Date Type Case No Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted KAZ 4/2011 03/10/2011 Kazakhstan JUA Arbitrary detention; Freedom of expression; Human rights defenders; Independence of judges and lawyers; Alleged investigation, arrest and sentencing of human rights defenders. According to the information received, Mr. Vadim Kuramshin, journalist and campaigner for the rights of prisoners, was arrested on two occasions over the weekend of 6-8 August 2011. He has reportedly been investigating alleged cases of torture and mistreatment of prisoners. He was reportedly informed that he was to face charges of “organising a criminal group”. The trial of Ms. Natalya Sokolova, lawyer and legal representative for the trade union representing employees of the Karazhanbasmunbay oil company, was reportedly heard during the first week of August. She was reportedly charged with “inciting social conflict” and sentenced to six years in prison. Ms. Sokolova was the subject of an earlier communication (see above, KAZ 2/2011). During the month of August, the Almaty City Police reportedly launched a series of investigations against Messrs. Ainur Kurmanov and Esenbek Ushtekbaev and a number of other activists, allegedly as a result of their work with the “Leave people‟s homes alone” campaign. ETH 4/2011 05/10/2011 Ethiopia JUA Arbitrary detention; Freedom of expression; Freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; Human rights defenders; Terrorism; Torture; Alleged arrests, detention and charges under anti-terrorism legislation of journalists and opposition politicians. According to the information received, journalist Mr. Sileshi Hagos was arrested on 9 September 2011, and on 14 September 2011, journalist Mr. Eskinder Nega and opposition politicians Messrs. Andualem Arage, Nathanial Mekonnen, Asaminew Behanu and Zemene Molla were arrested.There were reported concerns that Mr. Nega may have been subjected to ill-treatment while in detention. Journalists Mr. Woubshet Taye, Ms. Reeyot Alemu, Mr. Martin Schibbye, Mr. Johan Persson, and opposition politician Mr. Zerihun Gebre-Egzabiher were allegedly charged under anti-terrorism legislation, which carry sentences of up to twenty years of imprisonment. It is reported that Mr. Taye may have been tortured by State officials while he was interrogated in prison, Ms. Alemu‟s physical and mental health reportedly deteriorated and she allegedly had no access to doctors. Another six individuals were reportedly being detained at the Maikelawi Federal Police Central Investigation Centre on accusations of involvement with a banned political party and were allegedly at risk of ill-treatment. Reportedly, dozens of further people, including opposition party members, were arrested on accusations of terrorism, in March, August and early September 2011. Reply A/HRC/19/44 87