2008 Write-a-thon Cases
If you would like to receive hard copies of the case sheets, sample letters and other resources, please email us at writeathon@aiusa.org
Download all case sheets as one file: (PDF) | (MS Word)
Download all sample letters as one file: (PDF) | (MS Word)
Download all case sheets and sample letters as one file: (PDF) | (MS Word)
CAMBODIA – Group 78
The Phnom Penh city authorities have been threatening since June 2006 to evict nearly 150 families living on land known as Group 78. Most are poor and work in low wage-paying jobs. » Learn more
CHINA – Shi Tao
Chinese journalist Shi Tao used his Yahoo! email account to send a message to a pro-democracy website. Authorities used email account information supplied by Yahoo! to sentence Shi Tao to 10 years in prison. » Learn more
DRC – Justine Masika Bihamba
As a result of her work as the coordinator of a women's human rights organization, Justine Masika Bihamba and her family have been targeted repeatedly by the DRC military. » Learn more
ERITREA – Abune Antonios
"Abune" Antonios is Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church and has been under house arrest since January 2006. Amnesty International considers him to be a prisoner of conscience. » Learn more
INDONESIA – Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage
In May 2005, a court sentenced Filep Karma to 15 years in prison and Yusak Pakage to 10 years on charges of treason for having "betrayed" Indonesia by flying the outlawed Papua flag. » Learn more
IRAN – The Campaign for Equality
The Campaign for Equality is an Iranian women's rights initiative committed to ending discrimination against women in Iranian law. Several of its activists have been arrested or tried for promoting women's rights. » Learn more
IRAQ – Nathum Mohammad Isma'il al-'Ani
Nathum Mohammad Isma'il al-'Ani was one of 18 people arrested by Iraqi security forces in Baghdad on December 21, 2005. There has been no news of him since January 2006. » Learn more
JAPAN – Hakamada Iwao
Hakamada Iwao is suffering from mental illness after spending over 28 years in solitary confinement and 40 years on death row. He lives with the constant fear of execution. » Learn more
LIBYA – Fathi el-Jahmi
Because he advocated peaceful political change, Fathi el-Jahmi has spent most of the last six years in detention. His health is deteriorating, and he may not be receiving adequate medical care. » Learn more
MEXICO – The Women of Atenco
In May, 2006, the women of Atenco were detained without explanation and then physically and sexually assaulted by the police officers who arrested them. More than two years later, they still wait for justice. » Learn more
MOLDOVA – Sergei Gurgurov
Sergei Gurgurov has been left disabled by the reported torture and ill-treatment he received in police detention in late 2005. The charge against Sergei Gurgurov is still in force, and he is awaiting trial. » Learn more
GOOD NEWS! Ma Khin Khin Leh has been freed!
MYANMAR (BURMA) – Aung San Suu Kyi and Ma Khin Khin Leh
The military rulers of Myanmar have jailed thousands of citizens who express dissenting views. Aung San Suu Kyi and Ma Khin Khin Leh have been detained for advocating for democracy. » Learn more
USA – Mohammed Mohammed Hassan Odaini
Mohammed Mohammed Hassan Odaini remains detained in Guantánamo despite being cleared for release over two years ago. The reason for his continued detention is unclear. » Learn more
ZIMBABWE – Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)
As one of the largest civil society movements in Zimbabwe, WOZA has become a target of the Zimbabwean government, suffering repeated harrassment, intimidation, and detention by the authorities. » Learn more
