<p>On 7 April 2013, Mr Chit Ko Lin was interrogated at Kyaukthadar police station in central Rangoon, following reception of a letter on 6 April from the police station summoning him to appear for questioning. It is reported that Chit Lo Kin is being investigated under Section 353, concerning assaults against public servants, and Section 506, concerning criminal intimidation, of the Penal Code. If he is found guilty under these charges, he faces a maximum sentence of four years. Chit Ko Lin is a prominent human rights defender and was a former political prisoner. He is currently a member of the Labour Committee at the 1988 Generation Peace and Open Society where he helps train workers on their rights.&nbsp;</p> <p></p>

<p>On 22 February 2013, human rights defender Mr Andy Hall was informed that a criminal lawsuit had been lodged against him, at Nakhon Prathom court on 14 February 2013. The case is based on a complaint filed by the Thai fruit processor Natural Fruit Company Limited in Pranburi Prachuapkirikhan Province.</p> <p></p>

<p>From 9 March to 23 March 2012, Dr Paikiasothy Saravunammutta, Ms Nimalka Fernando, Ms Sunila Abeysekera, and Mr Sunanada Deshapriya were targeted by government media and a Government Minister for their participation in the 19th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, where they had been lobbying to expose human rights violations in Sri Lanka. Paikisothy Saravunammutta is the Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives. Nimalka Fernando is the President of the International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism.</p>

<p>On 5 March 2012, human rights defender Mr Jimmy Liguyon was shot dead outside his home in Barangay Dao, reportedly by a leader of a paramilitary group. Jimmy Liguyon was the Vice Chairperson of Kasilo an organisation of indigenous peoples from the southern municipalities of Bukidon. Kasilo works at defending and promoting land rights, the sustainable use of environmental resources, and the culture and practices of Indigenous Peoples, and organises cultural activities for indigenous youths.</p>

<p>Dublin, Ireland [8 March 2012] &ndash; On International Women&rsquo;s Day, Front Line Defenders calls for increased protection and recognition of women human rights defenders around the world. On a daily basis, Front Line Defenders receives urgent appeals for help and emergency support from women human rights defenders who face threats, harassment, intimidation, violence and even killing as they go about their legitimate human rights work.</p>