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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)…

Swedish weapons in Burma despite EU arms embargo

An investigation has been launched to shed light on how new Swedish-made weapons entered Burma despite European Union sanctions on arms sales to Burma.

The Swedish Agency for Non-Proliferation and Export Controls (ISP) announced that an investigation had been launched after it received information about several weapons recovered by Kachin rebels from Burmese troops in the on-going conflict.

Tripoli clashes kill six

Violence between supporters of opposing Syrian groups has killed 6 people and injured 40 in the Lebanese capital Tripoli.

Existing sectarian tensions in Lebanon have increased since the escalation of the conflict in Syria.

Groups of young men were seen firing machine guns and rocket propelled grenades at each other in the Bab al-Tabbana area.

Genocide trial 'demonstrates Sweden's international responsibility'

The opening of Sweden's first genocide trial, where a 54-year-old man faces charges over his role in the Rwandan genocide, has been lauded by Amnesty International.

The trial will see the accused, face charges over alleged involvment in leading a Hutu militia in murdering Tutsi civilians.

In an interview with Swedish radio, Elisabeth Löfgren from Amnesty International Sweden commented,

Congolese rebel delegation miss second day of talks

Representatives of rebels attending peace talks with the Congolese government dodged a crucial meeting, in which the government was to respond to criticism that it was facing.

The Ugandan official Cripis Kiyonha, who was chosen to mediate the talks, after speaking to the rebel representatives,  said that the M23 had no interest in hearing what the Congolese delegation had to say.

Mursi annuls decree, but hold firm on referendum

The Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi announced that he would annul his decree that gave him sweeping powers, late on Saturday following days of mass protests and talks at the presidential palace.

However, the referendum on the draft constitution, due to be held on 15th December will go on as planned, despite opposition demands to postpone it. Many liberals walked out of the talks at this point, stating that their voices were not being heard.

South Sudan army kills protestors

The South Sudanese army has shot and killed 10 protestors in the northwest of the country.

Protestors blocked roads in the town of Wau after local government officials said they would move their offices to another location.

A UN spokesperson is reported by the BBC as saying that security personnel had demonstrated “excessive use of force”, whilst breaking up the protest on Saturday, killing four people.

Another six died when troops fired on another demonstration on Sunday.

China detains monk for ‘inciting’ self-immolations

A monk and his nephew have been arrested in Sichuan province for “goading” Tibetans to self-immolate in protest of China’s control over Tibet, reported Xinhua news agency.

Lorang Konchok (40) is said to have taken orders from the Dalai Lama and his followers, and recruited his nephew to encourage more protests.

Egypt opposition to boycott referendum

Egypt’s opposition, the National Salvation Front (NSF) has said that it will boycott the referendum on the new draft constitution.

Despite President Mursi’s decision to annul most of a controversial decree giving him sweeping powers, protests against him and the draft constitution have not receded.

Sameh Ashour, the head of the Lawyers Syndicate, in a statement on behalf of the NSF coalition, said:

EU human rights record slammed by Russia

Russia has attacked the EU’s failure to address human rights abuses in member states.

In a foreign ministry report, all 27 members of the EU are scrutinised using publications by the EU and NGOs.

A spokesman from the Russian foreign ministry said human rights and democratic freedoms were "continuing to deteriorate".

Syrian rebels choose new military commander

The Syrian opposition have chosen a new military commander to lead the fight against the Assad regime.

Brigadier Selim Idris is a former officer in the army, who defected during the uprising.

Idris was elected on Saturday by 30 military and civilian members of the military command at talks taking place in Antalya in Turkey. The talks have been attended by Western and Arab security officials.