On 16 April 2023, Yemeni journalists Akram al-Walidi, Abdelkhaleq Amran, Hareth Hamid, and Tawfiq al‑Mansouri were released as part of a prisoner exchange after being detained by the Huthi de facto authorities for more than seven years. Arrested in 2015, they were held without charge until December 2018. They were charged with a series of serious offenses, including “spying for Saudi Arabia”; which carries the death penalty, as well as “broadcasting rumours, fake news and statements in support of the enemy Saudi Arabia and its allies against the Republic of Yemen.” In April 2020 they were sentenced to death by the Specialized Criminal Court in Sana’a following a grossly unfair trial: their lawyer was barred from attending nearly all court sessions. Neither their lawyer nor their families were informed of the potential death sentence. The Specialized Criminal Appeals Division in Sana’a postponed appeal hearings at least 10 times. In July and September 2022, Tawfiq al-Mansouri was denied urgent medical treatment despite being critically ill. Amnesty has been campaigning alongside these journalists, their families and legal team since 2016.

Three women human rights defenders released

Zholia Parsi, Neda Parwani, and Parisa Azada were released in December 2023, two weeks after Amnesty International issued an Urgent Action on their behalf. The three women had been arbitrarily arrested and detained by the Taliban General Directorate of Intelligence for three months, and held without lawyers, regular family visits, or medical care. Their “crime” was simply peacefully ‘protesting’ the Taliban’s draconian policies and gender persecution in Afghanistan. During this period, they were exposed to the Taliban’s mental and physical torture and ill-treatment including sleep deprivation and solitary confinement. Under Taliban rule, there has been a significant increase in violations of women’s rights. The courage shown by these human rights defenders is inspiring.

Protestors’ convictions and death sentences overturned

On 20 June 2023, Mansour Hout and Nezamoldin Hout, from Iran’s oppressed Baluchi ethnic minority were released on bail after their convictions and death sentences were overturned by the Supreme Court. They had been sentenced to death in relation to the “Woman Life Freedom” uprising from September to December 2022 and Amnesty International campaigned successfully on their behalf since February 2023.

Activist and prisoner of conscience, Elias Bizimungu acquitted

Elias Bizimungu was acquitted by the Goma High Court and freed from prison on the evening of 29 May 2023. The court found that the charges against him – for peacefully exercising his rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly – were baseless and ordered his immediate release. Speaking to Amnesty’s Democratic Republic of Congo team, Elias said he’s happy to be free again, and extremely grateful to Amnesty International and its activists for their support.