Briefing Notes Group 62 - Information Centre for Asylum and Migration - BAMF
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Group 62 – Information Centre for Asylum and Migration
Briefing Notes
20. January 2020
Afghanistan
Taliban offer temporary ceasefire
According to press reports, the Taliban wish to resume peace talks with the U.S.; an agreement on a U.S. troop
withdrawal from Afghanistan could be signed by the end of January 2020. The Taliban have offered the U.S.
a ceasefire of seven or ten days. In addition, they have agreed to an unspecified reduction in violence, a
condition imposed by the U.S. for the resumption of direct negotiations.
However, numerous clashes and attacks have occurred in the past week, such as on 14.01.20, when five
employees of an Afghan state-run power company were killed when a roadside bomb exploded in the Shahr-
e-Safa district of the southern province of Zabul. No-one claimed responsibility for the attack. At least eight
civilians were killed in another attack in the town of Mazar-e Sharif on 14.01.20.
Hijab-wearing campaign launched in Herat
Mawlawi Mujibur Rahman Ansari from Herat has launched a campaign promoting strict observance of Islamic
law. The campaign is aimed particularly at women who do not wear the Islamic Hijab. He called on everyone
to punish women who do not meet this requirement.
The well-known Islamic cleric founded a centre for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. The
name alludes to a ministry set up by the Taliban during their rule, whose staff were notorious for their rigorous
treatment of women.
The Afghan Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs stressed that the campaign has not been coordinated.
China
Hong Kong: protests
Thousands of people took to the streets in the Central district to take part in a rally against the Chinese
Communist Party on 19.01.20. When violent incidents occurred, the police prematurely cancelled the
authorised event using pepper spray, tear gas and rubber bullets. The organiser of the rally was arrested.
Columbia
Human rights defenders murdered
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) of the UN announced on 14.01.20 that a
total of 107 human rights defenders were murdered in Colombia in 2019. 13 further cases, which are still under
investigation, could bring the number up to 120. At least 10 were reportedly killed during the first 13 days of
January. Victims were often people advocating on behalf of specific community, ethnic, indigenous and Afro-
Colombian groups (descendants of African slaves). Human rights defenders have been murdered in 25 of the
32 provinces, especially in rural areas abandoned by the rebel organisation Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias
de Colombia (FARC) since the peace agreement was signed with the government in 2016, where drug cartels,
criminal gangs and other armed groups are now active. More than half the killings took place in four provinces
– Antioquia, Arauca, Cauca and Caquetá. 115 human rights defenders were reportedly murdered in 2018.
1India
Christian hymn celebrating Republic Day dropped
The Hindu nationalist-led government has abolished a traditional Christian hymn which has been played by a
military band as the culmination of the Republic Day celebrations for decades.
Protests and action against new citizenship law
Protests against the amended Citizenship Act (cf. BN of 16.12.19), which entered into force on 10.01.20,
continued sporadically.
The southern state of Kerala has appealed to the Supreme Court on the grounds that the new law violates the
religious neutrality enshrined in the constitution.
India/Pakistan
Kashmir conflict remains a bilateral issue
On 15.01.20, the UN Security Council - following renewed consultations on the bilateral Kashmir conflict
between India and Pakistan after a nudge from China - came to the conclusion, as it had already done in August
2019, that this should not become an international issue.
A report published by the OHCHR in July 2019 expressed serious concern about abuse perpetrated by state
security forces and armed groups in both Indian and Pakistani Kashmir. India denied these allegations and
failed to address the core issue of international terrorism.
India is increasingly instrumentalising the fight against terrorism. At the turn of the year, former army chief
General Bipin Rawat was offered a newly created post as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Observers assume
that the concept of national security in India will be redefined in the future. In this context, the strengthening
of the Hindu-radical National Volunteer Organisation (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, RSS) is also viewed
with criticism.
Iran
Iranian artists boycotting the government
More and more Iranian artists are boycotting the upcoming international festivals in Tehran or are refusing to
cooperate with the state-run radio station in order to voice their criticism of the political events of recent
months. The internationally renowned filmmaker Massoud Kimiai was one of the first Iranian artists to declare
in a video on 11.01.20 that his latest film would not be screened at the festival. Musicians are also showing
solidarity. The pop singer and composer Alireza Assar, who had already cancelled a concert due to the
November riots, also cancelled his concerts on 12.01.20 and 15.01.20. Finally, the long-standing presenter and
TV producer Gelareh Jabbari announced on Instagram the same day that she would cease cooperating with the
state-run broadcasting company.
MPs excluded from re-election
The Guardian Council (which ensures the compatibility of the legislation and candidates for political office
with the criteria of Islam and the Constitution) excluded 90 of the 290 incumbent legislators from running
again in the parliamentary elections to be held on 20.02.20. They are accused of committing economic crimes
and financial offences, according to the spokesperson of the Council, Abbas Ali Kadkhodaie, on 12.01.20.
According to Kadkhodaie, more than 14,000 candidates were examined, 34% were admitted to the
parliamentary elections. According to the Sahamnews website, which is affiliated with the 2009 presidential
candidate Mehdi Karroubi who is currently under house arrest, the Council has set a new record by excluding
him from the elections. Reform politician Azar Mansoori said that nearly all prominent reform politicians had
been classified as “unqualified” by the Guardian Council. Mansoori is not allowed to run in the election either.
Opposition and reform-oriented forces have been condemning the activities of the Guardian Council for years.
It represents the interests of the ultra-conservative wing of the Islamic regime.
2Three Iranian women detained
The mother of Mostafa Karim Beigi, who was killed by a bullet to the head during the protests against the
controversial presidential elections in 2009, has been serving a one-year sentence in Tehran’s Evin prison since
16.01.20. Shahnaz Akmali had been sentenced to imprisonment in October 2019 for “propaganda against the
regime and misleading public opinion”. Since the death of her son, she had been heavily involved in seeking
justice for her son. According to the verdict, she is not allowed to leave the country, to become politically
active or to participate in social networks. The wives of two political prisoners, who had demanded the release
of their husbands on 16.01.20 with a sit-in before the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Mashhad in north-west
Iran, were also arrested. The men, along with 12 other political activists, had demanded the resignation of
revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an open letter written in spring. Several persons who signed
the letter have since been arrested. Some of them have already been in detention for five months.
Person who filmed video of plane downing arrested near Teheran
According to a statement issued by Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards on 14.01.20, the person who videoed the
shooting down of the Ukrainian passenger aircraft on 08.01.20 near Tehran has been arrested. The Iranian
judicial spokesman said several persons had been arrested prior to this.
Iraq
Protests intensify as ultimatum runs out
Anti-government demonstrators in Nasriyah issued an ultimatum to the Iraqi government to appoint a new
prime minister by 19.01.20. When the government, which is now only acting in a caretaker capacity, failed to
respond, demonstrators blocked main roads connecting Baghdad with the southern provinces. Since 01.10.19,
local reports claim that more than 669 people have been killed and more than 25,000 have been injured in the
protests. Targeted attacks, assassinations and abductions of activists have also been reported. On 18.01.20, the
activist Nahawand Turki, who became known for leading demonstrations, managed to escape an assassination
attempt in Nasriyah (Dhi Qar).
Turkish air strikes on Sinjar
On 15.01.20, at least four militiamen were killed in a Turkish air strike on a military vehicle of the Yezidi
militia YBŞ (Yazidi Shingal Protection Units) in Sinune (Sinjar). According to Kurdish media, a Yezidi
commander of the YBŞ, Zardasht Shingali, and four other fighters are said to have been killed in the attack.
One civilian was wounded. The Yezidi militia, YBŞ, was founded in 2014 to fight ISIS and reportedly has
close ties to the Kurdish groups YPG and PKK. The Turkish Air Force routinely carries out air strikes in the
Sinjar region (cf. BN of 11.11.19).
Kazakhstan
Demonstrations for increases in social benefits for families
At least 50 persons, including many women, gathered in the capital Nur-Sultan on 13.01.20 to take part in a
demonstration for an increase in state social benefits for families. It is the second such rally to be held in
January alone. The demands of the demonstrators included higher state support payments for large families,
single mothers, mothers of disabled children and mothers on low income. Police prevented the demonstrators
from moving to the Presidential Administration building. Poor living conditions and difficulties in earning a
living have repeatedly triggered protests since the beginning of 2019.
Kyrgyzstan/Tajikistan
Clashes in the Batken border region
In the aftermath of violent clashes between residents on both sides of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, demonstrators
on the Kyrgyz side called on their government to provide greater security for the disputed border section in
the Batken region. On 11.01.20, Kyrgyz authorities reportedly detained four local residents for involvement in
the clashes and charged them with hooliganism. As a result, dozens of demonstrators in the centre of the
3Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek demanded the release of these people and the resignation of the Deputy Prime
Minister. On 14.01.20, he had agreed with representatives of Tajikistan that both countries would start
negotiations on a land swap to end the long-standing border dispute between the two countries that involved
shootings and fatalities. According to the agreement, the areas to be swapped are to be delimited by 01.03.20
(cf. BN of 13.01.20).
Lebanon
Many wounded in clashes between security forces and protestors
Clashes between anti-government demonstrators and security forces have intensified in the centre of Beirut
since 15.01.20. In Beirut’s banking district, demonstrators smashed bank windows, damaged ATMs and threw
stones and fireworks at security forces. Anti-riot forces responded with water cannons, as well as rubber bullets
and a round of tear gas. Two journalists were injured by rubber bullets; others reported that they were attacked
by security forces. On 16.01.20, journalists demonstrated in front of the Ministry of the Interior against attacks
by security forces. According to the Lebanese Red Cross, 220 people were injured in Beirut during the night
of 17.01.20, 80 of them seriously. The previous protests, most of which were peaceful, are threatening to
escalate in view of the tense economic situation and the political stalemate.
Libya
LNA shuts down several pipelines
Troops of the Libyan National Army (LNA) have shut down several important pipelines of the National Oil
Company leading to the port of Zawiya, which belongs to the Government of National Accord (GNA). As a
result, the NOC had to suspend production in several southern oil fields, including the al-Fil oil field, in order
to prevent further damage.
Apparently, the NOC’s oil revenues in the GNA area are to be reduced. The NOC itself is neutral, its revenues
are used to finance public tasks throughout Libya, especially the salaries of state officials. This is intended to
put additional pressure on the GNA.
Montenegro
Journalists arrested
Three journalists were arrested within days of each other in the first half of January 2020. According to media
reports, the journalist Anđela Đikanović and the journalists Gojko Raičević and Dražen Živković are accused
of publishing false reports with the aim of causing panic and public disorder. All three have since been released.
However, the proceedings that have been instituted are still ongoing. If convicted, they face fines or
imprisonment.
The arrests, criticised by Montenegrin professional associations and the opposition, occurred at a time of high
social tension. Tens of thousands of people across the country are protesting against the so-called Freedom of
Religious Law (cf. BN of 13.01.20), which was passed by parliament in the last days of 2019 despite protests
by opposition parties and the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Observers rate this development as an endeavour to step up pressure the media that have been facing for some
time. They point out that Montenegro is one of the few countries in Europe whose governing party has not
changed after every election. In the past ten years, Montenegro has dropped more than 50 places in the RSF
Press Freedom Index and currently ranks only 104th.
North Macedonia
Transitional government promises democratic parliamentary elections
Early parliamentary elections are to be held on 12.04.20 following the resignation of Prime Minister Zoran
Zaev on 03.01.20 and the People’s Parliament is to elect a transitional government on the same day. Zaev
announced his resignation in October 2019 when the previously promised launch of EU accession negotiations
4with North Macedonia and Albania was rejected by the Council of EU heads of state and government due to
the French refusal and opposition by the Netherlands and Denmark. The transitional government is headed by
the former Social Democratic Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski. Nake Culev from the national-conservative
Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organisation - Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (VMRO-
DPMNE) took over his office. According to Spasovski, his transitional government will continue the reforms
launched by Zaev towards a state offering equal rights to its citizens, and will do everything possible to ensure
that proper, fair and democratic elections are held.
Venice Commission points out risks of the new language law
At the end of 2019, the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe issued an expert opinion on the new
language law in Northern Macedonia. Since its entry into force at the beginning of 2019, the law regulates
linguistic minority rights in North Macedonia, including the constitution of Albanian as a second official
language and grants members of the Albanian minority the right to insist on use of their mother tongue in
dealings with the authorities. According to recent press reports, the Commission urges the Macedonian
authorities to re-examine parts of the new language law and to abandon the provisions on bilingualism in
judicial proceedings. In this respect, the Commission said the judiciary could face paralysis if the entire judicial
system, including possible preliminary investigations, submissions and all correspondence, had to be converted
to bilingualism in all parts of the country, i.e. even in places where hardly any Albanians live, if a single party
involved demanded this. The party of the Albanian minority DUI - junior partner in the recently resigned
government coalition under Zoran Zaev - had vehemently opposed a call for the revision of the language law.
Pakistan
Pakistan court overrules Pervez Musharraf death sentence
On 13.01.20, a court in Lahore (Punjab) overruled the death sentence imposed against former President of
Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf. in December 2019 (cf. BN of 13.01.20). The court ruled that the
formation of the special tribunal that handed down the sentence was unconstitutional.
Russian Federation
People arrested at commemorative march
Approximately 1,500 people took part in a march in Moscow on 19.01.20 to commemorate the human rights
lawyer Stanislav Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova who were killed by Russian neo-Nazis more
than a decade ago. This year, however, some of the marchers used the event to declare their opposition to
constitutional changes proposed on 15.01.20 by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Some of the participants protested against the persecution of political activists and the constitutional reform
planned by President Vladimir Putin, which is aimed at reorganising the political options of parliament, the
government and the President which critics see as an attempt by Putin to cling to power. At least ten people
were detained by police. The opposition activist Konstantin Fokin had already been arrested previously.
Two prison guards handed prison sentences
A court in Yaroslavl convicted a Russian prison guard to three and a half years in prison for beating three
inmates on 17.01.20. The man belongs to a group of 17 former prison guards of a correctional colony who
were arrested in 2018 after a video released showing them beating a prisoner caused public outrage. Two days
earlier, another prison guard had been sentenced to four years in prison.
Somalia
Bombings
At least three Somali government soldiers were killed and two wounded when a bomb exploded in the vicinity
of Elasha Biyaha on the outskirts of Mogadishu. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that
it was targeting Turkish officials. There were no Turkish casualties.
5On 18.01.20, an al-Shabaab suicide bomber attacked Turkish workers at a construction site on a road near
Afgoye (30 km from Mogadishu). Most of the victims were Somali police officers who were responsible for
the safety of the Turkish workers, but Turkish nationals were also among the dead. Four persons were killed
and many more were wounded.
Increase in the number of journalists arrested in 2019
According to the Somali Journalist Syndicate (SJS), 38 journalists were arrested in Somalia (not including
Somaliland) in 2019 compared to 16 in 2018. Most of the journalists were arrested while reporting on
bombings or attacks, but some were reporting on corruption. In most cases, journalists are not charged and are
released after hours or days.
Sudan
Government quells mutiny by security agents
On 14.01.20, former members of the General Intelligence Service (GIS), who were stationed in a barracks in
Kafour (north of Khartoum) and in a barracks near the international airport of Khartoum, refused to leave.
They belonged to the Operations Corps of the GIS, which was equipped with combat weapons. Shooting could
be heard constantly throughout the night in Khartoum. The airport was closed. On 15.01.20, the mutiny was
stopped by security forces loyal to the government. According to army sources, two soldiers were killed and
four were wounded. After the events, the former head of the GIS, General Abu Bakr Dumblab, resigned. On
16.01.20, the former head of the military intelligence service, General Jamal Abdul Majeed, was appointed the
new head of the GIS. The mutineers are said to have rebelled against their financial compensation and
severance pay after their unit was to be dissolved.
Syria
Idlib: ceasefire breaks down after only two days
On 15.01.20, Russian jets again attacked targets in southern Idlib. Russia had previously announced that
civilians in the affected areas could return to areas under the complete control of the Assad government via a
total of three checkpoints and warned opposition rebel groups to allow people to leave Idlib if they wanted to.
Turkey, however, said it was working on another alternative for the people in Idlib: this involved agreeing a
deal with Russia to set up a safe zone where people could survive the winter.
According to rebel groups, on 15.01.20, at least 15 people were killed and 65 injured during Syrian army
bombardment, reportedly targeting a market in the provincial capital Idlib. At least three other civilians were
reportedly killed in further bombing of numerous other localities in Idlib.
Northeast: three Turkish soldiers killed in car bomb attack
On 16.01.20, a car bomb exploded in the village of Suluk, approximately 10 km southeast of Tal Abyad. The
Turkish Ministry of Defence said that three members of the Turkish military had been killed in the attack, for
which no-one has as yet claimed responsibility.
Turkey
Arrests
According to reports issued by the state news agency Anadolu, a police search operation targeting at least
207 people was carried out in numerous cities on 14.01.20. By late morning, 137 people had already been
detained over suspected links to the Gülen movement in connection with the attempted coup in 2016. The
majority of those facing arrest are reported to be soldiers, including six F-16 fighter pilots. According to
government sources, more than 18,600 state employees have been dismissed from their posts since the coup
attempt.
6Ukraine
Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk’s resignation offer rejected
The resignation offer submitted by Prime Minister Olexsiy Honcharuk on 17.01.20 was rejected by President
Volodymyr Zelensky that same evening on the grounds that he had decided to give Honcharuk a second
chance. The resignation offer came after a leaked audiotape recording surfaced earlier in the week of a meeting
between Honcharuk and other senior officials, also attended by a number of ministers. The recording appeared
to show Honcharuk criticising President Zelensky, saying he only had a very primitive grasp of economics and
“fog” in his head. The 41-year-old president, in office since April 2019, was in fact a successful actor,
comedian and TV producer without any political experience or economic background. Honcharuk himself also
has little experience of economics; he studied law and worked in the private real estate market. While
Honcharuk sees himself as a victim of intrigue owing to the publication of the recordings, there is wide-ranging
speculation as to who might be behind their publication.
Yemen
Dozens killed in army camp attack
A missile attack on a mosque inside the al-Istiqbal military camp in the city of Marib, killed and wounded a
large number of persons on 18.01.20. According to one source, about 100 people were killed and another 80
injured. Houthi rebels are thought to be behind the attack, the deadliest to be carried out in the government-
controlled city since the beginning of the war.
Group 62 – Information Centre for Asylum and Migration
Briefing Notes
BN-Redaktion@bamf.bund.de
7You can also read
