UN slams Bahrain over "intensified crackdown" on freedomsJune 21, 2016 - 18:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The office of the UN human rights chief is decrying an "intensified crackdown" on freedoms and rights in Bahrain after the country's top Shiite cleric was stripped of his nationality and is urging authorities to "de-escalate" the situation, the Associated Press reports. Rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani on Tuesday, June 21 appealed on Bahrain to ensure civil society activists won't face "undue pressure, intimidation or reprisals." Bahrain's Sheikh Isa Qassim was stripped of his nationality on Monday. The Interior Ministry says he played a key role in creating an extremist sectarian atmosphere. Shamdasani said the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees the right to nationality, which cannot be taken away for "arbitrary" reasons. She also urged Bahrain to ensure respect of the right to peaceful assembly. Thousands have protested in Qassim's mostly Shiite village of Diraz. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Erdogan wants “realistic road map” for relations with Armenia Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a “new realistic road map” for relations with Armenia. Armenia-Azerbaijan: Experts launch work on determining coordinates Expert groups from the countries started the process of determining the coordinates based on geodetic measurements. Yerevan says did not expect CSTO in peacekeeping role Pashinyan has declared that the CSTO would be expected to come to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border as an ally of Armenia Henrikh Mkhitaryan wins Serie A title with Inter Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan admits that the team have long been imagining clinching Serie A against AC Milan. |