Thaksin Shinawatra’s eight-year punishment was reduced to one year, days after his return from self-imposed exile. He remains one of the country’s most influential politicians.
Tag: Amnesties, Commutations and Pardons
Egypt’s President Pardons an Arab Spring Activist After Nearly 10 Years in Prison
Ahmed Douma was one of the best-known faces of Egypt’s 2011 uprising. Rights groups say thousands of political prisoners remain detained under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Spain’s Election Puts Focus on Leading Parties’ Allies
Before voting Sunday, a focus on the leading parties’ allies has dominated the campaign — and obscured debate about more fundamental issues.
Egypt Pardons Patrick Zaki and Mohamed el-Baqer
One of the presidential pardons came just a day after a graduate student was sentenced to three years for writing an article critical of the government.
Thousands of Guns Turned in After 2 Mass Shootings in Serbia
The unregistered weapons were handed over to the authorities as the government vows to disarm the country after two mass shootings.
Paul Rusesabagina, ‘Hotel Rwanda’ Dissident, Lands in Qatar
His release ended more than two and a half years of captivity, during which he was tried on terrorism charges and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Thai Hunger Strikers Calling for Changes to Monarchy Are at Risk of Dying
The two young women have not had food for 44 days, part of a campaign urging the government to repeal a law that criminalizes criticizing the royal family.
Iran Announces Amnesty, but It May Not Spare Many Protesters
While the government said tens of thousands of prisoners were to be freed or get reduced sentences, rights advocates suggested the move was a sham.
Economic Neglect and Political Instability Unraveled Tunisia’s Democracy
Tensions across the religious-secular fault lines in the country could not be reconciled, and freely elected leaders failed to deliver on the 2011 uprising’s cry for bread, freedom and dignity.
After Years of Languishing in Egypt’s Prisons, a Sudden Release
Political prisoners in Egypt live under constant uncertainty about how long they will be detained. So freedom often comes as a big, and welcome, surprise.