CAIRO—When it comes to securing a second term in power, Egypt’s president is leaving little to chance.Potential rivals in the March election have been sidelined, jailed or threatened with prosecution. The news media is largely in his pocket. On polling day, Egyptians will have a choice between President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and one of his most ardent supporters — an obscure politician drafted at the eleventh hour to avoid the embarrassment of a one-horse race.As he cruises toward victory, el-Sissi need not worry either about foreign censure: President Donald Trump, who has hailed the Egyptian leader as a “fantastic guy,” and most other Western leaders have been largely silent.Across the world, autocratic leaders are engaging in increasingly brazen behaviour — rigging votes, muzzling the press and persecuting opponents — as they dispense with even a fig leaf of democratic practice once offered to placate the United States or gain international … [Read more...] about The world’s strongmen know Donald Trump won’t talk about human rights — so they’re not even pretending anymore
Human rights
Germany urges release of China human rights lawyer
BEIJING: Germany is calling on China to release a prominent human rights lawyer charged with inciting subversion of state power after posting a letter online urging democratic reforms. German human rights commissioner Barbel Kofler this week said Yu Wensheng is innocent of wrongdoing and had only sought to campaign for democratic reforms and ``support fellow citizens who were harassed for exercising their human rights.''Kofler said Yu should be released without delay and urged China to ``fully respect the civil rights guaranteed in the Chinese Constitution.''Yu was grabbed by police on Jan. 19 while preparing to take his 13-year-old son to school.Inciting subversion is a vaguely worded charge often used to muzzle dissent.China's Communist leaders have been cracking down heavily on independent legal activists in recent years. … [Read more...] about Germany urges release of China human rights lawyer
Toronto police board asks for report on sexual harassment policies following sergeant’s human rights complaint
In the wake of a female Toronto sergeant’s allegations that she worked in a “poisoned, sexist” environment, the Toronto police board has asked for a detailed report on the force’s sexual harassment policies — and asked the chief to determine if changes need to be made.“I think we can all agree that the community context around workplace sexual harassment is zero tolerance,” said police board member Shelley Carroll, who moved a motion at Thursday’s board meeting for an update on Toronto police sexual discrimination and harassment policies.Carroll’s motion came after a Toronto Star story detailing a veteran female police officer’s complaint to Ontario’s Human Rights Tribunal alleging sexual harassment and discrimination.Sgt. Jessica McInnis, 43, who has served nearly 20 years with the Toronto police, filed a complaint last month alleging that she was subjected to demeaning and discriminatory treatment, including a … [Read more...] about Toronto police board asks for report on sexual harassment policies following sergeant’s human rights complaint
Ottawa creates office to investigate human rights abuses linked to Canadian companies abroad
More than a decade after the federal government created a “toothless” position to police Canada’s oil and mining companies operating overseas, Ottawa has announced there’s a new sheriff in town.The Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) will be an independent officer who will investigate allegations of human rights abuses linked to Canadian corporations operating abroad. “To fly the Maple Leaf means something. It means being associated with a set of values,” said International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne in a news conference Wednesday.“This is an extraordinary brand to have in the world today,” he added. “But it also comes with responsibilities.”Unlike its predecessor, the Extractive Sector Corporate Social Responsibility Counsellor, the new position will not require the permission of a company to investigate. Nor will the ombudsperson need a complaint, as they will have the power to launch … [Read more...] about Ottawa creates office to investigate human rights abuses linked to Canadian companies abroad
Human Rights Watch raps PM’s cardboard dummy ‘joke’
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, known for his temperamental outbursts, has adopted a unique tactic to avoid tricky questions from reporters -- leave a cardboard cutout of himself for reporters to quiz. But the gesture has been criticised by Human Rights Watch, which said it shows the military junta chief's "contempt of media criticism".Seventeen life-sized cutouts of Gen Prayut have been set up around Government House ahead of Children's Day on Saturday. They show the prime minister in various outfits including sportswear, work suits and traditional Thai attire.On Monday, Gen Prayut spoke briefly at Government House before a cutout of himself in a suit and tie was brought out. The general, who is known for his abstruse sense of humour, then told journalists to refer any questions to the cardboard dummy representative."Ask this guy," he said. (Video YouTube/IBTimes UK)Reaction to the gesture was largely muted on social media on Tuesday but Human Rights Watch claimed it added to a … [Read more...] about Human Rights Watch raps PM’s cardboard dummy ‘joke’