Central America
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Huan banner at SWF

A group of UN human rights experts, including the special rapporteurs on freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and extrajudicial exections, issued a statement urging the government of Nicaragua to "stop the repression" following 100 days of unrest in which at least 317 have been killed and 1,830 injured. "Reports indicate that there has been an increase in targeted repression, criminalization and alleged arbitrary detention, which is creating an atmosphere of fear," the statement said. "We are appalled that many human rights defenders, journalists and other opposition voices are being criminalized and accused of unfounded and overly punitive charges such as 'terrorism'." (Poto via Noticiias ONU)

The Amazon

Peru reconsiders controversial Amazon oil project

Peru’s Energy Ministry announced that Anglo-French Perenco’s Amazon oil pipeline project needs to be “reevaluated” due to falling prices. The project is slated for an area where uncontacted tribes are said to exist.

The Andes

Bolivia: new constitution approved

President Evo Morales declared an end to the “colonial state” in Bolivia as voters approved his new constitution by a 62% majority, granting unprecedented rights to indigenous peoples.

The Caribbean

Latin America: reactions as Obama takes office

Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva appealed to Obama to lift the Cuba embargo, while Cuba’s Fidel Castro said “despite [Obama’s] noble intentions,” fundamental contradictions remain in the capitalist system.

The Caribbean

Cuba: Fidel Castro reappears

On Jan. 21 Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Castro met with former Cuban president Fidel Castro Ruz during a brief visit to Havana. In a column published the same day, Castro said his discussion with Fernández was “intense and interesting,… Read moreCuba: Fidel Castro reappears

The Andes

Colombia: ex-mayor guilty in 2003 murder

Julio César Ardila Torres, the former mayor of the Colombian oil port of Barrancabermeja, has been found guilty of ordering the 2003 murder of local journalist José Emeterio Rivas by paramilitaries.