A/HRC/18/19
2,
Guatemala
75.
Regarding the case of various indigenous organizations from Guatemala included in
my previous annual report,21 two special procedures mandate holders sent an urgent appeal
on 12 March 2010 expressing concern that the smear campaign against the abovementioned organizations could be linked to their participation in the seventy-sixth session
of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
76.
In a letter dated 21 May 2010, the Government of Guatemala replied to the urgent
appeal sent by the special rapporteurs. The Government acknowledged the facts and made
reference to a letter received by the human rights section of the Prosecutor's office with
information on the cases. The Prosecutor's office requested the police to urgently ensure the
safety of the organizations affected, as well as the physical and psychological integrity of
the individuals. The Government indicated its readiness to provide any further information
in the event that those affected decided to initiate legal proceedings.
3.
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
77.
With regard to the case of Ayatollah Sayed Hossein Kazemeyni Boroujerdi
mentioned in my previous report ,22 he was the subject of another communication sent on 5
May 2010 by several special rapporteurs.23 The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran
indicated by a letter dated 7 October 2010,24 that Mr. Boroujerdi had been arrested on
charges of establishing a sect with extremist persuasions, and acting and organizing efforts
to destroy public property, setting fire to a number of motorcycles and buses and concealing
two firearms. According to the Government, “he was sentenced to 10 years in prison after
completion of judicial proceedings. No person is prosecuted in the Islamic Republic of Iran
solely for his/her belief” or differences in ways of thinking. This case was further
mentioned in the report of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in the
Islamic Republic of Iran.25 At the time of writing of that report, the Iranian authorities
stated that Ayatollah Boroujerdi was in good health, had access to medical services,
enjoyed family visitation rights and had access to print and other forms of media.
4.
Kenya
78.
In his report on follow-up to country recommendations, onKenya), the Special
Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions referred to the killings of two
prominent human rights defenders – Oscar Kamau Kingara and John Paul Oulu – who were
mentioned in my previous annual report,26 with whom he had met.27
79.
The Special Rapporteur recalled that the Government had been requested to provide
information on the steps taken to ensure that all forms of violence, intimidation and
harassment against human rights defenders, particularly those who have cooperated with
the Special Rapporteur, were brought to an end. The Government had also been requested
to provide information on the investigations and criminal proceedings regarding the killing
of Mr. Kingara and Mr. Oulu. Two years later, the Government has yet to respond to the
communication.
21
A/HRC/14/19, para. 23.
Ibid., para. 27.
23
A/HRC/16/52/Add.1, para. 79.
24
Ibid., para. 99.
25
A/65/370, para. 5.
26
A/HRC/14/19, paras 29-36.
27
A/HRC/17/28/Add.4, para. 49.
22
13
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