the leaders of 19 of the world’s largest economies and representatives from the European Union meet in Hangzhou in eastern China to discuss global financial stability and international economic policy. It is the first time that China is hosting a G20 Summit and it is another opportunity for it to announce its arrival on the world stage. Millions of dollars are being spent to ensure the city is picture-postcard perfect for the arrival of the dignitaries.