Human Rights Today: 2-10-09

Today’s update of human rights events around the world.

U.S.: Judges seek massive California prisoner release

Federal judges on Monday tentatively ordered California to release tens of thousands of inmates, up to a third of all prisoners, in the next three years to stop dangerous overcrowding. Reuters

DRC: Peace in Congo?

Eastern Congo, long the heart of the bloodiest killing on planet earth since World War II, seems to be turning a corner. The most powerful rebel commander has been captured and the Rwandan military is engaged in joint operations with the Congolese military. It appears that directionally, the events of the past few weeks augur well for regional peace and prosperity. NY Times/Kristof

U.S.: Obama Backs Off a Reversal on Secrets

In a closely watched case involving rendition and torture, a lawyer for the Obama administration seemed to surprise a panel of federal appeals judges on Monday by pressing ahead with an argument for preserving state secrets originally developed by the Bush administration. NY Times

SRI LANKA: Government Targets Media Under Civil War Cover

Sri Lanka’s ruling establishment has become increasingly intolerant towards the island country’s independent media, even as President Mahinda Rajapakse’s government steps up its military offensive against separatist Tamil militants in the north. IPS