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10 000 Eritrean political prisoners 20 years after independence, says Amnesty 10 000 Eritrean political prisoners 20 years after independence, says Amnesty

Amnesty International said in a report released on 9 May 2013 that Eritrea's prisons are filled with thousands of political prisoners, locked up without ever being charged with a crime, many of whom are never heard from again. Those detained include government critics, journalists and people practising an unregistered religion, as well as people trying to leave the country or avoid indefinite conscription into national service.

Constitution reform: the latest trend in Africa Constitution reform: the latest trend in Africa

The Community Law Centre invites constitution-making experts to submit abstracts for an upcoming conference, which marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of South Africa’s Interim Constitution.

Ex-prisoners speak of abuses in secret Bossembele prison

Bossembele, known by some as "Guantanamo" of the Central African Republic, is one of Africa's most secret prisons, where ousted president Francois Bozize allegedly had his opponents jailed and tortured for years. A alliance of rebel groups known as Seleka captured Bossembele and freed all prisoners as they moved against Bozize in March 2013. Al Jazeera gained access to the prison in April 2013.

Outdated offence used to arrest Zambian activist Outdated offence used to arrest Zambian activist

An activist has been arrested in Zambia for "inciting the public to take part in indecent activities" authorities have said. This offence was adopted in Zambia in 1898 via England's Vagrancy Act of 1824. Activist Paul Kasonkomona was arrested immediately after appearing on a live television show on Sunday 7 April. In the show he outlined measures to combat HIV, which he argued included the decriminalisation of same-sex acts.