Holiday Card Action 2006

Eritrea – Helen Berhane: © Private

Helen Berhane was released in October 2006 after having been detained incommunicado without charge or trial for two and a half years. The authorities reportedly tortured her many times to make her recant her faith. Helen was hospitalized as a result of beatings and is said to be confined to a wheelchair. She refused to abandon her faith despite the threats and ill-treatment.

Haiti – Father Gerard Jean-Juste: Photo by Evens Sanon for AP

Father Gerard Jean-Juste was released from detention on health grounds in January 2006 to allow him to seek medical treatment in the USA for leukemia. Shortly before his release from prison, Father Jean-Juste wrote: "...I am very grateful to Amnesty International and to all of you for helping fight for the human rights of all political prisoners, here in Haiti and across the world. Let's keep the momentum on for justice, peace, love, and sharing to prevail all over the world as God wants it."

Morocco – Aminatou Haidar: Aminatou Haidar © Martin Wikström

Human rights defender Aminatou Haidar was released from prison in January 2006. Her colleagues Mohamed El Moutaouakil, Houssein Lidri, Brahim Noumria, Larbi Messaoud, Ali Salem Tamek, and H'mad Hammad were freed two months later.

Syria – Mamun al-Humsi and Riad Seif: © Private

Mamun al-Humsi and Riad Seif were released from prison in January 2006 while Amnesty International representatives were visiting Syria on a mission. Muhammad Ra'dun was released in November 2005.

Turkmenistan – Gurbandurdy Durdykuliev: © Private

Gurbandurdy Durdykuliev was freed in April 2006 from forcible confinement to a psychiatric hospital. Following his release, Durdykuliev told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, "I want, through your radio, to say thank you very much to international organizations and to the U.S. Congress, and also to the many people who sent telegrams, postcards, and letters to me."

USA – Murat Kurnaz: © Private

Murat Kurnaz was released on August 24, 2006, after being held at the Guantánamo Bay detention facility for four years and eight months without charge or trial. His lawyer wrote to Amnesty upon Kurnaz's reunion with his family in Germany: "He is now again in the circle of his family. Their joy at embracing their lost son again is indescribable."