Draconian

UN Human Rights Chief Condemns Mali’s Political Party Ban as ‘Draconian’ Move Amid Rising Repression

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BAMAKO, Mali — The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has sharply criticized Mali’s recent blanket ban on political parties as a severe infringement on fundamental rights, raising alarms about its potential to stifle dissent and entrench authoritarian governance. Türk urged Mali’s transitional authorities to revoke the controversial decree and release individuals held on politically motivated charges. He emphasized that restrictions on political participation must align with Mali’s international human rights commitments. The High Commissioner also stressed the importance of conducting transparent investigations into human rights violations, reinforcing that victims deserve access to … Read more

Minnesota Media Companies Rally Against Draconian Court Restrictions in Trooper Murder Case, Citing Violation of First Amendment Rights

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – A coalition of media companies in Minnesota is urging a judge to reject strict limitations on public access to court documents in the murder case against state trooper Ryan Londregan. The media coalition argues that these restrictions would violate the press freedoms protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The media attorney representing the coalition, Leita Walker, filed the court motion on Friday, following Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty’s request to seal filings in the case temporarily. Moriarty’s office claimed that this step was necessary to prevent the disclosure … Read more