11.   Opposition leaders have been confined to their homes and police have broken up peaceful rallies calling for the repeal of repressive laws.

12.   Burmese opposition groups say they will continue fighting until the government frees all political prisoners, abolishes repressive laws, and starts dialogue on national reconciliation.

13.   But lawmakers debated other issues during most of the session, indicating some government legislators stayed away to protest the repressive law.

14.   But still in force are repressive laws including one that bans political gatherings in the streets of five or more people.

15.   Labor leaders blame repressive new laws and government intimidation.

16.   Many repressive laws implemented under former President Suharto remain even though the new government has pledged democratic reform, a human rights group said Friday.

17.   Riot police broke up a peaceful demonstration in downtown Harare Friday, saying the protest against repressive laws and political violence was an illegal gathering under new security laws.

18.   The European Union, which Turkey aspires to join, has called Turkey to lift repressive laws and allow greater freedom of expression.

19.   The main opposition has accused the government of including the media curbs in a package of repressive laws to muzzle criticism ahead of the March polls.

20.   The report gave specific examples of abuses stemming from repressive laws as well as the exercise of arbitrary power.