Legalisation of forced chemical castration a cruel and retrograde step

Responding to the news that Pakistan’s parliament has formally adopted a bill that will allow for the forced chemical castration of repeat rapists, Rimmel Mohydin, Amnesty International’s South Asia Campaigner, said: 

“This cruel and inhuman legislation not only violates Pakistan’s international and constitutional legal obligations. It will also do nothing to address the scourge of sexual violence. Rather than ratcheting up punishments, the authorities should address the deep-seated problems in the criminal justice system that invariably deny justice to victims. Chemical castrations will not solve a deficient police force or inadequately trained investigators. 

“Earlier this year, Pakistan’s parliament passed a bill criminalising the cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of prisoners and those held in custody. They cannot possibly reconcile that with this legislation, and we urge the authorities to reverse this retrograde step.” 

Background 

On Wednesday 17 November 2021, the Parliament passed the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2021 which set out forced chemical castration as a punishment for repeat offenders of sexual violence. This comes at a time when Pakistan’s Senate has approved the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act 2019 to criminalise torture by the Pakistani police. While the anti-torture bill is yet to be brought into law, Pakistan must reject torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and punishment, including the use of forced chemical castration.  

Forced chemical castration violates the absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment under international human rights law. 

‘Too many lives have been lost, and too many rights continue to be ignored and violated’: Transgender Day of Remembrance 2021

Maggie Munn (they/them) is a Gunggari person and campaigner for Amnesty International Australia. These are their words on Transgender Day of Remembrance, an annual observance that honours the memory of trans and gender diverse whose lives were lost in acts of transphobic violence. 

The LGBTQIA+ community has long experienced violence and discrimination, lack of understanding and prejudice, but our trans siblings have and continue to suffer extreme violence.

On this day, and in all of our activism and advocacy we continue to remember the lives lost to this violence and prejudice.

Trans people are beautiful, their lives matter, and their identities are valid. Too many lives have been lost, and too many rights continue to be ignored and violated. We must strive to show up and fight alongside our trans siblings as they demand justice, respect and the right to be themselves in a world that has long denied that. 

I continue to be inspired and empowered by trans activists and advocates fighting to make our queer communities safer, and more inclusive, and by extension making the world better.

Witt Gorrie (they/he) is a deadly abolitionist working to provide support for trans and gender diverse folks who are incarcerated, coming back into their communities from prison and those who are at risk of incarceration.

The unreal educator Ericka Hart (she/them), who is a queer non-binary femme, reminds us that

“Trans awareness week is a good time to remember that visibility does not equal justice, safety, or freedom.”

And as we post our social media tiles and tweet our hashtags commemorating this important week, we must also remember it’s our responsibility to continue to fight against transphobia, dismantle the systems that exist to keep our queer communities down, and to make this world a more inclusive place for all of our siblings. 

On this day of remembrance, join us as we light a candle, and take a moment to acknowledge and remember all of those who have lost their lives, and all of those who have gone before us to fight for our rights to exist in this world.

We are forever grateful. 

How you can support

  • To remember those we have lost and celebrate the power and strength of the trans community, you can attend an event on this important day of community solidarity, as we all commit to the ongoing fight against transphobia.  
  • The Australian government will soon introduce their Religious Discrimination Bill to Parliament, threatening the rights of trans people to access healthcare. A healthcare worker could refuse to treat trans patients because of their own religious views. Our laws should protect all of us, equally. The rights of one group cannot come at the expense of the rights of others. Email your MP to stand against this hateful bill. 

Trans rights are human rights. Simple as that. Learn more about Amnesty International Australia’s work on LGBTQIA+ rights here.

Indonesia: End travesty of justice and release Moluccan prisoners of conscience

Responding to the latest delay in the trial of prisoners of conscience Pieter Likumahua, Alexsander Workala, and Benjamin Naene, who have all been detained since April 2021 for possessing a flag and documents relating to the unrecognized Republic of South Maluku, Amnesty International Indonesia Deputy Director Wirya Adiwena said: 

“Pieter, Alexsander, and Benjamin are detained and charged simply for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression. No one should be charged with a crime for possessing objects and writings about a particular political view or for peacefully espousing that political view.” 

“Since they were first arrested on 7 and 8 April 2021, Pieter, Alexsander, and Benjamin’s detention has been extended seven times, a blatant violation of their right to liberty, particularly in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, they have not committed any internationally recognizable crime. This latest delay in their trial, officially due to the prosecutors’ lack of preparation, has prolonged their detention, a violation of their right to be tried without undue delay.” 

“We renew our call for the immediate and unconditional release of Pieter, Alexsander, and Benjamin and all other prisoners of conscience in the provinces of Maluku and Papua. Justice must be upheld in this case without delay.” 

Background 

On 7 April, soldiers raided the house of Alexsander Workala in West Seram regency, Maluku province and confiscated a book, several documents, and the “Benang Raja”, a flag meant to represent the Republic of South Maluku (RMS), which is not recognized by the Indonesian government. Alexsander was taken by troops to the West Seram Police. At the police station, Alexsander admitted to being an RMS activist and said that he got the flag from Pieter Likumahua. 

The next day, 8 April, the police came to Pieter’s house to question him about Alexsander. After one night of interrogation, Pieter was named a suspect and detained. Benjamin Naene, who accompanied Pieter to the police station, was also detained after he admitted to being an RMS activist. Alexsander, Pieter, and Benjamin were charged with treason. 

After multiple extensions of their detention, the trial started on 26 August 2021. But their detention and trial were delayed again for an additional week on 17 November 2021 because the prosecutors had not finished preparing the sentencing demands. 

The Indonesian authorities have used different “treason” (makar) provisions in the criminal code, mainly Articles 106 and 110, to prosecute dozens of peaceful pro-independence political activists in Maluku and Papua simply for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly. 

As of November 2021, at least eight people in Papua and 11 in Maluku are currently in detention under treason charges merely for peacefully exercising their human rights. 

Amnesty International does not take any position on the political status of any province or region in Indonesia, or any other state, including calls for independence. However, the organization believes that the right to freedom of expression also includes expression of political nature. 

Qatar: Ensure fair trial for Abdullah Ibhais, now on fifth day of hunger strike

Abdullah Ibhais, the former communications director for Qatar’s 2022 World Cup organizers the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, is today entering his fifth day of hunger strike after being arrested and arbitrarily detained on 15 November.  

Abdullah, a Jordanian national, is currently appealing a five-year prison sentence which, according to Human Rights Watch, was handed down after an unfair trial based on a coerced ‘confession’ he made without a lawyer present. The appeal process was ongoing when police seized Abdullah from his home in the early hours of Monday morning.  

“We are deeply concerned by the detention of Abdullah Ibhais, who has already been subjected to multiple violations at the hands of the Qatari authorities. His case has been fraught with fair trial violations, and he is now on hunger strike in protest at his latest arrest,” said Lynn Maalouf, Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.   

“Abdullah Ibhais was arrested just days after he spoke publicly about his case, in what appears to amount to arbitrary detention in retaliation for speaking out about his experiences.  

“Qatari authorities must immediately launch an independent investigation into Abdullah’s claims of ill-treatment, and quash his conviction and sentence if they are found to have been based on a coerced ‘confession’. Qatar must ensure fair trial standards are upheld in all cases, including ensuring all defendants are provided with legal representation from the moment of their arrest.” 

Background 

According to Human Rights Watch and FairSquare, Abdullah Ibhais was initially arrested on 12 November 2019 on charges of misuse of public funds, bribery, collusion to commit bribery, and causing harm to the Supreme Committee. He was detained for nearly six weeks, and for the first nine days was denied access to a lawyer. He was released from detention on 21 December 2019 and subjected to an unfair trial based on a “confession” obtained through threat and coercion.  

In April 2021 Abdullah Ibhais was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison, a verdict which he is now appealing. His next appeal hearing is scheduled for 23 November, where he is expected to present his defence.  

The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy is the Qatari government body in charge of planning and delivering the 2022 FIFA World Cup.   

China: Prove tennis player is safe and investigate sexual assault allegations

Responding to increasing concerns for Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, who has not been seen publicly since she made sexual violence allegations against a former senior Chinese politician two weeks ago, Amnesty International’s China Researcher Doriane Lau said:

“The Chinese government has systematically silenced the country’s #MeToo movement. Given that it also has a zero-tolerance approach to criticism, it is deeply concerning that Peng Shuai appears to be missing after accusing a high-ranking former government official of sexual assault.

“Peng’s recent so-called statement that ‘everything is fine’ should not be taken at face value as China’s state media has a track record of forcing statements out of individuals under duress, or else simply fabricating them. These concerns will not go away unless Peng’s safety and whereabouts are confirmed.

“While it is currently difficult to speculate on the reasons behind Peng Shuai’s apparent disappearance, what is clear is that her allegations of sexual violence by a senior politician must be properly investigated by the Chinese authorities.

“Peng Shuai’s case highlights the treatment faced by women survivors of sexual abuse in China, whose allegations are routinely ignored and who are often targeted for speaking out.”

Background

In a post on the Chinese social media website Weibo on 2 November, Peng Shuai accused retired Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of coercing her into sex.

Discussion of the allegations was quickly censored on Chinese social media, and the original post – which read, “you brought me to your house and forced me and you to have relations” – is no longer visible online. Zhang Gaoli served as the country’s Vice Premier between 2013 and 2018 and is considered an ally of president Xi Jinping.

Peng has not been publicly heard from since the Weibo post, aside from an email she supposedly sent to tennis authorities – released by the TV channel CGTN on Wednesday – in which she says allegations of sexual assault are “not true” and that “everything is fine”.

China has a history of releasing forced “statements” on behalf of human rights activists. For example, state TV aired the “confessions” of Chinese human rights lawyers Wang Yu and Jiang Tianyong when they were in detention.

Winners of the 2021 Amnesty International Australia Media Awards Announced

The winners of the 2021 Amnesty International Media Awards were announced this evening in an online ceremony hosted by media personality Julia Zemiro.

The awards recognise the best work by Australian media professionals in highlighting human rights abuses.

“In Australia we pride ourselves on the role of the free press in our society, indeed some of the most significant social and political events this year have been precipitated by the reporting of Australian journalists,” Amnesty International Australia National Director, Sam Klintworth, said.

“Tonight has been an opportunity for us to acknowledge and recognise the work of journalists in Australia to uncover human rights issues, which again they have done in remarkable ways throughout 2021.”

Cartoon

Winner:  ‘They Don’t Understand the Fear We Have’: Badiucao, Human Rights Watch.

Other finalists:

‘Juukan Gorge’: David Pope, The Canberra Times;

‘Barred From Coming Home’: Jessica Harwood, Self-published.

Judges:

Cathy Wilcox, The Sydney Morning Herald

Fiona Katauskas, Freelance

Jon Kudelka, The Saturday Paper

Indigenous Issues Reporting

Winner: ‘Taken – Living Black’: Karla Grant, Julie Nimmo, Mark Bannerman & Susan Bell, NITV.

Other finalists:

‘Abuse of Power: Sexual Abuse Allegations in Youth Detention’: Reporter Michael Atkin with Production by Scott Kyle, Christopher Gillette, Tom Pawson & David McSween, ABC, 7.30 and ABC News Online;

‘Aboriginal Justice Agreement’: Laetitia Lemke, Michael Franchi with support from ABC News NT’s John McElhinney, Sara Everingham, Jessica Henderson & Donna McDonald, ABC Online.

Judges:

Jodan Perry, NITV

Larissa Behrendt, ABC Radio – Speaking Out

Miriam Corowa, ABC News 24’s Weekend Breakfast

Print/Online/Multimedia

Winner: ‘The $5 Forest’: 101 East, Al Jazeera.

Other finalists:

‘In the Witness Box’: Elise Kinsella, Ben Knight, Joanna McCarthy, ABC;

‘Death or Deliverance: detention’s cruel line’: Ben Doherty, The Guardian.

Judges:

Charis Chang, news.com.au

Josh Butler, The New Daily

Lisa Davies, The Sydney Morning Herald

Radio

Winner: ‘The Wait’: Mozhgan Moarefizadeh, Nicole Curby, Michael Green, Bec Fary & Miles Martignoni , The Guardian – Full Story.

Other finalists:

‘Her Name was Mhelody Bruno’: Elise Kinsella & Andy Burns, ABC – Background Briefing and Regional Investigations;

‘Afghanistan Interviews’: Sally Sara, ABC Radio – The World Today.

Judges:

Martin Walters, 2Ser

Alexandra Barwick, ABC Radio Alice Springs

Television:

Winner: ‘The Australian-born Children the Government Wants to Deport Because They Have a Disability’: Jessica Longbottom, ABC.

Other finalists:

‘Kabul Guards’: Lucy Murray, SBS – World News;

‘State of Fear: Inside Myanmar’s Crackdown’: Ali Fowle and the 101 East Team, Al Jazeera English.

Judges:

Stela Todorovic, 10News

Fauziah Ibrahim, ABC News Breakfast

Lindy Kerin, NITV

Follow updates for the Media Awards

Iran: Release arbitrarily detained rights activist at imminent risk of flogging

Responding to the arbitrary arrest of prominent human rights defender Narges Mohammadi on 16 November 2021 in Karaj, Alborz province, while attending a memorial for Ebrahim Ketabdar, who was killed by Iranian security forces during nationwide protests in November 2019, Heba Morayef, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa said:

“Narges Mohammadi is a prisoner of conscience targeted solely for her peaceful human rights activities and is now at imminent risk of receiving 80 lashes. We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release her, quash her unjust sentence and ensure she is protected from all forms of torture and other ill-treatment, including floggings.

“To arrest a human rights defender for calling for truth and justice on the two-year anniversary of the November 2019 protests, where hundreds of men, women and children were killed by Iranian security forces, is a callous act – and another reminder of the crisis of systemic impunity in Iran for crimes under international law.

“For far too long, the Iranian authorities have subjected Narges Mohammadi to arbitrary detentions, unjust prosecutions, torture and other ill-treatment for her human rights work. Amnesty International urges the international community, including the United Nations and the European Union, to speak out about her case and put the unbridled repression of Iranian human rights defenders into scalpel-sharp focus.”

Background

Narges Mohammadi is the vice president of the Centre for Human Rights Defenders in Iran and worked with the Campaign for Step-by-Step Abolition of the Death Penalty (known as Legam, its Persian acronym). Following the November 2019 nationwide protests and unlawful killing of hundreds of protesters, Narges Mohammadi vocally supported bereaved family members seeking truth and justice for their loved ones’ killings.

In May 2021, Branch 1188 of Criminal Court Two in Tehran sentenced Narges Mohammadi to two-and-a-half years in prison, 80 lashes and two separate fines for charges that include “spreading propaganda against the system.” Four months later, in September, Narges Mohammadi received a summons to begin serving this sentence, but she did not respond as she considered the conviction unjust.

She was arbitrarily arrested on 16 November 2021 by agents from Iran’s ministry of intelligence who, according to her husband, brutally beat Narges Mohammadi before taking her to an unknown location. The following day, she called her family and informed them that she was in Tehran’s Evin prison and told she was to serve a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence.

Narges Mohammadi had also been arbitrarily arrested in May 2015 and sentenced in 2016 to 16 years in jail on charges solely related to her freedom of expression and assembly.

Following global action, including by Amnesty International, Narges Mohammadi was released from prison in October 2020, yet since then the Iranian authorities have repeatedly subjected her to harassment, torture and other ill-treatment.

Flogging as carried out in Iran invariably constitutes torture, which is a crime under international law and prohibited absolutely under Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Iran is a state party.

Media Awards: Meet the 2021 Television Finalists

The Amnesty International Australia Media Awards recognise the important work of media professionals operating in Australia to expose human rights abuses around the world.

With the impending announcement of this year’s winners on the 18th November – meet the finalists in the Television category and their entries to this years’ awards. In no particular order:

“Kabul Guards”, Lucy Murray, SBS – World News

Photo of the SBS – World News report “Kabul Guards“

After the Australian Embassy in Kabul was closed 100 local staff were left in limbo, without employment or protection from the government many feared for their lives and went into hiding in their own homes. This story was the first to raise the alarm for embassy security guards, and their urgent need for humanitarian visas in order to find safety in Australia. This story gives voice to a number of security guards who were left in Afghanistan, including one who narrowly missed an attack by a military operative.

The judges’ comments:

“Excellent coverage of the fears for former Embassy security guards which provoked a policy change.”

“State of Fear: Inside Myanmar’s Crackdown”, Ali Fowle and the 101 East team, Al Jazeera English

Photo of 101 East “Inside Myanmar’s Crackdown”

Since a military coup in February, six months of deadly chaos has engulfed Myanmar. A production team of largely Australian journalists based in Australia for Al Jazeera has provided unrivalled, on-the-ground coverage of this ongoing crisis for the weekly current affairs program 101 East. With Myanmar largely closed off to foreign media, 101 East has put disturbing cases of alleged torture, mysterious deaths, disappearances and detention without charge under the spotlight, revealing how the military is creating a state of fear and bringing their actions to the world’s attention.

The judges’ comments:

“A very comprehensive cross global story, with a far-reach and compelling on the ground coverage.”

“The Australian-born children the government wants to deport because they have a disability”, Jessica Longbottom, ABC

Photo of the ABC Report “The Australian-born children the government wants to deport because they have a disability’.

Australia systematically deports families solely because one of them has a disability. This includes children who are born here, and who would be permanent residents if it was not for their disability. Other countries, such as Canada, don’t have such unfair systems, while the United Nations has previously noted the rules breach human rights. This story follows a Melbourne family who are fighting for permanent residency in Australia, and a South Australian family facing deportation to the Maldives.

The judges’ comments:

“The story was told in a powerful way, giving primacy of voice to the parents of children with disability at risk of deportation. The story was well written and beautifully crafted. Clearly had impact as the subject of political discussions and follow up stories from other media outlets.”

Thanks to this years’ Television judges

  • Stela Todorovic, 10 News First
  • Lindy Kerin, NITV
  • Fauziah Ibrahim, ABC News Breakfast

Follow the Media Awards

Winners of this years’ Media Awards will be announced in an online ceremony on the 18th November. To find out more about the Awards you can follow the coverage on our social channels, or follow updates on our website.

Follow the Media Awards

Media Awards: Meet the 2021 Indigenous Issues Reporting Finalists

The Amnesty International Australia Media Awards recognise the important work of media professionals operating in Australia to expose human rights abuses around the world.

With the impending announcement of this year’s winners on the 18th November – meet the finalists in the Indigenous Issues Reporting category and their entries to this years’ awards. In no particular order:

“Abuse of Power: Sexual Abuse Allegations in Youth Detention”, Reporter – Michael Atkin, Production by Scott Kyle, Christopher Gillette, Tom Pawson, David McSween, ABC

Photo of Abuse of Power – 7:30 Report

This reporting was an in-depth investigative television story produced for the ABC’s national TV current affairs program, 7.30. This exclusive reporting revealed new allegations by two Aboriginal men about being subjected to sexual abuse following strip searches in youth detention.

The judges’ comments:

“A powerful insight into the harms experienced by two men allegedly abused in youth detention, and a deeper discussion of the ongoing impact and the broader scope of this issue. The investigative reporting has made a difference in seeing authorities take active steps to improve their duty of care to juvenile inmates. The report demonstrates the determination of the journalist in uncovering systemic problems in a space where public disclosure is rarely given.”

Watch the entry here

“Aboriginal Justice Agreement”, Laetitia Lemke & Michael Franchi with support from ABC News NT’s John McElhinney, Sara Everingham, Jessica Henderson & Donna McDonald, ABC Online

Video of Aboriginal Justice Agreement – ABC News

Following the Director of the Aboriginal Justice Unit Leanne Liddle, on her mission to deliver the Territory’s first Aboriginal Justice Agreement, this story allows us to hear the issues with the justice system.

The judges’ comments:

“Nuanced and compelling storytelling, providing a detailed and contextualised understanding of a complex issue. The program intricately weaves perspectives and experiences in a powerful illustration of a deeply-troubling social problem. The program presents a timely opportunity for audiences to consider the matters discussed at a moment when decision-makers will be required to take steps in addressing the needs of the Northern Territory’s First Nations peoples.”

“‘Taken’ – Living Black”, Karla Grant, Julie Nimmo, Mark Bannerman & Susan Bell, NITV

Photo of ‘Taken’ – Living Black, NITV

In this Living Black half hour investigation we exclusively hear from three Aboriginal children caught in the NSW child protection system who take huge personal risk to describe the harsh realities of being in “care” and what occurs after a State sanctioned, forced removal from their family.

Two sisters and a young man recall the experience of being taken into the out-of-home-care system, in terms akin to police arrest, abduction, segregation, isolation and eventual incarceration for almost 2 years in ever-changing, impersonal hotel rooms with rotating case workers.

The judges’ comments:

“The sensitivity of this program, in allowing children who have experienced significant trauma to tell their stories freely has given a profound insight into this issue. An insight which further highlights the power of First Nations reporting on Indigenous issues. The program has not only revealed a systemic failure in the treatment of the family involved but has also elevated this into a moment allowing for the empowering of young, black voices which are rarely given a platform to speak. That ‘Taken’ has effected real change and generated a positive outcome is a testament to its’ skilful reporting.”

Watch the entry here

Thanks to this years’ Indigenous Issues Reporting judges

  • Jodan Perry, NITV
  • Miriam Corowa, ABC News 24’s Weekend Breakfast
  • Larissa Behrendt, ABC Radio – Speaking Out

Follow the Media Awards

Winners of this years’ Media Awards will be announced in an online ceremony on the 18th November. To find out more about the Awards you can follow the coverage on our social channels, or follow updates on our website.

Follow the Media Awards

Media Awards: Meet the 2021 Print/Online Finalists

The Amnesty International Australia Media Awards recognise the important work of media professionals operating in Australia to expose human rights abuses around the world.

With the impending announcement of this year’s winners on the 18th November – meet the finalists in the Print/Online category and their entries to this years’ awards. In no particular order:

“Death or Deliverance: detention’s cruel line”, Ben Doherty, The Guardian

Photo of Ben Doherty’s entry to the Amnesty International Australia Media Awards 2021

These two stories, both years in the telling, demonstrate the fine line that so often exists for those in detention – between freedom and finality.

The privations, abuses, and neglect of Australia’s offshore and onshore immigration detention regimes are some of the most serious, persistent, but also hidden, human rights violations committed by and in this country.

Fazel Chegeni and Loghman Sawari both came to Australia by boat, both fleeing persecution in Iran. While ultimately starkly contrasting, their cases represent two of the most acute brutalities (these stories were part of a larger series on asylum and refugee cases).

The judges’ comments:

“A beautifully written article that captures the tragedy in the life and death of a man who struggled to find his place in this world. The contrast between the man’s fragility and Australia’s harsh refugee system is stark and brings home the brutality of how the system operates.”

“Deep and sensitive reporting of very complicated stories, these articles expose serious questions about how Australia treats (or ignores) those it owes protection to. Powerful journalism.”

Read Part 1 of the entry here
Read Part 2 of the entry here

“The $5 Forests”, 101 East, Al Jazeera

Photo of 101 East’s entry to the Amnesty International Media Awards 2021

“The $5 Forests” is the result of a year-long investigation which reveals the corporate players behind human rights abuses and exploitation of Indigenous communities in West Papua, a remote restive corner of Indonesia.

Produced by a team of Australian journalists for Al Jazeera English, the digital project shows how Asia’s largest remaining rainforests are being plundered for a pittance in dubious land deals involving two South Korean resource giants – Korindo and Posco International.

The interactive project exposes the questionable conduct of these corporations, including a failure in some instances to acquire the necessary permission from Indigenous tribes and the Indonesian government before plundering the land. While communities received meagre payments, both companies expected to make a billion dollars from timber cultivation and the subsequent establishment of palm oil plantations.

The judges’ comments:

“A beautiful and engaging story presentation that delivers readers into the jungles of Borneo through interesting visual design, graphics and audio, which helps readers to understand the devastation caused by a complex financial issue.”

“Incredibly innovative and compelling storytelling on a complicated and obscure (yet very important) topic. Beautiful multimedia use backed up a strong narrative.”

Read the entry here

“In the Witness Box”, Elise Kinsella, Ben Knight & Joanna McCarthy, ABC

Photo of Elise Kinsella’s entry to the Amnesty International Media Awards 2021

As a 17-year-old Nadia Bach reported an alleged prolonged sexual attack to police. The case made it to the Victorian County Court. But throughout that nearly two-year legal process Nadia felt like her voice had rarely been heard.

Transcripts from these closed court hearings showed a sexual assault complainant being questioned about what she had been wearing, how sheer her top was, how she kissed an unrelated person.

This story gave Nadia a voice. Her’s is the story of a young woman let down by many. It is a story that asks big questions of our justice system and whether it does enough to respect the human rights of sexual assault victims. But maybe it asks even bigger questions of all of us and how we in our own communities respond when women speak up.

The judges’ comments:

“Sensitive and original reporting that takes readers on a compelling journey through the eyes of a 17-year-old sexual assault complainant on how she was treated in the court system and the deep harm that can be inflicted.”

“An affecting, powerful and sensitively-told work. The multimedia presentation, underpinning Nadia’s quotes and the court transcripts, pull together several difficult elements into a cohesive, bold piece of reporting that tells a shocking story of how survivors are treated by the justice system.”

Read the entry here

Thanks to this years’ Print/Online judges

  • Charis Chang, news.com.au
  • Josh Butler, The New Daily
  • Lisa Davies, The Sydney Morning Herald

Follow the Media Awards

Winners of this years’ Media Awards will be announced in an online ceremony on the 18th November. To find out more about the Awards you can follow the coverage on our social channels, or follow updates on our website.

Follow the Media Awards