Headlines 2 for Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Russian Protestors Call for Justice in Human Rights Lawyer Murder
Protestors filled Grozny Square to call for justice following yesterday’s murder of a leading Russian human rights lawyer. Stanislav Markelov was known in Chechnya as a voice for those abducted, tortured or killed by the Russian military and Russian-backed security forces. A young journalist, Anastasia Baburova, was also killed when she tried to intervene.

Rwandan Troops Enter Congo – Former Minister Get Life in 1994 Genocidal Slaughter
Troops from Rwanda moved into eastern Congo today to help disarm Hutu rebels. The UN says that they are working under a joint accord to repel the Hutu Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). The FDLR is thought to have around 6,000 fighters throughout North and South Kivu and funds itself through illegal mining in the mineral-rich east. Former Justice Minister Agnes Ntamabyariro has been sentenced to life in prison for her role in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.  She was arrested in 1997 and found guilty of conspiracy to plan the slaughter and delivering speeches inciting people to take part. Some 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed in 100 days.

Thai P.M. Pledges Investigation into Migrant Abuse
Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva promised today to investigate alleged abuses of migrants on the high seas, but also called immigration a national security issue. The Thai navy allegedly forced as many 1,000 migrants back out to sea in makeshift boat. In one case they are accused of forcing some 300 people onto a barge in the middle of the ocean leaving many to drown.

Kenyan School Teachers on Strike
In Kenya, some 230,000 teachers are striking in a wage dispute. Primary schools across the country are closed for a second day today. A dozen teachers were arrested yesterday. In Mombassa – tear gas was used to break up demonstrations.