10/12/2015 JAL 10/12/2015 JAL Case No Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply ECU 6/2015 Ecuador Environment; Freedom of expression; Freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; Human rights defenders; Violence against women; Alegaciones sobre actos de violencia física y verbal y actos de intimidación contra 20/04/2016 mujeres defensoras de derechos humanos. Según las informaciones recibidas, el 20 de octubre de 2015, Lina Solano, Maria Herlinda Gutama, Georgina Gutama, Elsa Urgilés, Nancy Gutama, Etelvina Misacango, Maria Mercedes Gutama y Maria Ángeles Gutama habrían participado en una manifestación pacífica en contra del proyecto minero ‘Rio Blanco’ cuando policías y agentes de seguridad publica las habrían agredido de manera física y verbal y las habrían retenido por más de dos horas. Agentes de seguridad pública las habrían amenazado con detenerlas diciendo que estaban fichadas. Se expresa grave preocupación por estas alegaciones que restringirían indebidamente sus derechos a la libertad de expresión y de la reunión pacífica y sus actividades en la promoción de los derechos humanos. IND 15/2015 India Cultural Rights; Freedom of expression; Human rights defenders; Alleged arrest and detention of a folk singer and activist, on charges of sedition for the lyrics of two of his recently released songs criticizing the Tamil Nadu state government and Chief Minister. According to the information received, Mr. S. Sivadas, also known by his stage name Kovan, was arrested in the night of 30 October 2015 at his home. The legal procedure for his arrest was not respected and a Habeas Corpus had to be filed by his lawyer. Mr. Kovan was released on bail on 16 November 2015. He has reportedly been charged with sedition, even though not yet formally, and is awaiting trial. Concern is raised that his arrest and detention may be related to his legitimate exercise of his rights to freedom of opinion and expression in the form of art, to take part in cultural life, and to the freedom indispensable for creative activities, as well as his work as a human rights defender. A/HRC/32/53 24 Date Type