Update on 2008 Summer Solidarity Action
FEATURED CASES
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BELARUS - Alyaksandr Kazulin
Prisoner of conscience Alyaksandr Kazulin was released from prison in August 2008 after receiving a presidential pardon. The opposition political leader had been serving a five-year sentence because of his peaceful political opposition to authorities in Belarus.
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LIBYA - Fathi el-Jahmi
In May, Libyan authorities flew prisoner of conscience Fathi el-Jahmi to a hospital in Jordan, where he died on May 21, 2009. Amnesty International was greatly saddened by the death of the prominent rights activist, who had been detained since 2004. Amnesty is calling on authorities to investigate the circumstances leading to Mr. el-Jahmi’s death.
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MEXICO - The Women of San Salvador Atenco
The Mexican Supreme Court issued a statement in February 2009 confirming that human rights violations were perpetrated against women during a police response to public demonstrations in San Salvador Atenco in May 2006. Amnesty International continues to press the Mexican government to properly investigate the reported sexual and physical abuse of women by police officers in Atenco. The women featured in last year’s Summer Solidarity Action greatly appreciated the hundreds of cards of support they received from Amnesty members.
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ZIMBABWE - Women of Zimbabwe Arise
Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, leaders of the organization Women of Zimbabwe Arise, were freed from detention in July 2009 following action by Amnesty and other organizations. Police arrested them again in October when the women organized another peaceful protest march. The two were again released the following month. Both women spoke at AIUSA's Annual General Meeting in Boston this past March. Jenni Williams told AI members:
"Every time I sit in a prison cell and expect at any moment to be tortured, raped, or to disappear... I know that you, Amnesty International, look after me. You are my guardian angel. ... You are the ones who keep my heart beating and make me feel less stressed, less worried, when I?m sitting in jail. I know that you?re watching over me, and I think that is just the most incredible partnership. Without that, I don?t know where we would be today."
