Detained Chinese activist beaten by authorities

14 Feb 11 | Index Index, minipost

Prominent Chinese activist, Chen Guangcheng, and his wife are reported to have been severely beaten by security officials after a secretly recorded video of their house arrest was publicly released. Guangcheng was released in September 2010, after completing a four year prison sentence for publishing a report about forced abortions and sterilisations carried out by authorities. Both Guangcheng and his wife, Yuan Weijin, have been under house arrest since his release from prison.

Burma: Aung San Suu Kyi loses appeal

11 Nov 10 | Index Index, minipost

The latest appeal by Aung San Suu Kyi against her house arrest has been rejected by Burma’s top court. There is still hope that she will be released because her current detention order expires this weekend. Her youngest son has been permitted a visa to enter the country, leading to speculation he will be allowed to see his mother for the first time in 10 years. However, Suu Kyi’s lawyer has said she would not accept a release with conditions set to inhibit her political activity.