Tag: human rights

Turkey’s Endless Test with Artistic Freedom: The Case of Sezen Aksu

Deniz Polat Ankara University On New Year’s Day, Sezen Aksu, Turkey’s most famous composer/lyricist/singer artist, released a new version of an old song, “Living is a Wonderful Thing” on YouTube. The release antagonized pro-government religious groups in Turkey, and a huge debate erupted in the country. The reason for the controversy is the following lyrics: “With… Read More Turkey’s Endless Test with Artistic Freedom: The Case of Sezen Aksu

Dilip

The Sun will protect Jeremy Clarkson. Who will protect women who suffer violence every day?

Women are sexually assaulted on a daily basis. Rape Crisis has reported that one in four women is raped or sexually assaulted as an adult; in March 2022, 70,330 rape cases were reported to the police. According to the charity, 618,000 women are raped or sexually assaulted every year. The criminal justice system consistently fails to protect… Read More The Sun will protect Jeremy Clarkson. Who will protect women who suffer violence every day?

Dilip

Iranian actor Taraneh Alidoosti arrested after criticism of death penalty

Patrick Wintour Taraneh Alidoosti, one of Iran’s most famous actors, has been detained by security forces in Tehran days after she criticised the state’s use of the death penalty against protesters. She had previously posted a picture of herself on her Instagram page in which she was not wearing the hijab and holding a piece… Read More Iranian actor Taraneh Alidoosti arrested after criticism of death penalty

Dilip

Evidence Planted On Activist Stan Swamy’s Laptop, Claims US Report

A new report by an American forensic firm shows that multiple incriminating documents were planted in the computer of Father Stan Swamy, the 83-year-old activist-priest who was arrested for alleged terror links in 2020 and who died in custody a year later. The report blasts a hole in the National Investigation Agency (NIA)’s charges against… Read More Evidence Planted On Activist Stan Swamy’s Laptop, Claims US Report

Dilip

Patriotism as a diagnosis

Stanislav Markelov First posted February 21, 2019 When a nation is filled with strife, then do patriots flourish: Lao-Tzu, Chinese Philosopher (601-531 BC) This is the last article written by Russian activist lawyer Stanislav Markelov before he was shot dead in central Moscow a decade ago. On 19 January 2009, as Markelov and Baburova walked… Read More Patriotism as a diagnosis

Dilip

On the Salwa Judum (2008)

First posted May 26, 2013 By Dilip Simeon; published in Hindustan Times, 28 April 2008 The Supreme Court’s observations (March 31) regarding the armed group named ‘Salwa Judum’ affect not only the state of Chhatisgarh, where this group operates, but pose questions to major actors across the political spectrum. Admitting  two public interest petitions on… Read More On the Salwa Judum (2008)

Dilip