Rights watch

A round-up of human rights stories from around the world.

Italy: Charities to be fined €5,500 for every migrant rescued from the Mediterranean Sea

Matteo Salvini, the Italian deputy prime minister, is pressing ahead with plans to fine charities up to €5,500 for every migrant they save off the Libyan coast as he seeks to emerge from the European elections as the undisputed leader of the Continent’s populist right.

Chile: Germany to compensate Colonia Dignidad commune victims

Germany will pay compensation of up to €10,000 (£8,700; $11,000) to victims of a notorious and abusive commune in southern Chile.

Hungary: Council of Europe accuses Hungary of widespread rights abuses

The Council of Europe has accused Hungary’s government of widespread human rights violations, including depriving refugees of food.

Colombia: Human rights lawyer shot dead

Human rights lawyer Paula Andrea Rosero Ordóñez has been killed in Colombia, as violence against the country’s public figures continues to grow despite the peace agreement between the government and the Farc guerilla movement.

Hong Kong: Fugitive tycoon Joseph Lau hires top British lawyer David Pannick in fight against extradition bill

A Hong Kong court has given a billionaire fugitive permission to hire a top British human rights lawyer in his fight against the government’s controversial extradition bill.

Russia: Man files Chechnya ‘gay purge’ complaint with European rights court

A gay Russian man who says he was abducted and tortured by police in Chechnya has filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) after Russian investigators refused to open a criminal case in the matter, according to his lawyers.

Israel: The lawyer who defends the most violent fighters against the occupation

Palestinians with knives don’t scare attorney Lea Tsemel. A new documentary deconstructs the controversial character who will defend anyone who opposes the occupation – even if they resort to the most violent means.

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