We have received reports of at least two mass graves; however, UN human rights teams have been denied access to the scenes of these atrocities in order to investigate them. Denying access to alleged mass grave sites and places where the victims' mortal remains are allegedly deposited constitutes a clear violation of international human rights and humanitarian law.

Ouattara defeated Gbagbo in a November 28 runoff election, but Gbagbo has refused to concede victory or leave office. During the post-election violence that ensued, hundreds have been arrested and dozens have allegedly been subjected to torture, ill treatment and forced disappearances. Earlier this week, UN officials urged [JURIST report] all parties to the disputed presidential election to honor the country's commitment to prevent genocide and crimes against humanity under the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document [text, PDF]. Last week, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) [official website] expressed concern [press release; JURIST report] over the humanitarian needs of nearly 14,000 Ivory Coast refugees who have fled to Liberia over the past month due to post-election political instability and violence. The UNHCR warned that food supplies and housing are running short as refugees are increasingly arriving malnourished and fighting disease. Earlier in December, the Economic Community of West African States [official website] urged [JURIST report] Gbagbo to step down, threatening the use of force if he attempts to maintain power.

Mr. Gentry does not challenge his conviction or general confinement to prison as ... unlawful. Instead, he claims that his removal from the SHU and placement in the IMU [solitary confinement] has subjected him to more restrictive conditions of confinement in violation of the prohibition on ex post facto punishment. Gentry's claim presupposes a liberty interest in residing in the SHU or in retaining the privileges afforded there. The Washington and United States Constitutions do not create a liberty interest in a particular form of prison housing, absent allegations of cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth Amendment, which Gentry does not assert.

Ballooning prison populations and budget constraints have stretched prison systems and raised numerous prisoner rights issues. In late December the US District Court for the District of Colorado issued a preliminary injunction [order, PDF] against a county jail policy that restricted outgoing correspondence to 4x6 postcards provided by the jail. After that decision, the jail discontinued that policy [ACLU press release]. In November, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a federal court order to reduce the California prison population [JURIST report]. The order would require the release of between 36,000 and 45,000 inmates as part of a plan to reduce chronic overcrowding for the past 20 years. In September, Canada announced $105 million allocated for new prison cells [JURIST report] at existing locations in anticipation of expanding prison populations.