Over the past month, ProtectDefenders.eu has received a considerable and growing number of reports regarding attacks, threats, and alerts affecting human rights defenders in India. This information alerts to the numerous acts of police and judicial harassment in the repression of legitimate activities in favor of human rights. Among other incidents, police harassment and arbitrary detention of human rights defenders were reported in Manipur State, in relation to statements made to criticise the management of the current COVID-19 pandemic by local authorities.
Safoora Zargar, a 27-years old student and woman human rights defender unjustly detained since 10 April, is one of the OMCT’s campaign #FacesOfHope
Our monthly digest also highlights with great concern the situation of human rights defenders in Guatemala, after numerous alerts reported in the country. Among other, the threats, digital attacks and acts of intimidation against human rights lawyer Esteban Celada, or the acts of stigmatization and defamation against the Peasants’ Committee of the Highlands (CCDA) and against its leader, Ms Lesbia Artola.
Overall, at least 50 new incidents, including physical attacks, threats, and acts of harassment have been recorded in our Index of Attacks over the past month.
