According to the World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA), on November 24, Philippine authorities found 26 bodies of journalists and relatives of local politicians who were abducted by what witnesses said were more than 100 gunmen.  This number, in addition to the 22 bodies found the day before, leaves only a few people unaccounted for among the 50 total people abducted.  The violence has been attributed to unrest surrounding the upcoming election as well as to local clan rivalries.  The Southern Philippines has been plagued by secessionist and Islamicist insurgencies.  President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a state of emergency in the contiguous provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and in the city of Cotabato on the southern island of Mindanao. The measure gives the police and army the authority to apprehend and detain those who carried out the murders.  In its statement on the violence, WFDA expressed its continued, unwavering support to the many civil society organizations that are working tirelessly, often at great risk to themselves, for peace and human rights in the region.

Go to: www.wfda.net/news_detail.htm?id=411

2. Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions President Arrested
The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) condemns the arrest of Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) President Lovemore Matombo in Victoria Falls on November 9, while addressing members of the ZCTU Victoria Falls District. He was arrested together with two ZCTU staff members, Michael Kandukutu and Percy Mcijo. The arrest of President Matombo follows the arrests of nine student activists in Bindura the previous week. 

Go to: www.zinasu.org 

To read about Zatoka’s trial and conviction, go to: www.civicus.org/press-release/1188