Elaine Pearson
@elainepearson.bsky.social
Asia Director, Human Rights Watch
Author of Chasing Wrongs and Rights
Author of Chasing Wrongs and Rights
On January 5 India’s Supreme Court denied bail to prominent student activists Umar Khalid & Sharjeel Imam, who have been detained without trial for over 5 years. The prosecution has presented no evidence, such as calls for violence, that would warrant pretrial detention www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
India’s Top Court Rejects Bail for Long-Held Student Activists
India’s Supreme Court on January 5 denied bail to prominent student activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who have been detained without trial for over five years.
www.hrw.org
January 6, 2026 at 1:13 AM
On January 5 India’s Supreme Court denied bail to prominent student activists Umar Khalid & Sharjeel Imam, who have been detained without trial for over 5 years. The prosecution has presented no evidence, such as calls for violence, that would warrant pretrial detention www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
Quote from me responding to the latest conviction of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan:
"This latest conviction underscores Pakistan’s entrenched cycle of political victimization, where successive governments weaponize the legal system against rivals instead of upholding the rule of law."
"This latest conviction underscores Pakistan’s entrenched cycle of political victimization, where successive governments weaponize the legal system against rivals instead of upholding the rule of law."
December 20, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Quote from me responding to the latest conviction of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan:
"This latest conviction underscores Pakistan’s entrenched cycle of political victimization, where successive governments weaponize the legal system against rivals instead of upholding the rule of law."
"This latest conviction underscores Pakistan’s entrenched cycle of political victimization, where successive governments weaponize the legal system against rivals instead of upholding the rule of law."
Do you speak and write Chinese? Do you have experience making videos and motion graphics? Are you interested in helping @hrw grow our audience across the Asia-Pacific? If so, please apply for this video producer/editor role job-boards.greenhouse.io/humanrightsw...
December 18, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Do you speak and write Chinese? Do you have experience making videos and motion graphics? Are you interested in helping @hrw grow our audience across the Asia-Pacific? If so, please apply for this video producer/editor role job-boards.greenhouse.io/humanrightsw...
I spoke to TRT World about the predictable yet still devastating verdict in Jimmy Lai's trial and the broader context of the crackdown in Hong Kong since the passage of the National Security Law in 2020 www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ8f...
Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai convicted of sedition, collusion
YouTube video by TRT World Now
www.youtube.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:53 AM
I spoke to TRT World about the predictable yet still devastating verdict in Jimmy Lai's trial and the broader context of the crackdown in Hong Kong since the passage of the National Security Law in 2020 www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ8f...
Reposted by Elaine Pearson
“Foreign governments should respond to the travesty of Jimmy Lai’s trial by pressing the Hong Kong authorities to quash the case and release him immediately."
- @elainepearson.bsky.social / @hrw.org
Read more ⤵️
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
- @elainepearson.bsky.social / @hrw.org
Read more ⤵️
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
December 15, 2025 at 4:12 PM
“Foreign governments should respond to the travesty of Jimmy Lai’s trial by pressing the Hong Kong authorities to quash the case and release him immediately."
- @elainepearson.bsky.social / @hrw.org
Read more ⤵️
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
- @elainepearson.bsky.social / @hrw.org
Read more ⤵️
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Reposted by Elaine Pearson
The conviction of Hong Kong's media tycoon and pro-democracy leader Jimmy Lai (78) is cruel and a travesty of justice, said @elainepearson.bsky.social, Asia director @hrw.org.
“The Chinese government’s mistreatment of Jimmy Lai aims to silence everyone who dares to criticise the Communist party."
“The Chinese government’s mistreatment of Jimmy Lai aims to silence everyone who dares to criticise the Communist party."
Jimmy Lai: conviction of Hong Kong pro-democracy figure decried as attack on press freedom
Rights groups dismiss ‘sham conviction’ of media tycoon on national security offences in city’s most closely watched rulings in decades
www.theguardian.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:21 AM
The conviction of Hong Kong's media tycoon and pro-democracy leader Jimmy Lai (78) is cruel and a travesty of justice, said @elainepearson.bsky.social, Asia director @hrw.org.
“The Chinese government’s mistreatment of Jimmy Lai aims to silence everyone who dares to criticise the Communist party."
“The Chinese government’s mistreatment of Jimmy Lai aims to silence everyone who dares to criticise the Communist party."
Reposted by Elaine Pearson
"The Chinese government abused Jimmy Lai with the aim of silencing all those who dare to criticise the CCP...
In the face of the farce of Jimmy Lai's case, governments should pressure the authorities to withdraw the case and release him immediately."
- @elainepearson.bsky.social / @hrw.org
In the face of the farce of Jimmy Lai's case, governments should pressure the authorities to withdraw the case and release him immediately."
- @elainepearson.bsky.social / @hrw.org
Jimmy Lai: Hong Kong tycoon found guilty in high-profile national security case
The 78-year-old UK citizen was convicted of lobbying foreign governments to impose sanctions on HK and China.
www.bbc.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:15 AM
"The Chinese government abused Jimmy Lai with the aim of silencing all those who dare to criticise the CCP...
In the face of the farce of Jimmy Lai's case, governments should pressure the authorities to withdraw the case and release him immediately."
- @elainepearson.bsky.social / @hrw.org
In the face of the farce of Jimmy Lai's case, governments should pressure the authorities to withdraw the case and release him immediately."
- @elainepearson.bsky.social / @hrw.org
The mass shooting at Australia's Bondi Beach yesterday is absolutely horrifying. We extend our condolences to the victims of this heinous attack on the Jewish community. Everyone has the right to practice their faith in safety.
December 15, 2025 at 9:21 AM
The mass shooting at Australia's Bondi Beach yesterday is absolutely horrifying. We extend our condolences to the victims of this heinous attack on the Jewish community. Everyone has the right to practice their faith in safety.
Reposted by Elaine Pearson
Bogus convictions based on bogus charges based on a bogus law. The Hong Kong and Beijing authorities will face accountability for their cruelty towards Jimmy Lai — one of the bravest human beings of our time. I hope that day will come soon, and we together will bring it about.
December 15, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Bogus convictions based on bogus charges based on a bogus law. The Hong Kong and Beijing authorities will face accountability for their cruelty towards Jimmy Lai — one of the bravest human beings of our time. I hope that day will come soon, and we together will bring it about.
Australia beach shooting is a heinous attack on the Jewish community.
A summer Sunday evening at Bondi beach turned into a terrifying nightmare as two gunmen opened fire on people celebrating the first night of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah killing 16, injuring 42. www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
A summer Sunday evening at Bondi beach turned into a terrifying nightmare as two gunmen opened fire on people celebrating the first night of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah killing 16, injuring 42. www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Australia Beach Shooting a Heinous Attack on Jewish Community
Two gunmen opened fire on people celebrating the first night of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Sixteen people have been confirmed dead, including one of the shooters, with at least 42 injured.
www.hrw.org
December 15, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Australia beach shooting is a heinous attack on the Jewish community.
A summer Sunday evening at Bondi beach turned into a terrifying nightmare as two gunmen opened fire on people celebrating the first night of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah killing 16, injuring 42. www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
A summer Sunday evening at Bondi beach turned into a terrifying nightmare as two gunmen opened fire on people celebrating the first night of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah killing 16, injuring 42. www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Spoke to ABC's The World about the "patriots only" election in Hong Kong and why such a low voter turnout isn't really a surprise when there is not a single pro-democracy candidate and LegCo is now effectively a rubberstamp for Beijing. www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXve...
Pro-Beijing candidates dominate Hong Kong elections | The World | ABC NEWS
YouTube video by ABC News (Australia)
www.youtube.com
December 9, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Spoke to ABC's The World about the "patriots only" election in Hong Kong and why such a low voter turnout isn't really a surprise when there is not a single pro-democracy candidate and LegCo is now effectively a rubberstamp for Beijing. www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXve...
"The Wang Fuk Court fire now seems like a brutal allegory: Hong Kong people are trapped in a system they did not agree to, and one that, sadly, they cannot escape." My @hrw.org colleague Minky Worden writes for @forbes.com www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
The Hong Kong Fire and the High Human Cost of China’s Repression
Images of seven high-rise residential buildings engulfed in flames in Hong Kong in late November shocked the world. The fire, the city’s deadliest in decades, claiming at least 159 lives, is a devasta...
www.hrw.org
December 8, 2025 at 11:05 AM
"The Wang Fuk Court fire now seems like a brutal allegory: Hong Kong people are trapped in a system they did not agree to, and one that, sadly, they cannot escape." My @hrw.org colleague Minky Worden writes for @forbes.com www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Hong Kong’s "elections" yesterday were far from legitimate with not a pro-democracy candidate in sight. Five years into its sweeping crackdown, Beijing has seized full control of the LegCo. Read more from @hrw.org here 👇 www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Hong Kong’s Sham Elections Expose Beijing’s Tightening Grip
Hong Kong will hold elections for its Legislative Council on December 7, without a single pro-democracy candidate. The Chinese government’s attempts to present the legislature, known as the LegCo, as ...
www.hrw.org
December 8, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Hong Kong’s "elections" yesterday were far from legitimate with not a pro-democracy candidate in sight. Five years into its sweeping crackdown, Beijing has seized full control of the LegCo. Read more from @hrw.org here 👇 www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
The US revoking temporary protective status for people from Myanmar is as reckless as it is absurd. Military atrocities, and the killing of civilians continues - as outlined in reports by the UN & the US State Department itself. New from @hrw.org
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Myanmar is Safe?
Is it safe to return to a country wracked by an abusive armed conflict, widespread atrocities, and targeted ethnic violence, including war crimes and crimes against humanity?
www.hrw.org
December 3, 2025 at 8:06 AM
The US revoking temporary protective status for people from Myanmar is as reckless as it is absurd. Military atrocities, and the killing of civilians continues - as outlined in reports by the UN & the US State Department itself. New from @hrw.org
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
The Thai government has blatantly violated its own anti-torture law and its international legal obligations by returning Montagnard activist Y Quynh Bdap to Vietnam, where he faces a prison sentence after an unfair trial & the risk of torture. New from @hrw.org www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Thailand: Montagnard Activist Extradited to Vietnam
Thai authorities forcibly returned to Vietnam the prominent Montagnard human rights activist Y Quynh Bdap, putting him at risk of torture and other serious abuses.
www.hrw.org
December 2, 2025 at 3:43 AM
The Thai government has blatantly violated its own anti-torture law and its international legal obligations by returning Montagnard activist Y Quynh Bdap to Vietnam, where he faces a prison sentence after an unfair trial & the risk of torture. New from @hrw.org www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
The Hong Kong government should ensure a transparent investigation & accountability for wrongful acts linked to the residential fire that killed 151+ people. It’s crucially important not to treat those demanding answers for the tragic fire as criminals. www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
December 2, 2025 at 3:34 AM
The Hong Kong government should ensure a transparent investigation & accountability for wrongful acts linked to the residential fire that killed 151+ people. It’s crucially important not to treat those demanding answers for the tragic fire as criminals. www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Reposted by Elaine Pearson
On Int'l Human Rights Day (10 Dec, 7 pm), FCCT @fccthai.bsky.social will discuss transnational repression & forced return of #Montagnard refugee Y Qing Bdap to #Vietnam, where he will face 10 years in prison & torture in custody, with NGOs, UN, & hopefully Thai gov't www.fccthai.com/event/transn...
Transnational repression and the forced return of Montagnard rights advocate and refugee Y Qing Bdap | FCCT
Join us for Transnational repression and the forced return of Montagnard rights advocate and refugee Y Qing Bdap at FCCT. Dec 10, 2025. Members free, non-members 450 baht, students and Thai press with...
www.fccthai.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:13 AM
On Int'l Human Rights Day (10 Dec, 7 pm), FCCT @fccthai.bsky.social will discuss transnational repression & forced return of #Montagnard refugee Y Qing Bdap to #Vietnam, where he will face 10 years in prison & torture in custody, with NGOs, UN, & hopefully Thai gov't www.fccthai.com/event/transn...
JOB ALERT. Come & work with the Asia Division. @hrw.org is looking for a researcher to investigate human rights issues in Southeast Asia, with a focus on the Philippines & Cambodia plus other countries as needed. More details here 👇 jobs.humanrightscareers.com/companies/hu...
December 1, 2025 at 8:20 AM
JOB ALERT. Come & work with the Asia Division. @hrw.org is looking for a researcher to investigate human rights issues in Southeast Asia, with a focus on the Philippines & Cambodia plus other countries as needed. More details here 👇 jobs.humanrightscareers.com/companies/hu...
Thai authorities should drop criminal defamation charges against Aussie journalist Murray Hunter who is being prosecuted for reporting on Malaysia’s media regulating agency. This is an alarming example of cross border efforts to suppress critical voices & media freedom. www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Thailand: Australian Journalist Charged with Defamation
Thai authorities should drop criminal defamation charges against the Australian journalist Murray Hunter, who is being prosecuted for reporting on Malaysia’s media regulating agency.
www.hrw.org
December 1, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Thai authorities should drop criminal defamation charges against Aussie journalist Murray Hunter who is being prosecuted for reporting on Malaysia’s media regulating agency. This is an alarming example of cross border efforts to suppress critical voices & media freedom. www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Shameful that Thai authorities have caved to pressure from Vietnam and sent back Montagnard activist Y Quynh Bdap who was recognized by UNHCR as a refugee. Bdap is now at grave risk of torture by Vietnamese authorities. www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thailan...
December 1, 2025 at 6:15 AM
Shameful that Thai authorities have caved to pressure from Vietnam and sent back Montagnard activist Y Quynh Bdap who was recognized by UNHCR as a refugee. Bdap is now at grave risk of torture by Vietnamese authorities. www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thailan...
Reposted by Elaine Pearson
🚨The Russian government has banned us as an “undesirable” foreign organization. Our work hasn’t changed. But what’s changed is Russia’s full-throttled embrace of dictatorial policies, its staggering rise in repression & the scope of the war crimes its forces are committing in Ukraine.
bit.ly/48mvicJ
bit.ly/48mvicJ
November 28, 2025 at 6:03 PM
🚨The Russian government has banned us as an “undesirable” foreign organization. Our work hasn’t changed. But what’s changed is Russia’s full-throttled embrace of dictatorial policies, its staggering rise in repression & the scope of the war crimes its forces are committing in Ukraine.
bit.ly/48mvicJ
bit.ly/48mvicJ
Reposted by Elaine Pearson
Good riddance to rubbish policy.
The end to the UK's "two child limit" social security policy has been announced, and it will soon be gone.
We @hrw.org welcome the news, as one of many, many, many voices calling for an end to this arbitrary, cruel social security policy.
The end to the UK's "two child limit" social security policy has been announced, and it will soon be gone.
We @hrw.org welcome the news, as one of many, many, many voices calling for an end to this arbitrary, cruel social security policy.
November 26, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Good riddance to rubbish policy.
The end to the UK's "two child limit" social security policy has been announced, and it will soon be gone.
We @hrw.org welcome the news, as one of many, many, many voices calling for an end to this arbitrary, cruel social security policy.
The end to the UK's "two child limit" social security policy has been announced, and it will soon be gone.
We @hrw.org welcome the news, as one of many, many, many voices calling for an end to this arbitrary, cruel social security policy.
The Anutin government should make human rights a priority & show commitment through swift & effective action. The Thai government should revoke abusive laws, end the repression of fundamental rights & exonerate all those prosecuted for peacefully expressing their views. www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Thailand: Rights Priorities for New Government
The new Thai government should reverse the trend of past administrations and take concrete action to uphold human rights.
www.hrw.org
November 19, 2025 at 8:49 AM
The Anutin government should make human rights a priority & show commitment through swift & effective action. The Thai government should revoke abusive laws, end the repression of fundamental rights & exonerate all those prosecuted for peacefully expressing their views. www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
We want accountability for the serious abuses by Bangladeshi authorities in the protests last year when 1,400 people were killed. But sentencing former PM Sheikh Hasina to death in a trial in absentia without respecting the right to a fair trial is not justice. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cp...
Ex-Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death over brutal protests crackdown
The former prime minister, who is living in exile in India, was tried in her absence over a deadly crackdown on protests last year.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 9:19 PM
We want accountability for the serious abuses by Bangladeshi authorities in the protests last year when 1,400 people were killed. But sentencing former PM Sheikh Hasina to death in a trial in absentia without respecting the right to a fair trial is not justice. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cp...
The Myanmar junta’s sham elections are a desperate bid for international legitimacy after nearly 5 years of brutal military repression. Foreign governments should reject the elections & not lend any credibility to these polls - they will not be free, fair, or inclusive. www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Myanmar: Elections a Fraudulent Claim for Credibility
Foreign governments should reject the Myanmar junta’s plans to hold elections from late December 2025 through January 2026 because they will not be free, fair, or inclusive.
www.hrw.org
November 17, 2025 at 8:56 AM
The Myanmar junta’s sham elections are a desperate bid for international legitimacy after nearly 5 years of brutal military repression. Foreign governments should reject the elections & not lend any credibility to these polls - they will not be free, fair, or inclusive. www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...