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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)…

Justice for Rwanda genocide provides justice to world - US

Welcoming the recent conviction and sentencing of two former Rwandan politicians for the 1994 genocide, the US State Department described the ruling as an "important step in providing justice and accountability", not just to the victims, but to the international community.

Israel debates Armenian Genocide recognition

The Israeli parliament today discussed the recognition of the killings of Armenians in 1915 as genocide.

Members of the Education and Culture Committee failed to make a decision, amidst warnings by the foreign ministry about damaging the already tense relationship with Turkey.

Genocide in Syria - Arab League observer

One of the fifty Arab League observers visiting Damascus called the Assad regime's killings a genocide.

Speaking to Al Arabiya broadcaster on Monday, Mostashar Mahgoub said,

"what's happening in Syria is genocide."

"This is a regime is taking revenge on its people."

Another 'Dirty War' suspect to face justice - Argentina

An ex-military officer in Argentina's 'Dirty War' has been arrested by authorities in Boliva, on charges of human rights violations.

The officer, Luis Enrique Baraldini, was extradited to Argentina, after Bolivian Interior Minister, Wilfredo Chavez, presented a handcuffed Baraldini at a press conference in La Paz.

Chavez said Baraldini "was a member of the epoch of dictatorship in Argentina and has therefore been charged in that country."

Tens of thousands protest against election fraud in Moscow

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Moscow on Saturday, condemning election fraud and demanding a repeat election.

Wearing white ribbons and chanting slogans such as "We are the Power!" and "Russia without Putin", protesters called for an end to Putin's 12-year rule.

The protest, with no central leader, is considered to be the most largest show of public condemnation since those against the Soviet Union over 20 years ago. Saturday's protest was larger than the previous protest on 10th December, against vote rigging in the recent elections.

First observers arrive in Syria as hundreds more are killed

A delegation from members of the Arab League has arrived in Syria in order to prepare for the arrival of 20 foreign observers over the weekend, a number that will eventually increase to 500.

The observers will judge whether Syria is implementing a peace plan it agreed to after pressure by the Arab League and Turkey.

The plan includes withdrawal of troops from the streets, release of prisoners, and dialogue with the opposition.

Turkey cuts ties as France passes Genocide bill

The French National Assembly has passed a bill outlawing the denial of Genocide and war crimes that are accepted as such by the French government.

The bill has to go before the Senate next year, before becoming law; however it is thought to be unlikely to be passed by the senate.

The Turkish government has reacted by cutting all ties with France after Thursday’s vote.

‘I am sorry for the role I played in Fallujah’ – U.S. Marine

"It has been seven years since the end of the second siege of Fallujah – the US assault that left the city in ruins, killed thousands of civilians, and displaced hundreds of thousands more; the assault that poisoned a generation, plaguing the people who live there with cancers and their children with birth defects.

Sweden 'no safe haven' - chief war crimes investigator

Swedish police have arrested a man, of both Swedish and Rwandan citizenship, who is accused of involvement in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

The arrest took place on Thursday, at Bromma Airport, by Stockholm, and is the third such case since a special war crimes commission was initiated.

Chief investigator, Anders Wretling, said,

"We're happy to be able to give a clear signal that Sweden is no safe haven for war criminals,"

Baluchistan solution to Pakistan problem – US former diplomat

The permanent solution to the Pakistan problem … lies in 20th-century history. ... The answer to the current Pakistani train wreck is to continue this natural process [of Bangladesh gaining independence from Pakistan] by recognizing Baluchistan’s legitimate claim to independence.”

- M. Chris Mason, a retired diplomat and a senior fellow at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies in Washington DC.