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Latest news from and about the homeland

Photograph: Screenshot/ BLA video A fresh wave of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances has been documented across Balochistan this month, as Baloch rights groups recorded the recovery of several bodies of men who had earlier been forcibly taken, and appealed once more to international institutions that have largely ignored the province. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC)…

Indonesian Muslims protest the burning of Islamic flag linked to banned organisation

Around a thousand Indonesian Muslims gathered for a protest in the capital Jakarta to protest against burning of an Islamic flag, linked to a banned organisation on Friday.

Protestors gathered to condemn the burning, which was captured in a viral video in which a member of the youth wing of Nahdlatual Ulama (NU) burnt a rival organisation’s flag which bore the Tauhid - an Islamic concept asserting that there is only one God. During the protest this was the message they chanted, “there is no God but Allah”.

Amnesty International offices raided in South India and bank accounts frozen

The Indian government has frozen the bank accounts of Amnesty International after an initial raid on its Bangalore office in Southern India on Thursday.

The Enforcement Directorate, India’s financial crime investigating agency, had conducted the search under suspicion that Amnesty had violated foreign direct investment guidelines. Critics have responded asserting that this is an attempt to crack down on dissident voices airing criticism of the governmen'ts conduct in Kashmir and at home.

The raid lasted for 10 hours and employees were told not to use their laptops or phones.

US revokes 21 visas of Saudi officials, threatens further sanctions over Khashoggi murder

The US is set to revoke visas of 21 Saudi officials thought to be involved in the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Having identified some of the Saudi government and security officials believed to be involved in the murder, the US State Department said 21 Saudis would have their visas revoked or be made ineligible for US visas.

Speaking to reporters, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, said,

Australia places high level sanctions on Myanmar military, follows EU/US lead

Australia has placed travel and financial sanctions on five of Myanmar’s most senior military officers who stand accused of overseeing violence against the Rohingya community.

The sanctions follow similiar actions by the European Union and United States placed on Myanmar’s military earlier this year.

A recent report by the UN accused Myanmar’s military of rapes and mass killings with ‘genocidal intent,' calling for its commander-in-chief and five generals to be prosecuted under international law.

UN accuses South Sudanese groups of committing war crimes

The United Nations accused the Sudan People’s Liberation Army and it armed opposition of committing war crimes, in a report released last week.

The report by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the UN Human Rights Office states that 900 people were abducted and 24,000 forced to flee their homes in the Western Equatoria region of South Sudan, as violence flared between the two sides.

UK, Germany and France condemn Khashoggi killing, Germany to suspend arms exports to Saudi Arabia

The UK, German and French Foreign ministers condemned the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with “the strongest possible terms” on Sunday.

In a joint statement, the ministers said,

“Nothing can justify this killing and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Defending freedom of expression and free press are key priorities for Germany, the United Kingdom and France. The threatening, attacking or killing of journalists under any circumstances, is unacceptable and of utmost concern to our three nations.”

59 killed and 57 injured in a train accident in Amritsar, Northern Punjab

Punjab’s chief minister, Amarinder Singh has confirmed the deaths of 59 people and the injuries of 57 in a railway incident on Friday.

On that day a train ran over a large crowd which had gathered to celebrate a major Hindu holiday.

Chief Minister Singh has thus far declined to comment on the reasons behind the accident and has told reporters on Saturday that an official inquiry would be undertaken and completed within four weeks.

Saudi Arabia claims Jamal Khashoggi died during a “fist-fight”

For the first time Saudi Arabia has confirmed the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi after initially providing strenuous denials.

Khashoggi, a journalist for the Washington Post and US resident, initially arrived in Saudi Arabia’s consulate to file in documents certifying that he had divorced his ex-wife so that he could remarry.

ICC warns Israel over demolition of Bedoiun village

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has warned the Israeli government over the “imminent” planned eviction of the Bedouin community of Khan al-Ahmar, in the West Bank. 

“I have been following with concern the planned eviction of the Bedouin community,” said ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda. “Evacuation by force now appears imminent, and with it the prospects for further escalation and violence.”

Swedish oil executives face charges for war crimes in Sudan

The Chief Executive and chairman of Swedish group Lundin Oil may face charges of war crimes, after the Swedish government paved the way for an indictment to be issued this week.

Alex Schneiter, the current CE of Lundin Oil and Ian Lundin, the chairman of the board, may be indicted, for war crimes committed in Sudan. Lundin Oil is accused of bankrolling the Sudanese army and several paramilitary groups that drove away locals from areas where the company planned to carry out oil exploration, and are accused of committing human rights abuses.

“Given the severity of the crime, justice must be allowed to run its course,” justice minister Morgan Johansson said.