Summary for March 2014
March saw the Scrutinizing Committee face continued difficulties when working with the government. Ongoing attempts to gain clear information, access to political prisoners and discuss the remaining political prisoner situation have yet to gain results.
There still remain 30 political prisoners from the end of 2013 as well as numerous arrests and detentions of political activists at the start of the New Year. In March, 21 activists were arrested, 54 were indicted, and four sentenced. A majority of these individuals face charges or were charged under section 18. At the end of March approximately 170 activists are still awaiting trial.