When Tyranny Gets a Bit Too Comfortable: A Global Roundup
The European Parliament just dropped three resolutions that read like a “Who’s Who” of regimes really committed to the whole authoritarian thing. Spoiler alert: it’s not great news for anyone who enjoys basic human rights.
Nicaragua: Where Church and State Collide (Badly)
The Ortega-Murillo regime has apparently decided that persecuting Christian churches, indigenous peoples, and pretty much anyone who disagrees with them is a solid governing strategy. MEPs are calling out the detention of Carlos Brenes and Salvadora del Socorro Martínez Aburto, while demanding answers about Brooklyn Rivera’s death – because apparently even returning someone’s remains to their family is too much to ask these days.
Parliament’s response? Release everyone, stop the madness, and maybe we’ll reconsider that EU-Central America Association Agreement. They’re also eyeing sanctions against President Daniel Ortega and his inner circle, because sometimes you need to hit the wallet to get attention.
Belarus: Where Being 16 and Anti-War Gets You 10+ Years
Meet Aliaksandra Pulinovich, who was arrested at 16 for allegedly participating in anti-war graffiti as part of the “Black Nightingales” case. Her reward? Over a decade behind bars. The Lukashenka regime has mastered the art of using anti-terrorism laws to silence anyone who dares spray-paint their feelings about war.
MEPs voted overwhelmingly (504-4, with 55 abstentions) to condemn the torture, incommunicado detention, and general awfulness happening to political prisoners. Their message is clear: no prisoner releases, no dialogue, no economic cooperation. Simple as that.
Burkina Faso: Russia’s New Playground
Since European forces got the boot, Russia has cozied up to Burkina Faso, and surprise – human rights violations are trending upward. The authorities have been dissolving civil society organizations like they’re clearing out spam emails, while journalists are discovering that “working freely” is more of a nostalgic concept than reality.
Parliament wants independent investigations, media freedom restored, and a reversal of Burkina Faso’s decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court – because accountability is so last season, apparently.
The takeaway? Authoritarianism is having a moment, but the EU isn’t here for it. Whether sanctions and strongly worded resolutions will make a difference remains to be seen, but at least someone’s keeping receipts.