Overview

Authorities continued to arrest and prosecute people who expressed dissent online or attended protests. They also continued to use anti-terrorism laws to prosecute peaceful activists and journalists, and to close or threaten to close associations. Prison officers subjected prisoners to torture and other ill-treatment with impunity. Authorities closed three churches and refused licences for more, and restricted the right to movement of some activists and journalists. Three lawyers were prosecuted in relation to their defence of political activists or for protesting against a suspicious death in custody. Thirty-seven femicides were reported; no changes were made to the law to protect women. Courts handed down death sentences; there were no executions.