21.   Oil Minister Dan Etete accused foreign oil companies Wednesday of abusing their powers and announced harsh new laws on hiring, firing and other business decisions.

22.   Some dissidents have called for harsh laws to crack down on corruption that top leaders admit has grown to epidemic proportions throughout society, despite repeated national anti-graft campaigns.

23.   The cards also urged Mahathir to repeal the Internal Security Act, a harsh law that allows for imprisonment without trial.

24.   The EU says Turkey cannot join without changing harsh laws that have seen dozens of activists and intellectuals jailed over the years for questioning state policies.

25.   The common view of Singapore by foreigners is that of a pocket-sized economic dynamo with harsh laws against drugs, chewing gum and vandalism.

26.   The government also charged Anwar under the Internal Security Act, a harsh law that provides for indefinite imprisonment without formal charges or trial.

27.   The harsh Nazi law criminalizing homosexuality remained on the books in Germany long after the war ended.

28.   The governments of Zia and her predecessor, Sheikh Hasina, used harsh laws to legitimize the harassment of opponents, the report alleged.

29.   The most recent meetings have tapered off, however, since the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council imposed harsh new laws aimed at curbing her activities.

30.   The Parti Islam SeMalaysia has tried to push harsh Islamic laws, such as the amputation of limbs for certain crimes and death for apostasy.