Individuals at Risk Feed for Amnesty International USA

(UA 232/09) Ensure Safety of Mexican Human Rights Defenders

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:09:59 EST

Mercedes Murillo Monge, a Mexican woman who has spoken out about human rights abuses, has been harassed at gunpoint by soldiers. Her colleague, Salomon Monarrez Meraz, was shot and injured in August.

(UA 253/09) Halt Executions of Kenneth Biros and Five Ohio Prisoners

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:54:21 EST

The state of Ohio has announced new lethal injection procedures and plans to execute Kenneth Biros on December 8. Five other male prisoners in Ohio are scheduled for execution in the coming months.

(UA 312/09) Stop Death Sentence of Jassim Abdulmanan

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:34:05 EST

A court in Bahrain upheld the death penalty against Jassim Abdulmanan, a Bangladeshi national. The execution is now awaiting ratification by the king. Abdulmanan could be executed within weeks.

Time for US to Press Morocco on Human Rights Backsliding

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:41:02 EST

Recent actions taken by the Moroccan government against the press and Western Saharan rights activists suggest backsliding on core human rights such as freedom of speech, press, association and movement. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was recently in Morocco but generally praised Morocco’s human rights record despite this disturbing trend. Call on the US government to press Morocco to quickly address these recent abuses

Ensure a full and impartial investigation into the "disappearance" of Miguel Orlando Munoz Guzman

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:20:51 EST

Not only do the deaths of women tarnish the image of the Mexican city of Juárez, but also the disappearance of soldier Miguel Orlando Muñoz Guzmán demonstrates the flaw in the state of rights and justice in this region of Mexico.

Iran: Amnesty International Calls on Iran to Stop Imminent Execution of Kurdish Man

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Iranian authorities must halt the imminent execution of Sherko Moarefi, a Kurdish man convicted of "enmity against God" over his alleged membership in a proscribed Kurdish organization, Amnesty International said today.

USA: World's Largest Letter-Writing Event Saves Lives and Frees People Unjustly Imprisoned; Amnesty International Activists to Use Pens to Fight For Global Justice

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Since it takes more than a Twitter post to free a prisoner of conscience, tens of thousands of human rights activists around the world will participate in Amnesty International?s eighth annual Global Write-a-thon from December 5-13.

(UA 306/09) Protect Rolindo Vera From Torture and Murder

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:04:32 EST

Brazilian teacher, Rolindo Vera, has been missing since October 30 after he and other indigenous people were evicted from their land. His community fears he may have been abducted and taken to Paraguay. The body of another male teacher was found in a nearby river; Rolindo Vera's life is in grave danger.

(UA 271/09) Halt Death Penalty Against Two Kurds

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:14:31 EST

Habibollah Latifi and Sherko Moarefi, allegedly both members of Kurdish organizations, have been convicted of "enmity against God" and are at imminent risk of execution. Ehsan Fattahian, a member of a Kurdish opposition group, was executed on 11 November without being given an opportunity to appeal against his death sentence.

(UA071/09) Call on Authorities not to Flog Three Saudi Arabians

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:47:21 EST

A 75 year old woman along with two 24 year old males have had their sentences of flogging and imprisonment reimposed. If the Supreme Court upholds their sentences, they will be imprisoned and at imminent risk of flogging.

(UA304/09) Speak Up About the Forced Eviction of 400 Roma People

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:39:36 EST

City authorities in Rome have forcibly evicted a community of about 400 Roma people. The majority of them are homeless and were living in an abandoned factory nearby.

USA: Amnesty International Urges Obama to Not Ignore Human Rights During his Meeting with ASEAN Leaders

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

--T. Kumar, Amnesty International USA's director for international advocacy and one of the foremost experts on Asia, issued the following statement prior to President Obama's trip to Asia including attending the APEC forum in Singapore and visiting Japan, China and South Korea. During his visit, he is reportedly scheduled to meet with ASEAN leaders on November 15.

Jailed Azerbaijani bloggers adopted as prisoners of conscience

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Youth activists Emin Abdullayev and Adnan Hajizade have been sentenced to 30 and 24 months' imprisonment respectively on charges of 'hooliganism' and 'inflicting minor bodily harm'.

(UA 286/09) Turkmen Environmentalist Evades Five Years' Imprisonment

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Andrei Zakota, a 53-year-old male environmentalist, was released on 6 November from a sentence of five years in prison after he paid a fine of 1,000 Manat (about 350 USD). He was arrested on 20 October on charges of "hooliganism" and faced an unfair trial. When the regional court ruled that the city court did not take into account mitigating factors such as his environmental activity, his reputation and his cooperation, his prison sentence was commuted to a fine.

(UA305/09) Stop the Forcible Return of Igor Koktysh

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:31:18 EST

Igor Koktysh is a 29 year old social activist that could be forcibly returned at anytime from Ukraine, where he is at risk of the death penalty for fabricated charges.

Ukraine must release Belarusian prisoner of conscience

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Musician and activist Igor Koktysh has been detained for over two years for the peaceful expression of his beliefs. If forcibly returned to Belarus, he could face the death penalty.

"Today in Zimbabwe: What's Really Happening on the Ground"

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:31:36 EST

Ms. Mahlangu and Ms. Williams of Women of Zimbabwe Arise, will discuss their relentless struggle for human rights, political accountability, and women's empowerment in an open forum. Q&A to follow.

5 Years Later- And Still in Jail for Raising A Flag!

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:23:33 EST

On December 1st, 2009, help bring awareness to the 5 year anniversary of Filep and Yusak raising a flag in a peaceful demonstration. After 5 years, Filep and Yusak are still in jail, facing many more unless we continue to show our opposition to this atrocity.

(UA 299/09) Protect John Smith Porras Bernal

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 10:34:44 EST

John Smith Porras Bernal, a Colombian man whose brother was killed by the army, has since received death threats at his home in Soacha. His life is in danger for helping his mother campaign for justice for her murdered son.

Germany: European Governments Must Act on Human Rights 20 Years after the Berlin Wall

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

On the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Amnesty International has called for urgent action to tackle abuses against migrants, asylum seekers, detainees and minorities.

Tunisia: Tunisia Releases Prisoners Held Over Gafsa Protests

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Sixty-eight people held in connection with protests against unemployment and high living costs in the resource-rich Gafsa region have been released.

Stop Harassment of Human Rights Defenders in Zimbabwe

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 08:14:58 EST

Artist and community activist, Marlon Magwaza, was harassed and threatened by ZANU-PF youths after he organized a community cultural event that had prior clearance from the police. The event was conducted to promote peace and tolerance. He was shoved by the police before being taken to the police station where he was detained for about seven hours. The arrest took place after ZANU-PF youths alleged a participant at the event had 'insulted' President Mugabe.

(UA297/09) Stop the Execution of Five Men in Yemen

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:02:35 EST

Five men under sentence of death in Yemen could be executed as cearly as Novemeber 11. They have exhausted their appeals and their death sentences have been ratified by the president.

Syria: Veteran Human Rights Lawyer Faces up to 15 Years in Syrian Prison

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International believes that charges have been brought against Haytham al-Maleh simply because he exercised his right to freedom of expression.

Iran:Iranian Activist Banned from Receiving Human Rights Award in Geneva

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

A longstanding travel ban on journalist Emadeddin Baghi, has prevented him from travelling to Switzerland to recieve his Martin Ennals prize in person.

Tunisia: Student Activist Held in Tunisia at Risk of Torture

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

Mohammed Soudani has been detained incommunicado since he met with two French radio journalists who were covering the presidential and legislative elections that took place on 25 October.

(UA 171/09) Call for Release of Iranian Journalists

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:43:03 EST

Three Iranian journalists, Bahman Ahmadi Amou'i, Kevyan Samimi Behbahani, and Saeed Laylaz, remain detained since the government's crackdown on freedom of expression after the June 12 elections. They are at risk of torture.

China: China Holds Uighur Journalist Over Xinjiang Unrest Remarks

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Hairat Niyaz has been detained since 1 October. He is thought at risk of torture and ill-treatment. Family and friends believe his detention is due to comments he made about the recent unrest.

(UA 289/09) Stop Death Threats Against Yoab Syatfle

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:23:52 EST

Yoab Syatfle, a political activist in the Indonesian province of West Papua, has received multiple death threats related to his peaceful activities representing Papuan indigenous communities. Amnesty International fears for his safety and life.

Zimbabwe: On Eve of Southern African Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Zimbabwe, Amnesty International Warns of Worsening Human Rights Situation in Zimbabwe

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International warned today that Zimbabwe is on the brink of sliding back into the post-election violence that erupted last year, risking the stability brought about by the creation of the unity government in February.

Iran: Iran Must Release Scholar Held for Peaceful Criticism of Election

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Dr Mohammad Maleki has been held incommunicado since his arrest in August. Amnesty International has expressed grave concern for his health as he is suffering from serious illnesses.

Demand justice for killing of journalist in Oaxaca, Mexico

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:23:08 EST

On October 27 2006, US video journalist Brad Will was shot and killed in Oaxaca City, southern Mexico as he filmed a clash between members of a local protest movement (Asamblea Popular del Pueblo de Oaxaca, APPO) and supporters and officials of the local governing party.

Iran: Mass Arrests During Prayer Service for Activists in Iran

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Up to 68 people are said to have been arrested during a prayer service in support of activists detained following protests after June?s presidential election.

After 3 Months, Iranian Prisoner of Conscience Released Without Charge (UA 176/09)

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Jakarkhon Sheikho, an Iranian prisoner of conscience who was detained incommunicado for nearly three and a half months, was released without charge on October 3. He spent part of his detention in an interrogation center in Damascus that is notorious for torture. It is believed that he was arrested by Military Security because of his activities as a senior member of an unauthorized Kurdish Syrian political party.

Russia: Russian activists awarded European rights prize

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

The 2009 Sakharov prize for human rights has been awarded to Russian activists Oleg Orlov, Sergei Kovalev and Ludmila Alekseeva.

Iran: Iran must overturn sentences issued by post-election 'show trial'

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Iranian-American academic Kian Tajbakhsh has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Revolutionary Court in Tehran, for his alleged part in the protests following the June presidential election.

Zimbabwe: Justice for Women

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:14:26 EST

Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu continue to live under the threat of trial and imprisonment since their arrest on charges of disturbing the peace on October 16, 2008. On that day, hundreds of WOZA members demonstrated in Bulawayo in support of the government declaring a national emergency and distributing food aid to the nation's hungry citizens.

Seattle Bookfest Open Reading

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:08:59 EST

Open Mic Poetry Reading, at the Seattle Bookfest, October 24th (2009); Larry Ebersole will dedicate his part of the reading (during the 2:00 pm to 3:00pm segment) to the release of Shi Tao, and to Iranian Writers.

Special Focus Case Rally at Indonesian Embassy for Filep and Yusak!

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:18:10 EST

Join our monthly solidarity rally to demand the immediate and unconditional release for POCs Filep Karma and Yusak Package every 3rd Thursday of the month in front of the Indonesian Embassy.

Demand Safety of Mexican Villagers (UA 283/09)

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:36:11 EST

Villagers in Santo Domingo Ixcatlan, Oaxaca state have been attacked repeatedly by a group of armed men for the inhabitants' opposition to the sale of community lands. The armed group has chased away the police officers that had been sent to protect the villagers.

Insist Upon Exit Visa for Juan Juan Almeida (UA 280/09)

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:27:45 EST

Juan Juan Almeida has been refused permission to leave Cuba and has faced harassment by security forces after he criticized the authorities. There are strong suspicions that the restrictions on his movement are a punishment for exercising his freedom of expression, and Amnesty International fears he will be continually harassed.

Protest Arbitrary Arrest of Zhou Yongjun (UA 278/09)

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:21:09 EST

Chinese pro-democracy activist Zhou Yongjun is about to face trial in China after an arbitrary arrest in Hong Kong. China has not been able to demonstrate that he is being held for a recognizable criminal offense. If convicted, he could potentially be jailed for life.

Protect Indigenous Community of Los Chuschagasta (UA 282/09)

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:12:16 EST

The Diaguita Indigenous group of northwestern Argentina has faced attempts of forced eviction by a local landowner. On October 12, the landowner and two other men attacked the group, leaving one man dead and four others wounded.

Stop Execution of Akram Mahdavi (UA 59/08)

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:45:14 EST

Akram Mahdavi, a 35-year old Iranian woman, was to be put to death on 11 October but has received a stay of execution. However, she still faces the death penalty and has not been given the right to seek pardon or commutation of her sentence.

Stop the Forced Eviction of Cambodian Families UA276/09

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:19:34 EST

At least 115 families were forcibly evicted on Oct. 9-10. All are now homeless and one has been hospitalized after police violence.

Help 72-Year-Old Iranian Avoid Prison Time UA 279/09

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:58:33 EST

Mehdi Karroubi, a 72 year old male cleric is facing criminal charges in relation for his reporting of allegations that detainees were mistreated.

Call For Thorough Investigation Into Jesus Sanchez's Shooting (UAA 237/09)

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:06:47 EST

Male environmentalist Jesus Sanchez de la Barquera has been shot and wounded outside his home in Mexico State, near the Mexican capital, Mexico City.

Protect Sri Lankan Journalist

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:46:27 EST

Since 2006, at least 14 media workers have been killed in Sri Lanka, with no one held accountable for these murders. Call on the Sri Lankan government to ensure Dileesha Abeysundera’s safety and to investigate the intimidation attempted against her and other Sri Lankan journalists and media workers.

Honduras: Honduras must allow journalists to broadcast freely

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

The de facto Honduran authorities must allow opposition journalists to broadcast as negotiations over the country's political future continue, Amnesty International has said.

Urge Authorities to Not Torture Nguyen Hoang Hai (UA 270/09)

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 16:25:39 EST

Nguyen Hoang Hai, a male prisoner of conscience, has been trasferred to a remote prison in Viet Nam. He is at risk of torture or ill-treatment

Demand Clemency for Death Row Prisoner (UAA 218/09)

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 12:54:24 EST

Vasily Yusepchuk, a condemned prisoner in Belarus, is sentenced to be executed on October 12 and has until that time to apply for clemency from the president. The Supreme Court of Belarus rejected his appeal against the death penalty.

Ensure Safety of Sri Lankan Journalist (UAA 269/09)

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 12:49:39 EST

Journalist and media rights activist Dileesha Abeysundera has been threatened by a gang that attempted to forcefully enter her compound. Her safety is in danger, as numerous media workers have been detained and 14 have been killed since 2006.

Urge Authorities Not To Return 36 Iranian Detainees And Others (UAA 212/09)

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 11:43:47 EST

Thirty-six Iranian men arrested from Camp Ashraf in July, have been transferred from a police station to a military airbase in Baghdad. They are at risk of torture or other ill-treatment as they are now detained incommunicado.

Call On Mr. Michelettie To Rescind Decree PCM-M-016-2009 (UAA 263/09)

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 16:33:45 EST

Media workers in Honduras have been under attack since Roberto Micheletti seized power on 28 June. Micheletti issued a decree on 26 September allowing newspapers and broadcasters to be shut down if they "insult public officials."

Call for Safety of Migrants in Mexico UA261/09

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 16:37:16 EST

A group of seven irregular migrants traveling through Chiapas state were shot at by members of the security forces. One was called, all others injured.

Urge For Immediate And Unconditional Release Of Dilixiati Paerhati (UA 262/09)

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 10:10:06 EST

Dilixiati Paerhati, editor of a Uighur website Diyarim.com, has not been seen since 7 August. His current whereabouts are unknown. There are fears that he is being held in incommunicado detention and is at risk of torture or other ill-treatment.

China: Crackdown on China's activists escalates ahead of 60th anniversary

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

The government's increased surveillance, harassment and imprisonment of activists is to prevent them from raising human rights concerns that challenge the authorities' image of social harmony.

Insist on Medical Treatment for Pro-Democracy Activist (UA 259/09)

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:44:20 EST

Robert San Aung, a lawyer imprisoned in Myanmar, has recently lost sight in one eye and requires immediate medical attention. He has been denied access to proper medical treatment, which Myanmar is obligated to provide for prisoners.

Call for Safety of Human Rights Defender, Norma Cruz (UA 258/09)

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:23:32 EST

Norma Cruz a Guatemalan human rights defender and organizer of a women's rights organization, the Survivors Foundation, has received death threats because of her work for a girl who has been raped. Norma and her colleagues are in grave danger.

Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Supreme Court orders end to prosecution of activist Jestina Mukoko

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Zimbabwe's Supreme Court ordered a permanent stay of the criminal proceedings against prominent human rights activist Jestina Mukoko on Monday.

Yemen: Yemen must reveal whereabouts of detained journalist

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Yemeni authorities must clarify the whereabouts of journalist Muhammad al-Maqalih, who was seized by plain-clothed assailants in the capital Sana'a late on Thursday.

Protect Residents of Lomas del Poleo (UA 15/09)

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:12:37 EST

Agustina Contreras, along with other residents of Lomas del Poleo, are constantly harrassed and threatened by private security guards hired to patrol a barbed wire fence erected around the neighborhood.

Mexico: Amnesty International Welcomes Release of Mexican Prisoner of Conscience

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International said today it welcomes the release from a Mexican prison of Jacinta Francisco Marcial, a mother of six who was falsely accused in 2006 of kidnapping six federal agents. The human rights organization adopted Francisco Marcial as a prisoner of conscience this past August and has pressed for her release after concluding no evidence existed against her and she had been arrested, tried and convicted because she was poor and of indigenous heritage.

Mexico: Freedom for Indigenous Mexican woman wrongly imprisoned for three years

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International welcomes the release of Mexican prisoner of conscience Jacinta Francisco Marcial.

Mexico: Freedom for Indigenous woman wrongly imprisoned for three years on fabricated charges

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International welcomes the release of Mexican prisoner of conscience Jacinta Francisco Marcial, who was held in prison for three years after being falsely accused of kidnapping six federal agents.

Call For The Immediate And Unconditional Release Of Abdollah Momeni (UA 244/09)

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:56:22 EST

Male Iranian prisoner of Conscience Abdollah Momeni who was last seen by his wife at Evin Prison in Teheran on 8 August remains at risk of torture. His wife had earlier expressed concerned about his frail health and lost of weight.

Spain: Spain Must End Incommunicado Detention

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

In its new report, Amnesty International illustrates how Spain has one of the strictest detention regimes in Europe which is in breach of the country's obligations under international human rights law.

Stop The Eviction of the Roma Community, Rubattino (UA 243/09)

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:00:32 EST

City authorities in Milan are preparing to forcibly evict a community of 200 living in the Rubattino area. The eviction is forced and many do not know where they will go after the proposed eviction at some point before 21 September. The eviction threatens to interupt schooling and lifestyles.

Call For The Safety Of Eligio Rebolledo Salinas And His Relatives (UA 241/09)

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:14:50 EST

Community leader Eligio Rebolledo Salinas has been shot by unidentified gunmen and three of his male relatives arrested without a warrant. All were campaigning for a fair deal with a mining company operating on their lands.

Gambia: Six Gambian journalists released

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

The six had been sentenced on 6 August to a mandatory sentence of two years? imprisonment and fined 250,000 Dalasis (US$10,000) for defamation and sedition.

Speak Up for Forced Evicted Families of Brazil (UA 225/09)

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 16:36:33 EST

800 families were forcibly evicted from private land in the south of the city of Sao Paulo. More than 500 families only have plastic sheeting to sleep under.

Protect the Safety of Individuals at Risk in El Salvador (UA 223/09)

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 16:26:57 EST

Individuals seeking justice for a murdered environmental activist in Cabanas department, El Salvador, are at risk. One activist has been shot and five men and one boy have received threats.

Stop the Execution of Tang Yanan in China (UA 226/09)

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 16:03:11 EST

After an unfair trial, Tang Yanan, was convicted of "fradulent raising of public funds" and could be executed within days if his death sentence is upheld.

Stop Forcible Eviction of Thousands of People in Nigeria (UA 228/09)

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 15:35:49 EST

The government of a southern Nigerian state has begun forcibly evicting people to make way for a commercial development. Thousands of people are at risk of forced eviction and destitution.

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka jails journalist for 20 years for exercising his right to freedom of expression

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

JS Tissainayagam was convicted of writing and publishing articles that criticized the government's treatment of Sri Lankan Tamil civilians affected by the war.

Malaysia:Malaysian Woman First to be Caned under Shariah law

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

A Malaysian state court sentenced a Muslim woman to six strokes of the cane after she was caught drinking beer in a hotel in the Malaysian state of Pahang.

Tunisia:New Amnesty International Report Exposes Abuses in Tunisia

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Tunisian authorities continue to commit human rights violations in the name of security and counter-terrorism, yet other states continue to forcibly return Tunisian nationals at risk of torture and other abuses or to threaten such returns, Amnesty International said in a new report today.

South Korea:Kim Dae-Jung, Human Rights Champion And Former South Korean President, Dies

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Former South Korea President Kim Dae-jung died on Tuesday, aged 85. A winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts at reconciliation with North Korea, he leaves a legacy of commitment to human rights and democracy.

Honduras: Human Rights Crisis Threatens As Repression Increases

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

A delegation from Amnesty International visited Honduras from 28 July ? 1 August 2009 to investigate reports of human rights violations following the military-backed coup d?etat on 28 June. The delegation held meetings with representatives from across a wide range of civil society and visited persons in detention and several people receiving medical treatment in hospitals. Where requested, the identity of those interviewed has been withheld for their own safety.

Honduras:In New Report, Amnesty International Highlights Abuse of Protestors in Honduras

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International published a series of exclusive photos and testimonies today, revealing serious ill-treatment by Honduras police and military of peaceful protesters in the capital, Tegucigalpa. The organization warned that beatings and mass arrests are being used as a way of punishing people for voicing their opposition to the military-backed coup d'etat in June.

Afghanistan: Afghanistan Must Lift Media Restrictions, Says Amnesty International

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

On the eve of the presidential elections in Afghanistan, Amnesty International has called on the Afghan government to reverse its ban on national and international media from reporting on cases of violence and insecurity occurring during Thursday?s election.

Gambia:Dismissal of Gambian Ambassador to the United States Neneh Macdouall Gaye

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International regrets the recent dismissal of Ambassador Neneh Macdouall Gaye as Gambian ambassador to the United States if this action has been taken in response to the ambassador's planned meeting this week with representatives of Amnesty International. The organization welcomed a discussion with Ambassador Gaye about concerns regarding human rights in Gambia, including the case of missing journalist Ebrima Manneh.

Mexico:Indigenous Mexican Woman Unfairly Accused of Kidnapping Agents

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

A Mexican market stall holder accused of kidnapping six federal agents has been adopted as a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International.

Prevent the Forced Eviction of Families in Cambodia (UA 217/09)

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:58:24 EST

The families of two villages in Phnom Penh have received official notices that they will have to leave their homes within 7 days, as a private company is redeveloping the land for commercial purposes and tourism. The families are not receiving adequate alternative housing or fair compensation.

Iran:Independent investigation needed into rape and torture in detention in Iran

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Allegations that election protesters were tortured and raped in detention must be urgently investigated by the Iranian authorities, Amnesty International's Secretary General said on Saturday.

Afganistan:Amnesty International asks Afghan Government to uphold Rule of Law

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Days before the Afghan presidential elections, journalists from 13 provinces in Afghanistan have told Amnesty International that they have recently been threatened by Afghan government officials because of their critical reporting.

Gaurantee the Safety of Human Rights Defenders in Colombia (UA 215/09)

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:08:29 EST

Three human rights defenders, Guillermo Castano, Mauricio Cubides and Yezid Beltran, have received a death threat from a paramilitary group. The threat encourages supporters of the group to pursue and kill the three men. Amnesty International fears for their safety.

Myanmar:Amnesty International Calls Suu Kyi's New Sentence "Shameful"

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Today's guilty verdict against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi by a court in Myanmar has been described by Amnesty International's Secretary General Irene Khan as "shameful". "Her arrest, trial and now this guilty verdict are nothing more than legal and political theatre," added Irene Khan.

Russia:Amnesty International Calls on Russian Federation to Stop Arbitrary Murder of Human Rights Activists

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

The latest murder of a human rights activist in Chechnya demonstrates the complete disregard for rule of law that prevails in Chechnya today, Amnesty International said.

President Obama and Congress: Respect Human Rights and Counter Terror With Justice

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:01:47 EST

President Obama and a number of members of Congress have resisted full accountability for torture, and have endorsed indefinite detention and unfair military commissions. There is an alternative: call on President Obama and Congress to respect human rights.

Iran: Alarming spike in executions since disputed presidential election

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

The eight weeks between the presidential election on 12 June and the inauguration of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for a second term as president on 5 August saw an alarming spike in the number of executions by the Iranian authorities, Amnesty International said today.

Afghanistan:Amnesty International Releases Ten-Point Agenda for Human Rights Prior to Afghanistan Elections

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

As the Afghan people prepare to go to the polls in elections on August 20, Amnesty International today published a Ten-Point Agenda for Human Rights in Afghanistan, targeting the 38 presidential candidates, in a bid to improve the country's desperate human rights situation.

Iran:Iranian Inauguration a Chance to "Turn the Page" on Spiraling Repression, Says Amnesty International

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Iran is caught in a spiraling cycle of repression, Irene Khan, Amnesty International's Secretary General warned on the eve of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's official inauguration for a second term as Iran's President, as she called for an immediate end to detentions, torture and unfair trials in response to peaceful protests.

Stop Imminent Execution in Mongolia (UA 206/09)

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:20:12 EST

Buuveibaatar, a 33-year-old Mongolian man, is facing execution for murder. He has exhausted all his appeals, and his life will only be spared if Mongolia's president grants him a pardon.

Prevent Death Sentence for Canadian National in Ethiopia (UA 207/09)

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:15:58 EST

Bashir Makhtal, an Ethiopian-born Canadian citizen, was found guilty of terror-related charges on July 27 amid concerns of an unfair trial in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. He is due to be sentenced on August 3 and could be sentenced to death.

Demand Freedom for Human Rights Defender in the DRC (UA 208/09)

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:56:55 EST

Golden Misabiko, a prominent human rights defender, was detained as a prisoner of conscience on July 24. His trial will begin on August 19. He is charged with "threatening state security" because his organization published a report alleging state complicity in illegal mining at a uranium mine.

Human Rights Defender Released on Bail in Iran (UA 193/09)

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Human rights defender Shadi Sadr was released on bail on July 28 after being abducted on July 17 in Tehran by men believed to be security officials. It is not known what she has been charged with, but she is believed to have been arrested in connection with her human rights activities after the disputed presidential election. A lawyer and a journalist, Shadi Sadr was released after 11 days in custody on bail of 50 million toumans (US$54,000).

USA: Open letter to Hillary Clinton on human rights in Africa

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International sends this open letter to Hillary Clinton as she prepares for her first visit to several African countries in the role of U.S. Secretary of State. We urge her to use this opportunity to address human rights violations in each of these countries.

Stop the Ill-Treatment of Arrested and Displaced Iranians in Iraq (UA 205/09)

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:12:28 EST

Iraqi security forces stormed a camp occupied by an Iranian organization with excessive force killing up to 8 people and injuring 400 others. 50 Individuals were arrested and have been detained in an unkown location; Amnesty International fears they may be tortured.

Call for the Release of 12 Soldiers in Guinea (UA 204/09)

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:07:45 EST

Eleven of a group of 12 soldiers held without charge in Guinea have been moved to an unlawful place of detention. The remaining one detainee is still being held in a military barracks. All soldiers are at risk of torture.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi named Amnesty International's Ambassador of Conscience

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Burmese opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been awarded the 2009 Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience award.

Prevent Imminent Execution in Trinidad and Tobago (UA 198/09)

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:51:08 EST

Ronald Tiwarie, a prisoner in Trinidad and Tobago, has now been on death row beyond the five-year limit marking the beginning of cruel and unusual punishment as set by the Privy Council. Ronald will not be safe from execution until his sentence is commuted by the High Court or by a presidential pardon

Global day of support for Iran's victims of human rights abuse

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Thousands of activists in over 105 countries will participate in a Global Day of Action on Saturday, to demonstrate solidarity with those whose human rights are being abused in Iran.

Usra al-Hussein Released from Incommunicado Detention in Syria (UA 261/08)

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Usra al-Hussein was released on July 18 after spending nearly a year in incommunicado detention without charge or trial. Her husband, Jehad Diab, has been held without charge or trial as an "enemy combatant" in the U.S. detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, since August 2002. Usra al-Hussein was arrested by State Security officials on July 31, 2008, from her home in al-'Otayba after contacting an international organization regarding the detention conditions of her husband. Since her arrest, she was permitted no contact with the outside world, and her family was given no information by the Syrian authorities as to where she was being held or why she had been arrested. Amnesty International does not yet have information on her treatment during detention.

Saudi Arabia - human rights abuses in the name of fighting terrorism

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Saudi Arabian authorities have launched a sustained assault on human rights under the façade of countering terrorism.

Arrests and deaths continue in Iran as authorities tighten grip

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Thirty six Iranian Army officers, a French student, activists, journalists and lawyers are among those detained as waves of arrests and killings continue unabated in Iran.

Demand Freedom for Uighur Blogger in China (UA 194/09)

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:32:18 EST

Ilham Tohti, editor of the website Uighur Online (http://www.uighurbiz.net) and associate economics professor at Central Nationalities University in Beijing, has been held incommunicado by the authorities since July 8. His whereabouts are unknown, and he is at risk of torture and other ill-treatment.

Condemn Murder of Russian Human Rights Defender

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:26:19 EST

Natalia Estemirova, one of the leading human rights defenders who worked in the North Caucasus region, was abducted in Grozny, Chechnya on July 15th on her way to work. She was dragged into a car by several men and driven off in an unknown direction. According to witnesses, Natalia Estemirova managed to shout out that she was being abducted. Her body was found several hours later in the neighboring Republic of Ingushetia with gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

Afro-descendant Community of Caracoli in Colombia Not Evicted (UA 154/09)

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Local police in the Curvarado region of Colombia were preparing to serve an eviction notice on the community of Caracoli on June 18. However, thanks in part to pressure from the international community, the Colombian Constitutional Court ordered the immediate suspension of the eviction notice and called for the protection of the community, which consists of over 100 people. The eviction notice had been ordered by a local judge despite the central government's repeated recognition that the residents of Caracoli legally own their lands and have a right to remain there. Caracoli is included in a collective land title, owned by the local Afro-descendant community, covering the region of Curvarado and Jiguamiando.

Demand the Safety of Activists in Mexico (UA 190/09)

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:36:44 EST

Five leaders of an organization protesting high domestic electricity costs in Candelaria, Campeche state have been charged with kidnapping a public official. Amnesty International believes the charges are politically motivated and that the five have been arbitrarily detained and may be subject to an unfair trial.

Human rights lawyers disbarred in China

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Chinese human rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong has had his professional license revoked by the Justice Bureau of Beijing Municipality.

Iran:Amnesty International Calls for Halt to Executions in Iran

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International urged the Iranian government to halt the public executions, scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, of fourteen alleged members of the PRMI (People's Resistance Movement of Iran), a Baluchi armed opposition group also known as Jondallah.

Congo:Amnesty International Calls on Congolese Officials to Disclose Whereabouts of Men Taken Into Custody on Suspicion of Plotting Government Overthrow

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International said today that three men who were held in military detention, suspected of plotting to overthrow the government of Democratic Republic of Congo, were secretly removed from custody in June and "disappeared." The human rights organization, fearing for the mens' lives, demanded that the government disclose their whereabouts or release them.

Trial of seven Baha'i religious minority members delayed in Iran

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

The fate of the detainees, who could have faced the death penalty if found guilty, remains undecided after their trial was postponed.

Demand fair treatment for prisoners in the Democratic Republic of Congo (UA 187/09)

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:14:55 EST

Three men have been subjected to enforced disappearance after they were secretly removed from military detention in Kinshasa on June 22. The men, who have been beaten mutiple times, were detained after authorities suspected them of plotting a coup.

Protect Prisoners of Conscience from Torture in Saudi Arabia (UA 14/09)

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 17:08:19 EST

Khaled al-'Omair and Mohammed al-'Otaibi remain in detention and are at risk of torture or other ill-treatment. They were detained in Saudi Arabia after demonstrating against Israel's military action in Gaza.

Iran:Amnesty International charges that Iran used tear gas used against demonstrators marking 18 Tir anniversary

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International condemned the excessive use of force by Iranian security forces today, following baton charges and use of teargas against demonstrators in Tehran commemorating today's tenth anniversary of 18 Tir, the brutal suppression of student-lead protests in 1999.

Honduras:Intimidation of Media workers and Protestors Rising

Tue, 7 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International denounced an escalation in human rights abuses in Honduras and urged the security forces to respect the rule of law and human rights when the President returns to Honduras at the weekend.

China:Amnesty International Urges China to Conduct a Fair and Impartial Investigation in Urumqi

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International today called on the authorities in Urumqi to immediately launch an independent and impartial investigation into reports that 140 people were killed when a protest turned violent late on Sunday.

Urge Officials to Give Detainee Proper Medical Attention in Ukraine (UA 177/09)

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 17:18:36 EST

Andriy Snigovyj is in pre-trial detention in Ukraine. He is HIV positive and is suffering painful and debilitating AIDS-related infections, but he is not receiving either treatment or medication.

Protect Possible Prisoner of Conscience from Torture in Syria (UA 176/09)

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 16:38:56 EST

Political activist Jakarkhon Sheikho 'Ali, a member of Syria's Kurdish minority, is being held incommunicado at the Military Secruity Branch in Aleppo, Syria. He may be a prisoner of conscience, detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and association. He is at risk of torture and other ill-treatment.

UK Nationals Maryam Kallis and Yasser Zahur Ahmed Released in Syria (UA 90/09)

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

British nationals Maryam Kallis and Yasser Zahur Ahmed were released on June 7 and returned home to their families in the UK. They had been held without charge in a variety of undisclosed locations for almost three months without access to legal assistance or their families. Both were accused of involvement in terrorism. Maryam Kallis was arrested on March 15 by a group of eight or 10 men in civilian clothes while with her eight-year-old son in the Rukna al-Din area of the capital, Damascus. The men took Maryam Kallis and her son back to her sister's apartment, where Maryam Kallis had been staying with her three children since March 5. The men confiscated her passport and those of her children before handcuffing her and taking her away. During her detention, Maryam Kallis was visited by a number of staff members of the British Consulate in Damascus. During a visit on April 23, she is said to have appeared frail and fatigued. According to the authorities detaining her, she was being treated daily by a doctor as an apparently routine measure. Yasser Ahmed was arrested on March 17 at the Abi Noor Language Institute in the Rukna al-Din area of Damascus, where he was in his second year studying Arabic. He had travelled to Syria with his wife and daughter in October 2006. On May 10, a British newspaper reported that Maryam Kallis and Yasser Ahmed were being held on suspicion of connections with a "terrorist organization" related to al-Qaeda. The Syrian authorities claimed that "Ms. Kallis is involved in receiving funds ... and in conveying the funds to [al-Qaeda]." This was the first public statement by the Syrian authorities regarding their detention.

Protect Human Rights Lawyer from Torture in Iran (UA 175/09)

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:39:42 EST

Mohammed Mostafaei has been released on bail after being arrested in Tehran on June 25. He is likely to face prosecution, and if imprisoned he would be a prisoner of conscience detained solely for his human rights activities.

Europe shows support for Azerbaijan's threatened independent media

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International members across Europe join in a day of action as part of the organization’s solidarity campaign with independent journalists and human rights activists in Azerbaijan.

Protect Members of Indigenous Rights Organization in Mexico (UA 173/09)

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:39:52 EST

Margarita Martin De Las Nieves, Santiago Ponce Lola, and Modesta Laureano Petra are members of an indigenous rights organization. They were attacked by a gunman on June 24.

Protect South Korean National From Torture and Other Ill-Treatment (UA 168/09)

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:29:35 EST

Yu Seong-jin was arrested on March 30 in North Korea at the industrial complex where he works. He is being kept incommunicado and attempts by the South Korean government to request his release have all been ignored.

Demand the Identification and Release of Journalists in Iran (UA 172/09)

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:02:04 EST

At least 25 employees of the newspaper Kalameh Sabz have been arbitrarily arrested and kept incommunicado. The clear reasons for the arrests are unknown and Amnesty International fears the prisoners of conscience may be tortured or otherwise ill-treated.

Prevent the Imminent Execution of Indian National in Pakistan (UA 69/08)

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:20:53 EST

On June 24, the Pakistan Supreme Court rejected Manjit/Sarabjit Singh's second petition to review the death sentence given to him in 1991. Manjit/Sarabjit Singh was arrested in 1990 in Pakistan on charges of having worked for Indian government intelligence.

Ensure the Release of Scholar and Activist in China (UA 169/09)

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:00:03 EST

Liu Xiaobo was formally arrested for "inciting subversion of state power" on June 23. Amnesty International fears that he will be tortured or otherwise ill-treated while in custody after his arbitrary arrest.

China:Amnesty International Condemns Arrest of Chinese Dissident and Literary Scholar Liu Xiaobo

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International condemns the formal arrest of prominent scholar and activist Liu Xiaobo on suspicion of "inciting subversion of state power" on June 23. The People?s Daily reported that police accused Liu Xiaobo of activities such as "spreading of rumors and defaming of the government, aimed at subversion of the state and overthrowing the socialism system in recent years."

Help Provide Relief to 200 Forcibly Evicted Families in Brazil (UA 165/09)

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:53:06 EST

Over 400 families were evicted from a government building on June 16th in Brazil. After violent clashes with police authorities, 200 families still remain without adequate living arrangments.

Protect Rural Communities from Torture in Mexico (UA 161/09)

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:51:47 EST

Soldiers tortured, shot at, threatened, and harrassed adults and children in 3 rural communities in the southern state of Guerrero. The military incursion was intended to detain members of an armed opposition group.

Stop Imminent Execution in Saudi Arabia (UA 164/09)

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:46:28 EST

Muhammad Basheer al-Ramaly, age 22, has been sentenced to execution by beheading, followed by crucifixion in which his body and the head are both place on a pole in a public square. Amnesty International believes his trial to have been unfair. He did not have access to a lawyer.

Urge the Release of Human Rights Defender and Lawyer in Iran (UA 160/09)

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:03:47 EST

Human rights defender and lawyer Abdolfattah Soltani was abducted by plain clothes officers on June 16, 2009. He is being kept incommunicado.

Protect Uighur Students from Torture in China (UA 158/09)

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:14:06 EST

Yusufjan and Memetjan, both ethnic Uighurs and students at Xinjiang University, were detained on May 10 while holding a meeting to discuss religious issues. Since the 1980s, the Uighurs, a mainly Muslim ethnic minority in northwest China, have been the target of systematic and extensive human rights violations.

Urge the Release of Political Leaders and Activists in Iran (UA 159/09)

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:58:37 EST

Seven of the eight political leaders who were abducted and kept incommunicado in Iran as a result of their perceived views on the disputed presidential election remain held. Only Ebrahim Yazdi has been released.

Prevent Imminent Execution of Four in Saudi Arabia (UA 157/09)

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:59:06 EST

Iraqi nationals Raid Halassa Sakit, Abbas Fadil Abbas, Othman Ali, and Aqil Matsher are at risk of imminent execution for alleged offenses reported to have been committed while they were under the age of 18. They were convicted and sentenced to death after unfair trials. None of the four were given legal assistance or representation, and they were sentenced after secret trials.

Stop the Illegal Detainment of Human Rights Defender in Vietnam (UA 155/09)

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:29:53 EST

Le Cong Dinh, a human rights defender, was arrested on June 13th and charged with conducting propoganda. Dinh's arrest was solely based on his excercise of his right to freedom of expression.

Protect Protestors at Risk of Torture in Sudan (UA 156/09)

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:15:21 EST

Abakar Ibrahim Adam was arrested on April 14, along with a group of 13 other Darfuri people, after protests at Khartoum University against the execution of nine Darfuri men. They are known to be still in custody and are at risk of torture.

Free Journalists Imprisoned in the Gambia (UA 151/09)

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:47:19 EST

Gambia's National Intelligence Agency arrested seven journalists on June 15 and is holding them in incommunicado detention. The arrests come after two newspapers published a press release on June 11 criticizing the way the President of the Gambia spoke about a journalist who was murdered in 2004.

Protect Demonstrators From Excessive Force in Iran (UA 150/09)

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:25:28 EST

Thousands of demonstrators who challenged the reelection of current President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad are still at risk of injury or death at the hands of the security forces. A 26 year-old woman and philoshopy student named Neda Agha Soltan was shot in the chest by an unidentified gunman, possibly a member of the Basij militia.

Iran:Amnesty International Calls for Investigation into Violence Against Demonstrators in Iran

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International calls on Iranian authorities to start an immediate investigation into the security forces' violent handling of thousands of demonstrators who took to the streets on Saturday to protest against the announcement of the victory of incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Friday's presidential elections.

Ahmed Zuhair Released from Guantanamo (UA 350/08)

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

Saudi Arabian national Ahmed Zaid Salem Zuhair was released from Guantanamo and flown to Saudi Arabia on June 12. He had been held without charge or trial in Guantanamo since June 2002 and had been on hunger strike and a force feeding regime since August 2005. He was seized in a market in late December 2001 in Lahore, Pakistan, by a dozen men in civilian clothes. He was blindfolded and taken to a house where, he said, he was tortured and otherwise ill-treated. He was transferred to a military facility in the capital, Islamabad, and held incommunicado there for about 10 weeks. In mid-March 2002, he was handed over to U.S. custody and held in Bagram air base in Afghanistan. In June 2002, he was transferred to Kandahar, where he was held for two weeks. He was transported to Guantanamo later that month. He said he was ill-treated while in U.S. custody in Afghanistan. In Saudi Arabia, he will be subject to judicial review before undergoing a rehabilitation program, throughout which he will be under the control of the Saudi government. The U.S. Justice Department emphasized that his transfer, as well as those of two other Saudi Arabian nationals, Khalid Saad Mohammed and Abdalaziz Kareem Salim AL Noofayaee, were the result of the review by the Guantanamo Review Task Force set up under an executive order signed by President Barack Obama on January 22.

Urge Authorities to Release French National in Egypt (UA 149/09)

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:42:13 EST

Ronald Roger Durand Sebastien was arrested on April 21 by Egyptian authorities who have given no information on his whereabouts. The reason for his arrest has not been made clear. He is being kept incommunicado.

Protect 31 Families Forcibly Evicted in Cambodia (UA 99/09)

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:50:47 EST

Thirty-one families living with HIV and AIDS were forcibly evicted from their homes in Borei Keila on June 18 to a resettlement site outside the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, where there is no clean water or electricity and limited access to medical services.

Protect Indigenous Activists in Mexico (UA 148/09)

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:08:32 EST

Rommel Cain Chacan Pale, a lawyer with the human rights organization Monitor Civil de Policia, recently received a death threat. Matilde Perez Romero, one of his co-workers, and about 105 other human rights activists in Guerrero state are also considered to be in danger.

Student Released and in Good Health in United Arab Emirates (UA 142/09)

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

Khalil Abdul Rahman Abdul Karim al-Janahi, a 38-year-old United Arab Emirates national and a student of Shari'a (Islamic) law in Saudi Arabia, was released this morning and is staying with his relatives in the UAE. He is said to be in good health. Khalil Abdul Rahman Abdul Karim al-Janahi was arrested on April 26, 2007 when he went to the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh to catch a plane to Bahrain where his wife and other relatives live. He was arrested at passport control in the airport and taken to 'Ulaysha Prison in Saudi Arabia where he was held incommunicado for four months. His family was eventually able to visit him on several occasions, but they were not given the reason for his detention. On November 24, 2008, Khalil Abdul Rahman Abdul Karim al-Janahi was deported from Saudi Arabia to the UAE where he was immediately detained and held by members of Amn al-Dawla (State Security), the main security agency. He was held in incommunicado detention, but he was allowed to make a number of very brief phone calls to his wife. Despite repeated queries by his relatives, the UAE authorities refused to allow them to visit or to inform them of the reasons for his arrest and detention.

Stop the Abuses of Yemeni Prisoners in Guantanamo (UA 125/09)

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:20:53 EST

Yemeni national and Guantanamo Prisoner Adnan Farhan Abdul Latif has attempted suicide several times and been subjected to severe physical and psychological abuses. He and other prisoners are being denied medical services.

Demand Release of Said Youzi and Jafar Azim Zadeh in Iran (UA 144/09)

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:13:00 EST

While two trade union activists and a journalist in Iran have been released on bail, trade unionists Said Youzi and Jafar Azim Zadeh are still detained and at risk of ill-treatment after being arrested for attending a peaceful event marking International Workers' Day on May 1.

Demand Release of Unionists in Iran (UA 146/09)

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:11:59 EST

Eight members of the Metal workers and Mechanics Union in Iran were arrested on May 1 for participating in a peaceful event for International Workers' Day. Some are believed to be held in solitary confinement. They are prisoners of conscience and should be released immediately.

Prevent Eight Men From Being Tortured in Saudi Arabia (UA 312/08)

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 16:34:59 EST

Eight men in Saudi Arabia continue to be detained without charge or trial and remain at risk of torture and ill-treatment. While university professor Dr Matrouk al-Faleh has been released, the other eight are still being held, one of whom has a worsening health condition.

Protect Prisoner of Conscience from Torture in Syria (UA 141/09)

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 15:16:44 EST

Nizar Ristnawi may have been subjected to enforced disappearance and has been incommunicado for over a year. He may be subject to torture or other ill-treatment.

North Korea:U.S. journalists' conviction highlights unfair system in North Korea,Says Amnesty International

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

The North Korean government should immediately release two U.S. journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, who were sentenced to 12 years imprisonment with hard labor, Amnesty International said today.

Protect Human Rights Defender from Torture in China (UA 172/08)

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 10:17:00 EST

Sichuan human rights activist Huang Qi has reportedly been tortured while awaiting trial. He suffers from a number of medical ailments, including two tumors on his stomach and chest, but he may not be receiving adequate medical treatment.

President Obama urged to tackle human rights violations in Saudi Arabia

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

US President Barack Obama begins his trip to the Middle East with a visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

Help Protect Journalist Lydia Cacho in Mexico (UA 137/09)

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 15:53:35 EST

Lydia Cacho Ribeiro is a human rights activist and journalist who has suffered harassment, threats and arbitrary detention for her work exposing a child pornography and trafficking ring. It has been discovered that an armed man has been photographing her and keeping watch on her home and car.

Demand Full Investigation of Unlawful Killing in Burundi (UA 104/09)

Thu, 28 May 2009 15:46:25 EST

Ernest Manirumva, vice-president of a non-governmental anti-corruption organziation, was stabbed to death by unidentified men at his home on the night of 8 April. There are concerns that the police investigation of his death is not impartial and independent.

Stop Deportation of Awad Aiman to Syria (UA 118/09)

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:52:12 EST

Amnesty International fears that Awad Aiman is at immediate risk of being deported by the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and returned to Syria, where he would be at risk of torture and other ill-treatment.

Issa Palkoubou Released in Chad (UA 12/09)

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

Issa Palkoubou, a teacher in the Chadian capital, Ndjamena, was released on the morning of May 21, 2009. He was weak and sick and did not know why he had been detained. He had not been seen since he was abducted on September 3, 2008 at the American Language Center in N'djamena, where he teaches English. He was abducted by three men in plain clothes. When challenged, Issa Palkoubou's abductors refused to show any identification. He is now known to have been held in a cell run by the security services in N'Djamena. Issa Palkoubou's enforced disappearance fits a pattern of similar cases in Chad, where people not known to be members of any particular political party are abducted.

Indian doctor Binayak Sen released from prison on bail

Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

Dr Binayak Sen, who spent two years in an Indian prison as a Prisoner of Conscience, was released on Tuesday after being granted bail by the Supreme Court.

Protect Three Human Rights Defenders in Ecuador (UA 132/09)

Fri, 22 May 2009 17:06:46 EST

A government official has threatened to kill human rights defenders Joel Vicente Zhunio Samaniego and Wilmar Fernando Mejia Reinoso. Human rights defender Etelvina de Jesus Misacango Chunir has been threatened and assaulted because of her work. All three are in grave danger.

Prevent the Flogging of Three Individuals in Saudi Arabia (UA 71/09)

Thu, 21 May 2009 16:01:40 EST

Khamisa Mohammed Sawadi, Fahad and Hadyan were arrested on 21 April 2008 by the religious police. On 3 March 2009, al-Shamli court sentenced all three to flogging and imprisonment on the charge of khilwa (being in the company of members of the opposite sex who are not close relatives).

Stop Attacks on Communities in Nigeria (UA 131/09)

Wed, 20 May 2009 16:43:30 EST

Since 13 May 2009, thousands of villagers have been displaced and thousands more are trapped in the cross fire between the Joint Task Force (JTF). The JTF attacks on the communities in the area, including the Okerenkoko and Oporoza communities, are continuing on a daily basis.

Call for Release of Conflict Zone Doctors in Sri Lanka (UA 129/09)

Mon, 18 May 2009 15:30:41 EST

Three doctors had been working in the conflict zone in northeaster Sri Lanka, and were last seen on 15 May. Amnesty has received reports that they may be at the Terrorist Investigation Unit in Colombo, and is concerned they are being held for providing information about civilians in the conflict zone.

Protect Families from Forced Eviction in Cambodia (UA 110/09)

Mon, 18 May 2009 15:20:17 EST

Low-income families living in the area known as Group 78 in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh have been forcibly evicted after three years of government harassment and intimidation.

Drop Charges Against Journalist in Iran (UA 114/09)

Mon, 18 May 2009 15:13:05 EST

Maryam Malek was arrested on 25 April, and was released on bail on 29 April. She has been charged with "propaganda against the system" in connection with her membership of the Campaign for Equality. Despite her release, these charges have not been dropped, and she is likely to face trial in the future.

Protect Human Rights Defender from Torture in Russia (UA 128/09)

Mon, 18 May 2009 15:08:44 EST

Human rights defender Aleksei Sokolov has been remanded in custody for questioning about a 2004 theft. AI fears that the charges were brought against him in order to prevent him carrying out his human rights work.

Commute Death Sentences of Two in Saudi Arabia (UA 86/08)

Tue, 12 May 2009 16:58:43 EST

Five men, including two who had been convicted of crimes they committed while aged 17, were executed on 10 May. Two other men, Bilal Bin Muslih Bin Jabir al-Muwallad and Ahmad Hamid Muhammad Sabir, who were sentenced to flogging and imprisonment, are at risk of being flogged at any time.

Release UK Nationals Detained in Syria (UA 90/09)

Tue, 12 May 2009 16:52:36 EST

Another UK national is now known to have been arrested shortly after Maryam Kallis. Yasser Zahur Ahmed is also being held without access to a lawyer or to his family and without charge in a detention center in the Kafr Sousa district of Damascus. Both are now accused of involvement in terrorism.

Roxana Saberi released from jail in Iran

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

US-Iranian journalist Roxana Saberi was released from jail in Iran on Monday following international and domestic protests at her detention.

Yemeni newspaper blockaded

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

A blockade by security forces of the offices of a Yemeni newspaper, aiming to prevent distribution of copies of the paper, has entered its second week.

Three activists released in Malaysia

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Malaysian authorities released three human rights activists from the Hindu Rights Action Force on Saturday 9 May.

US-Iranian Journalist Released (UA 77/09)

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International has welcomed the news that the US-Iranian journalist, Roxana Saberi, is to be released from jail in Iran later today (Monday). "We are delighted that justice has been served by the appeal process and that Roxana Saberi is due to be released from prison in Tehran today," said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty International's Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa region. "She should, however, never have been imprisoned in the first place." Roxana Saberi was convicted of "collaborating with a hostile state" by Tehran's Revolutionary Court, behind closed doors, in April and originally sentenced to eight years in prison. Yesterday, a court heard an appeal against her conviction and commuted the sentence to a suspended two-year term on the charge of "collecting classified information", with a five-year ban on working as a journalist in Iran. "Although Ms Saberi's release is welcome, it should be unconditional," said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui. "We are concerned that she may face travel restrictions, like those imposed this weekend on Narges Mohammadi, an aide to Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Shirin Ebadi, and Soraya Azizpanah, the editor of Rasan magazine, who were banned from attending a conference in Guatemala."We are also calling on the Iranian authorities to release all other prisoners of conscience in Iran, including the Alaie brothers - both doctors - who are imprisoned on similar charges and whom we believe are held solely in relation to their work with international and specifically US institutions in the field of HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment."

Medvedev's first year: failure to improve human rights

Fri, 8 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, has not delivered on the promises he made about human rights during his first year in power.

Commute Death Sentences of 128 Unnamed Iraqis (UA 67/09)

Thu, 7 May 2009 14:20:45 EST

Amnesty International has learned that the Iraqi authorities executed 12 people on 3 May. The 12 were believed to be among 128 people who had been on death row, and there are fears that more executions will follow in the coming days or weeks.

Release UK National Maryam Kallis in Syria (UA 90/09)

Thu, 7 May 2009 12:18:57 EST

Maryam Kallis arrived in Syria from the UK on 5 March and was arrested by around 10 men in plain clothes. She has been held without charge for 46 days and a reason for her detention has not been provided. She remains at risk of being subjected to torture or other ill-treatment while in detention.

Protect Human Rights Defenders in Guatemala (UA 121/09)

Thu, 7 May 2009 11:24:06 EST

Nine members of Guatemalan human rights organizations have received over 40 text messages containing death threats. The messages make reference to their work seeking justice for the crimes committed during the 1960-1996 internal armed conflict.

Commute Death by Stoning in Iran (UA 117/09)

Tue, 5 May 2009 16:11:39 EST

According the Iranian newspaper Ham Mihan, Mohammad Ali Navid Khamami is at imminent risk of stoning to death after being convicted of adultery while being married in the city of Rasht, Gilan Province in northern Iran. No further details are available about his arrest and subsequent trial.

Urge Authorities to Commute Death Sentence in Pakistan (UA 302/08)

Fri, 1 May 2009 15:22:51 EST

Zulfiqar Ali Khan is at imminent risk of execution for a crime he says was committed in self-defense. His most recent stay is due to expire on 6 May. He has spent 11 years on death row, during which time he earned a Master's Degree in Political Science and he is currently working on his MBA.

Time to end the repression of Iran's trade unions

Fri, 1 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

As workers around the world unite on May Day, two of Iran's most prominent trade unionists languish in prison.

Call on Governor Henry to Commute Death Sentence (UA 107/09)

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:05:02 EST

Donald Gilson is now scheduled for execution on 14 May: he had been scheduled to be put to death on 5 May, but Governor Brad Henry has granted a temporary reprieve while he considers Gilson's case for clemency.

China targets activists ahead of Tiananmen anniversary

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

Chinese authorities have intensified the crackdown on human rights activists in the lead-up to the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests.

Call on Authorities to Overturn Death Sentences in Sudan (UA 108/09)

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:00:53 EST

Sudanese special courts have sentenced 82 Darfuri men to death for their alleged involvement in an attack on the capital in May 2008. The men's trials were grossly unfair and many confessed under torture.

Call on Russian Authorities to Investigate and Halt Torture (UA 342/08)

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:55:49 EST

Zubair Zubairaev was again severely beaten on 10 and 12 April 2009.In August 2007, Zubair Zubairaev was sentenced to five years in a high security prison. According to sources, he was tortured and otherwise ill-treated.

Mohamed Al Mahjoub Released Without Charge in Sudan (UA 101/09)

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

Mohamed Al Mahjoub, acting director of Amal center for the treatment and rehabilitation of victims of torture in El Fasher, North Darfur, was released without charge on April 17, 2009. He is in good health and has said that he was not tortured. He is not allowed to leave El Fasher. He was arrested on April 11, 2009 and taken into a National Security and Intelligence Services detention center in El Fasher where he spent six days detained incommunicado. While detained he was not permitted any personal visits or given access to a lawyer. He appears to have been detained solely because of his peaceful activities at Amal center.

Demand Immediate Investigation into Fate of Four in Mexico (UA 112/09)

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:45:07 EST

Daniel Rueda Becerril, Jose Alfredo Arroyo Juarez, Samuel Teroga Rodriguez, and Pablo Dominguez Montiel were attacked and abducted by an off-duty police officer on 18 April and have not been seen since. Authorities have been unable to locate the officer or establish the fate of the three men and the boy.

Call for Commutation of Death Sentence in Iran (UA 113/09)

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:09:15 EST

Yunes Aghayan, a member of Iran's Azerbaijani minority and an Ahl-e Haq follower, is at imminent risk of execution. He was convicted of being at "enmity against God," a sentence usually applied to those who take up arms against the state.

Defend Prisoner of Conscience in Uganda (UA 111/09)

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST

Cogolese refugee Nganizi Jean-Baptist has been held in Uganda without charge or trial since his arrest on 24 April 2008. Over the course of the year, he has been reportedly tortured and ill-treated, denied access to a lawyer, and subjected to incommunicado detention.

Protect Sinti Homes from Forced Eviction in Italy (UA 109/09)

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:22:09 EST

Around 30 people belonging to seven families from the Sinti community in the village of Gambolo' in the province of Pavia, are facing an imminent forced eviction. On 14 April, the Mayor of the village issued an order for them to leave by 30 April or be forcibly evicted.

Imprisoned journalist on hunger strike in Iran

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi, who was jailed for eight years for spying earlier this month, has pledged to stay on hunger strike until she is released.

Call on Authorities Not to Imprison Five Trade Unionists in Iran (UA 66/09)

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:23:24 EST

Ali Nejati was released on bail on 14 April. He and four other leaders of the Haft Tapeh Suger Cane Company Trade Union have been sentenced to 4-6 months' imprisonment for "propaganda against the system."

Urge Authorities to Drop Charges Against POCs in Iran (UA 86/09)

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:18:45 EST

Khadijeh Moghaddam and Mahboubeh Karami have both been released on bail, but they remain at risk of being imprisoned for their work defending human rights. They and ten others were arrested on 26 March 2009.

India: Prisoner of Conscience Dr. Binayak Sen Completes Two Years in India Jail

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Indian authorities should immediately and unconditionally release Dr. Binayak Sen, a human rights defender and pioneer of health care to marginalized communities, who has languished in jail for two years, Amnesty International said today.

Repression of peaceful protests in Mauritania

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Mauritanian authorities have violently cracked down on two peaceful demonstrations this month.

India: Prisoner of Conscience Dr Binayak Sen completes two years in jail

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Indian authorities should immediately and unconditionally release Dr.

Protect Trade Unionist from Death Threats in Guatemala (UA 105/09)

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:50:18 EST

Edgar Neftaly Aldana Valencia, the Secretary General of the San Benito branch of the National Health Professionals' Union, was threatened and his house was shot at on 1 April. The intimidation is linked to his work against corruption and discrimination at his workplace, the regional hospital of San Benito.

Protect Two Men from Extradition in Spain (UA 106/09)

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:47:14 EST

Ali Aarrass and Mohamed el Bay are at imminent risk of extradition to Morocco, where they would be at risk of incommunicado detention, torture as well as an unfair trial. The Spanish national criminal court approved the extraditions in late 2008 and they must now recieve final confirmation from the Council of Ministers.

Demand grows for release of Iranian-American journalist

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

Iran has been urged to release the Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi, who was sentenced to eight years in jail after being convicted as a spy.

Urge Authorities to Drop Charges Against POCs in Moldova (UA 96/09)

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:18:51 EST

Natalia Morari and Ghenadie Brega were charged with "organizing mass disorder," which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment. Oleg Brega has not been charged with any offense, but police raided his apartment on 9 April, removing video archives and a wireless modem.

Protect Nicaraguan Migrant from Threats in Mexico (UA 102/09)

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:26:39 EST

Yasser Vilchez Grant Domingo was traveling illegally through Central America when he injured his foot, causing an infection that led to the amputation of his leg. He filed a complaint of negligence against several doctors, and has gone into hiding for fear of retribution until his complaint is investigated.

Call for Release of Prisoner of Conscience Journalist in Iran (UA 77/09)

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:55:13 EST

US-Iranian national Roxana Saberi was brought before a Revolutionary Court in Tehran on 13 April and charged with espionage in proceedings that took place behind closed doors. She appears to be a prisoner of conscience, detained solely for exercising her right to freedom of expression.

Zimbabwe independence celebrations overshadowed by human rights abuses

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

The inclusive government appears to be either unable or unwilling to tackle the problems of continued imprisonment of political prisoners, enforced disappearances and tight restrictions on media.

Azerbaijan journalist pardoned after almost three years in prison

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

Sakit Zahidov was considered a prisoner of conscience. It is thought that he was imprisoned to silence his critical reporting of the authorities.

Brett Hartmann Receives Stay of Execution in Ohio (UA 76/09)

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

Brett Hartmann received a stay of execution from the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit on 31 March. He was due to be executed in Ohio on 7 April for the murder of Winda Snipes in 1997. Brett Hartmann's lawyers had appealed to the Sixth Circuit to stay the execution and allow them to file a new habeas corpus petition on the grounds that there was new evidence supporting Brett Hartmann's claim of innocence, including their claim that one of the state's key witnesses may have committed perjury when he testified at the trial. The court has stayed the execution at this time, but has not allowed the petition to go ahead under the stringent rules that apply in US federal law to filing successive habeas corpus petitions. The Ohio Parole Board had recommended that Governor Ted Strickland not intervene to stop the execution. The governor, who is not bound by this recommendation, had not made a decision on the case by the time the judicial stay was handed down.

Call for Release of Man in Sudan (UA 101/09)

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:05:21 EST

Mohamed Al Mahjoub, acting director of Amal center for the treatment and rehabilitation of victims of torture in El Fasher, North Darfur, was arrested by National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS). So far he has not been allowed any personal visits or been given access to a lawyer.

Commute Death Sentence of Woman in Yemen (UA 100/09)

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:24:28 EST

"Aisha Ghalib is at risk of imminent execution. She has exhausted all of the appeals available to her and the death sentence against her has now been ratified by the President. Sources in Yemen have informed Amnesty International that she could be executed as early as 19 April 2009.

China: New Human Rights Plan Emphasizes Economic Rights At Expense Of Civil Liberties

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

Chinese authorities have released a National Human Rights Action Plan that, in some areas, includes concrete targets for 2010.

Prisoner of Conscience - Hassan Bility

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:55:00 EST

Amnesty International & Mid-Maine's Global Forum 2009 presents a presentation by: Hassan Bility, as the forum editor of the local independent daily "The Analyst" in Monrovia, Liberia, he was arrested, torturedÂ and imprisoned for 6 months by then-President Charles Taylor.

Prevent Moldovan Authorities from Arresting Activists (UA 96/09)

Thu, 9 Apr 2009 16:37:05 EST

The authorities in Moldova have threatened to arrest a group of civil society activists who organized a peaceful demonstration, blaming them for the rioting that followed the next day. Amnesty International is concerned that the Moldovan authorities are attempting to blame them for violent rioting.

Urge Authorities to Commute Death Sentences of Two Tibetans (UA 97/09)

Thu, 9 Apr 2009 16:31:27 EST

Two Tibetans, Losang Gyaltse and Loyar, were sentenced to death on 8 April in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Losang Gyaltse, Loyar and three others were tried in three separate arson cases. The five were arrested during the unrest in TAR and Tibetan-populated areas in March 2008. According to official reports, at least 81 people have been sentenced in connection with the 2008 protests.

Prevent Execution of Iranian Woman (UA 98/09)

Thu, 9 Apr 2009 16:19:42 EST

Delara Darabis lawyer, Abdolsamad Khorramshahi, fears that his client is at imminent risk of being executed. Delara Darabi has been detained at Rasht Prison, in northern Iran since her arrest in 2003 and sentenced to death for murder for a crime she committed when she was 17.

Protect Christian Community Members in Iran (MA 95/09)

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 15:23:24 EST

Two members of the Christian community in Iran were arrested on 5 March 2009 by members of the security forces in Tehran. They remain detained without charge at Evin Prison. Amensty International is concerned for the women's health.

Prevent Executions of Foreign Nationals in Saudi Arabia (UA 116/07)

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 11:16:00 EST

Two Canadian nationals and one Jordanian national are all at risk of imminent execution. Sultan Kohail, one of the Canadian nationals, is only 17 years old; Saudi Arabia is a state party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which prohibtis the execution of juvenile offenders.

Egypt: Authorities Urged To Release Peaceful Protestors

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

At least 20 people are still held in detention in Egypt after peaceful protests on Monday.

Immigration Detention Vigil/Rally

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 13:49:01 EST

End Human Rights Abuses by DHS on Amtrack & Greyhound Co.

Get on the Bus XIV

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 11:46:01 EST

Activists will gather in New York City for a day of human rights action and education, as AIUSA Local Group 133 presents GET ON THE BUS: the largest single annual event organized by a local Amnesty group!

Protect Teenage Prisoners in Saudi Arabia (UA 80/09)

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 16:41:25 EST

Eight people, (six teenagers, all aged between 14 and 16), were arrested and held in a children's home in al-Khober, Eastern Province. Three were released without charge on March 24th. There are five other who are believed to still be held incommunicado.

Prevent Torture of Detained Students in Iran (UA 61/09)

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 17:55:53 EST

A fifth student and member of the Islamic Students Association, Yasser Torkman, has been arrested and was allegedly beaten by security officials. All five detained students are at risk of torture or other ill-treatment.

Prevent Forcible Return of Lao Asylum-Seekers from Thailand (UA 94/09)

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 13:55:24 EST

Joua Va Yang, his wife, and their four children are at risk of being forcibly returned from Thailand to Laos, where they could face serious human rights violations. The family is of the Hmong ethnic group, around 5,000 of whom have been living in a camp in Thailand since 2004.

Protect Family Receiving Death Threats in Dominican Republic (UA 93/09)

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 13:46:17 EST

Nicolas Disla was unlawfully killed by police officers on 28 March, and at his funeral two days later, his brother was attacked by the same officers. AI believes the whole family is in danger.

Call for Protection of Human Rights Defenders in Guinea-Bissau (UA 92/09)

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 17:18:49 EST

Luis Vaz Martins, lawyer and president of the Human Rights League, has recieved threats from an armed individual after publicly condemning the arrest and torture of lawyer Pedro Infanda and the beating of Court President Francisco Jose Fadul. As a result he is concerned for his personal saftey.

Continue to Defend Prisoners of Conscience in Iran (UA 86/09)

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 16:56:17 EST

Ten of the 12 people arrested on 26 March 2009 have been released on third-party bail guarantees. Khadijeh Moghaddam and Mahboubeh Karami remain detained in Evin Prison in the capital Tehran. They are prisoners of conscience detained solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of assembly.

Call for Release of Writer/Activist in China (UA 91/09)

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 16:01:17 EST

Sichuan environmental activist and writer Tan Zuoren was detained by the police in Chengdu city, Sichuan province on suspicion of "inciting suversion of state power" on 28 March. He is now detained at Wenjiang Detention Center. Amnesty believes that he is at risk of torture and other ill-treatment.

China: Activist Detained For Reporting On The Sichuan Earthquake

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

A Chinese environmental activist and writer is currently detained on suspicion of "inciting subversion of state power"

Demand Protection for Students in Iran (UA 60/09)

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 15:17:13 EST

Sanaz Allahyari and Amir Hossein Mohammadi-Far were released on 19 March 2009. Maryam Sheikh and Nasim Roshana'i remain in detention where they continue to be at risk of torture or ill treatment.

Demand Police Protection for Rights Defender in Honduras (UA 28/09)

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:19:16 EST

Bertha Oliva was kept under surveillance on 11 March 2009 by a man who fled when he realized he had been seen. She has been receiving some police protection since 14 March, but it is inadequate, and she and her colleagues are still in danger.

Husband and Wife Released from Detention in China (UA 85/09)

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Human rights lawyer Wei Liangyue and his wife Du Yongjing have been released and returned home after 30 days of detention. Both were released on bail on 30 March 2009 pending further investigation. Wei Liangyue remains under suspicion of "gathering a crowd to disturb social order," and Du Yongjing is still under suspicion of "using a heretical organization to undermine implementation of the law." Wei Liangyue's colleagues told Amnesty International that they were released on bail pending investigation because of insufficient evidence to further the charge. In mid-March, according to sources, the police thought of sending Wei Liangyue to Re-education through Labour, a form of administrative detention imposed without charge, trial or judcial review, but gave up the idea because of insufficient evidence to back up the measure. On 28 February, Wei Liangyue drove to pick up his wife Du Yongjing from a gathering at her friend's home. The police accused them of "attending a Falun Gong meeting" and took them to Nangang District Detention Center in Harbin. Both of them were interrogated repeatedly during the detention. Wei Liangyue was once interrogated throughout the entire night, but was not tortured. Before the detention, Wei Liangyue has been repeatedly warned by the local authorities that he had to stop representing detained Falun Gong practitioners and should stop giving them not guilty defense. Wei Liangyue believes that international attention and pressure contributed to the temporary release of him and his wife, and would like to thank those who have taken actions for them.

Defend Activists and Political Dissidents on Hunger Strike in Cuba (UA 89/09)

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:42:57 EST

Jorge Luis Garcia Perez, usually known as Antunez, began a hunger strike on 17 February with his wife and several friends. Since 17 March, State Security forces have surrounded his home, harassing and intimidating anyone connected with the hunger strike.

Continue to Protect Detained Men in Equatorial Guinea (UA 79/09)

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:39:46 EST

The police have agreed to allow Epifanio Pascual Nguema Alogo to receive medical treatment. He and Jose Eworo Mba continue to be held without charge at Bata Central Police Station.

Commute Death Sentence of Juvenile Offender in Iran (UA 87/09)

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:34:44 EST

Abumoslem Sohrabi is at risk of imminent execution for a murder committed when he was 17 years old. The judge who issued the original death sentence retracted his ruling in light of evidence that Abumoslem had been a victim of rape and acted in self-defense.

Call for Information on Two Detained Men in Mexico (UA 88/09)

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:33:58 EST

Miguel Alejandro Gama Habif and Israel Ayala Ramirez were detained by soldiers on the evening of 17 March and have not been seen since. Their relatives fear they are being held in a clandestine detention facility and are at risk of torture.

Call for Release of Members of the Baha'i Community in Iran (UA 84/09)

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:24:28 EST

Haleh Houshmandi-Salehi and Farham Masoumi were arrested after being summoned to appear at the Ministry of Intelligence's offices. Haleh's husband contacted the information office about his wife's arrest and was told: "Your wife is a Baha'i, and for now that is sufficient reason for her arrest."

Demand Release of 12 Prisoners of Conscience in Iran (UA 86/09)

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:23:48 EST

Ten members of the One Million Signatures Campaign and two members of Mothers for Peace were arrested on 26 March. They were arrested as they prepared to make visits to families of detained activists.

Protect Detained UK National Maryam Kallis in Syria (UA 90/09)

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:22:36 EST

Maryam Kallis has been detained incommunicado in an unknown location since 15 March, leaving her in danger of torture and other ill-treatment. She had been staying at her sister's home with her three young children since 5 March and was due to return to London at the end of the month.

Urge Officials to Provide Medical Care for POC's in Myanmar (UA 83/09)

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:11:51 EST

Pro-democracy activists and prisoners of conscience, Hla Myo Naung and Min Ko Naing are in need of urgent and proper medical treatment. Hla Myo Naung is in danger of completely losing his eyesight. Min Ko Naing suffers from a worsening eye condition, gout and high blood pressure for which he has received inadequate medical treatment.

Indonesia: Indonesia Must Release 152 Peaceful Protesters Jailed for Raising a Flag

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Indonesian Government Has Arrested At Least 152 People For Activities Related To The Raising Of Flags

Demand Protection for Journalist in Mexico (UA 82/09)

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:20:58 EST

Miguel Angel Casillas, editorial director of a local newspaper Diario de los Altos, was threatened on 18 March by a man claiming to be an official in charge of a notoriously criminal organization responsible for hundreds of murders. Miguel and his colleagues are in danger and require protection.

Protect Members of a Peace Community in Colombia (UA 81/09)

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:20:31 EST

Soldiers in the Colombian armed forces and paramilitaries are continuing to threaten the Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado. Members of the community have received death threats and have been attacked various times in the past month.

Call for Protection of Political Activist in Mexico (UA 68/09)

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:19:43 EST

On 20 March, Edgar Coache Verano was threatened and intimidated by a group of men in oaxaca State. This follows the brief abduction and torture of his father on 4 March. Amnesty is concerned for the safety of Marcelino and his family.

USA: Shi'a Men And Teenagers Held Incommunicado By Saudi Arabian Authorities

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

At least 10 people were arrested this month after demonstrations against the arrest by security forces of Shi?a visitors to the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad in the city of Madina.

UN experts condemn detention of Egyptian blogger

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Experts of the Human Rights Council have concluded that the Egyptian authorities have detained blogger Karim Amer arbitrarily for his online criticisms and for exercising his right to freedom of expression.

Protect Shi'a Minority Detainees from Torture in Saudi Arabia (UA 80/09)

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:18:06 EST

Eight people, including six juveniles aged between 14-16, were recently arrested and have been held incommunicado and are at risk of torture. They were arrested following protests against the arrest of Shi'a visitors to the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad.

Call for Immediate Release of Chadian National from Guantanamo (UA 49/09)

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:12:33 EST

Mohammed el Gharani was cleared for release from Guantanamo on January 14, yet he remains detained more than two months later. He was arrested by Pakistani forces in late 2001 at the age of 14 and has been in custody since - meaning he has spent nearly a third of his life in US military custody.

Demand Medical Treatment for Two Prisoners in Equatorial New Guinea (UA 79/09)

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:17:44 EST

Two men are being held without charge in Bata Central Police Station. They are in need of treatment, which police refuse. One of the men is known to have been tortured, and the other is diabetic and needs daily medication.

Students in Iran face repression and arrest

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Students are being detained for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression and assembly, in what may be an attempt to stifle debate and dissent before Iran's presidential elections in June.

Somalia: Human Rights Challenges

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Government of Somaliland and the international community should pay greater attention to the overall human rights situation in Somaliland and consider ways to protect human rights

Syrian activist jailed for three years

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Syrian writer Habib Saleh has been sentenced to three years in prison for criticizing the country's government in a series of articles published on the internet.

Demand Release of Human Rights Defenders in the DRC (UA 78/09)

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:45:57 EST

Floribert Chebeya Bahizire, Dolly Inefo Mbunga, and Donat Tshikaya were arrested on 15 March in the capital, Kinshasa; eyewitnesses say the men were beaten, handcuffed, and "thrown" into police vehicles. They have been held incommunicado since, putting them at risk of torture and other ill-treatment.

Urge Authorities to Release US-Iranian Journalist in Iran (UA 77/09)

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:40:33 EST

Roxana Saberi, a dual US-Iranian national, was arrested on 31 January and is currently detained in Tehran's Evin Prison. It is unclear why she has been detained, but it may be for the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression in the course of her work as a journalist.

Demand Proper Medical Care for Guantanamo Detainees (UA 31/09)

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:02:31 EST

Lakhdar Boumediene has been held in Guantanamo for more than seven years and continues his hunger strike begun in December 2006. Approximately 50 other Guantanamo detainees are also on a hunger strike and reports of ill-treatment and excessive use of force continue to emerge.

Urge Authorities to Halt Sentence to be Blinded in Iran (UA 75/09)

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:51:17 EST

Majid Movahedi has been sentenced to be blinded in both eyes with acid, a sentence the Supreme Court upheld at the beginning of January. The Head of the Judiciary has the power to order a halt to the implementation of the sentence.

Prevent Forced Eviction of 150 Roma People in Italy (UA 73/09)

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:47:39 EST

Milan authorities are preparing to forcibly evict a community of about 150 Roma people living under an overpass in the north of the city. There has been no consultation with the community on the proposed evictions, nor any attempt to identify with them any feasible alternatives to the evictions.

Prisoner of Conscience Treated by Doctor and Allowed to Meet with Family (UA 45/09)

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Dia el Din Gad was transferred to al-Qota Prison in Giza, on the outskirts of the capital, Cairo, on 24 February, and was able to meet his family and lawyer there on 7 March. He is receiving treatment from the prison doctor. He is not know to have been charged with any offense, and is most probably held under an administrative detention order from the Minister of Interior, under the Emergency Law. Dia el Din Gad was interrogated about his blog, about his participation in protests in solidarity with the people of Gaza during Israelâs recent military campaign there, about Egyptians suspected of having entered Gaza during the conflict, and about whether he has any connections with Hamas. He was also questioned about his involvement with Egyptian protest movements, including the Egyptian Movement for Change, known as Kefaya (Enough), and the 6 April Youth movement.

Prevent Flogging of Three Individuals in Saudi Arabia (UA 71/09)

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:50:37 EST

On 3 March 2009, a court in the town of al-Shamli, north of the capital Riyadh, sentenced three individuals to floggings and imprisonment on the basis of charges that Amnesty International considers to be inconsistent with international human rights standards.

Call for Protection of Four Students in Iran (UA 70/09)

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:43:36 EST

Four students have been held without charge or trial since their arrest on 5 Februaru 2009. They may be held in section 209 of Tehran's Evin Prison, a section under the control of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence. Amnesty fears they are at risk of torture or ill treatment.

Brazil: Courage And Dedication Ensure Historic Victory Against Milícias in Rio de Janeiro

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Canadian authorities plan to deport US serviceman, Dean Walcott, to the USA on 30 January

President of Political Opposition Group in Burundi released (UA 318/08)

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Alexis Sinduhije, President of the political opposition group Movement for Security and Democracy, was released and the charges against him were dropped. He was arrested on 3 November and charged on 11 November with showing "contempt for the Head of the State."

Protect Jesus Arturo Torres Parra from Further Attack in Mexico (UA 64/09)

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 15:27:40 EST

Jesus Arturo Torres Parra, aged 18, was unlawfully detained, then beaten and threatened with death by federal police officers on 3 March. He was released a few hours later, though he fears that he and his family are at risk of further attacks.

Urge Authorities to Commute Death Sentences in Iraq (UA 67/09)

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 15:19:42 EST

Iraq's Presidential Council has ratified the death sentences of 128 people whose sentences had been confirmed by the Cassation Court, meaning they face imminent execution. The authorities are said to be planning to carry out the executions in batches of 20 a day.

Demand Fair Treatment of Detainees in the Bahamas (UA 65/09)

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 11:39:39 EST

A number of recent media reports in the Bahamas have indicated that people being held at the country's immigration detention center are being ill-treated. Amnesty International is concerned for their safety.

Human rights activist banned from leaving Tunisia

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Lawyer and former prisoner of conscience Mohamed Abbou has been denied permission to leave Tunisia for the seventh time since his release from prison in July 2007.

Sri Lanka: Amnesty condemns 'war without witnesses' as journalists prevented from reporting the conflict

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International today called on theSri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebels to stop the continuing harassment of journalists and media workers - a policy that has left the country's people open to abuse in a conflict that journalists cannot report on freely.

Call for the Safety of Four Students in Iran (UA 60/09)

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 14:54:36 EST

Four students, and possibly others, affliliated with the students' rights body, Students for Freedom and Equality, were arrested on 01 March and have reportedly been transferred to Evin prison. Amnesty International fears that they are at risk of torutre or other ill-treatment while in detention.

Demand Information on Detention of Mayor in Moldova (UA 57/09)

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 13:17:03 EST

Gheorghe Ionel, mayor of Vorniceni and member of an opposition coalition, disappeared on 27 February 2009 after being forced into a car by law enforcement officers outside of a court building. His whereabouts are unknown and he may be at risk of torture and other ill-treatment.

Call for Immediate Medical Care of Prisoner in Russia (UA 342/08)

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 13:05:42 EST

Zubair Zubairaev has again reportedly been severely beaten in prison and has yet to receive adequate medical attention. After the most recent incidents, he was placed in an isolation cell as punishment for allegedly possessing a painkilling tablet.

Zimbabwe: Activists, Including Jestina Mukoko Bailed

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Human rights workers Jestina Mukoko and Broderick Takawira have been released after three months in prison. Both were victims of enforced disappearance, unlawful arrest, detention, and torture.

US Resident Waited Nearly Six Years for Fair Trial (UA 48/09)

Wed, 4 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri, a Qatari national and US resident, was arrested in Illinois in December 2001, but his trial never took place, because on 23 June 2003, President George W. Bush designated him an "enemy combatant." Ali al-Marri was then transferred to the custody of the US Department of Defense and detained in a military facility in Charleston, South Carolina. During the first sixteen months of his military detention, he was held incommunicado and allegedly subjected to torture and other ill-treatment. President Barack Obama has ordered his release from military detention to civilian custody. On 26 February 2009, a federal grand jury in Illinois finally charged Ali al-Marri with a two-count indictment, allowing him to face a fair trial in the US criminal justice system. Amnesty International welcomes the administration's decision to end Ali al-Marri's indefinite military custody and to bring him to trial in an ordinary civilian court. The organization also emphasizes that, presuming that Ali al-Marri is soon transferred for trial, the trial must comply with international standards of fairness and due process, and that under international treaties to which the USA is party, victims of torture and other ill-treatment have the right to redress including rehabilitation and compensation, and victims of unlawful detention have the right to compensation.

Call for Release of Retired Civil Servant in the DRC (UA 55/09)

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 14:26:25 EST

Retired civil servant Bernardin Mbandi, who held an influential post during the government of President Mobutu, was arrested on January 22 and has been held incommunicado since then. It is not clear why he was arrested, but it may be a result of political and community rivalries in his native region.

Demand Medical Treatment for Falun Gong Practitioner in China (UA 56/09)

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 14:25:37 EST

Falun Gong practitioner Ouyang Wen began a two-year term of Re-education Through Labor in June 2008. Since then, her eyesight has deteriorated to the point where she is nearly blind now, yet she still has not received medical treatment.

Protect Transgender Woman from Further Attack in Peru (UA 52/09)

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:35:41 EST

Transgender woman Techi was kidnapped and tortured by members of a local neighborhood watch patrol in the town of Tarapoto on January 24. She was verbally and physically assaulted and the events were filmed, made available to the public and broadcast on local television.

Urge Authorities to Commute Executions in Japan (UA 54/09)

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:32:10 EST

Yamaji Yukio and Maeue Hiroshi, 2 of 3 men who were at risk of being executed in Japan earlier this year, were hanged on 28 July. The 3 other men, Shinozawa Kazuo, Zoda Hiroshi and Ogata Hideki are still in imminent danger of execution.

Ma Khin Khin Leh Finally Released!

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Ma Khin Khin Leh, a political prisoner in Myanmar, was unexpectedly released on Saturday, February 21, in the first group of 6,313 prisoners the government has agreed to release, including 24 political prisoners. A school teacher and young mother, she was serving a life sentence after being arrested in 1999 because her husband had organized a demonstration in support of the National League for Democracy (NLD). The authorities could not find her husband, and so arrested Ma Khin Khin Leh and the couple's three-year-old daughter, whom they held for five days in prison. Ma Khin Khin Leh was sentenced in December 1999 under vaguely worded security legislation. Her release is great news, and it offers encouragement for all of our members to continue campaigning on behalf of individuals at risk.

Call for Protection of Human Rights Defender in Mexico (UA 272/08)

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:22:29 EST

Cristina Auerbach Benavides has recently been harassed in Mexico City home by men claiming to be police. This appears to be a further attempt to intimidate her and deter her from working on behalf of the families of 65 miners who died in an explosion at the Pasta de Conchos coal mine.

Demand Investigation into Torture Allegations in Egypt (UA 51/09)

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:45:33 EST

Mona Said Thabet, her husband Yasser Naguib Mahran, and their three children are being harassed and intimidated by their local police force. Both parents have been tortured and otherwise ill-treated despite complaints to the public prosecutor's office and there is serious concern for their safety.

Protect Families of Indigenous Organization in Mexico (UA 41/09)

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:36:24 EST

The families of Manuel Ponce Rosas and Raul Lucas Lucia, who were found dead on February 20, and other members of the Organization for the Future of Mixtec Indigenous Peoples are at risk. The abduction and killing of these two men may lead to reprisals for those who witnessed the abduction.

Protect Indigenous Community from Further Attack in Brazil (UA 53/09)

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:29:57 EST

On February 12 around 5am, some 25 civil police officers stormed the Guarani Kaiowa Indigenous village in south-western Brazil with orders to search for stolen goods. They threatened and verbally abused the villagers, damaged their homes and the village school, and took money and household goods.

Myanmar: Twenty-four Political Prisoners Set Free

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

After Myanmar government announced it would release 6,313 political prisoners, twenty-four were set free Saturday

Demand Immediate Medical Attention for Guantanamo Detainee (UA 350/08)

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:35:32 EST

Guantanamo detainee Ahmed Zuhair, who has been on a hunger strike and a force-feeding regimen since 2005, continues to suffer from deteriorating health. He has been in US custody without charge or trial for more than seven years.

China: Amnesty International Shocked, Dismayed by U.S. Secretary Clinton's Comments That Human Rights Will Not Top Her China Agenda

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

T. Kumar, Amnesty International USA advocacy director for Asia and the Pacific, made the following statement in response to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's comments to reporters that human rights will not be at the top of her agenda in her first visit to China:

Egypt: Egyptian blogger held incommunicado is at risk of torture

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Criticism of government policy on Gaza a new red line for freedom of expression in Egypt.

Protect Journalist Hollman Morris in Colombia (UA 46/09)

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:29:22 EST

Journalist Hollman Morris has received numerous threatening emails accusing him of being a member of a guerrilla group (FARC), and saying that he should die. Colombian authorities issued statements regarding his journalism, and immediately thereafter threats swamped his email inbox.

Urge Authorities to Disclose Whereabouts of Student in Egypt (UA 45/09)

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:28:57 EST

Student blogger Dia'el Din Gad was arrested on February 6 by State Security Investigations officers and is being held incommunicado. He had denounced President Mubarak for Egypt's policy towards the Gaza Strip and the authorities' attitude to the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

The James Joyce Ramble

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:26:58 EST

Amnesty International invites you to join The James Joyce Ramble in their support of human Rights.

International Artists Collaborate in Fight for Freedom

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:58:15 EST

Mount Beacon Fine Art Gallery will host the international traveling exhibit FREEDOM&ART, a collaborative effort involving seventy-four artists from over twenty countries and six continents.

Prevent Execution of Businesswoman Du Yimin in China (UA 42/09)

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:16:50 EST

Du Yimin was convicted of "fraudulent raising of public funds" and sentenced to death. Her appeal was rejected on January 13, and her sentence will now be reviewed by the Supreme People's Court. If it upholds her sentence, she could be executed within days.

Death Row Inmate Granted Clemency in Ohio (UA 30/09)

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland granted clemency to Jeffrey Hill on 12 February. He had been due to be executed on 3 March. Jeffrey Hill was sentenced to death in 1992 for the murder of hi mother, Emma Hill, in 1991. In a statment issued on 12 February, Governor Strickland said that, based on his review of the case, including judicial decisions, arguments for and against clemency, and letters and petitions received in the Governor's office, "I concur with the rationale and recommendation of the Ohio Parole Board and have, therefore, decided to commute Mr. Hill's sentece to a term of from 25 years to life." Jeffrey Hill will be eligible for parole in 2017. Responding to the clemency decision, Emma Hill's younger brother said: "Our family's prayers have finally been answered, and we are so grateful to Governor Strickland, the parole board, and all of Jeffrey's supporters for giving him a second chance at life. The Governor's actions today not only respect our wishes, but they also honor the memory of my beloved sister and Jeffrey's mother, Emma Dee Hill, who believed in the power of redemption and the value of all life."

Women's Stoning Penalties Lessened in Iran (UA 257/06)

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Kobra N. has had her sentence of stoning commuted to 100 lashes. Soghra Mola'i, who had been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for being an accomplice to the murder of her husband Abdollah, and to execution by stoning for adultery, was cleared of the charge of adultery after a reinvestigation of her case that ended in Novermber 2007. She was sentenced to 80 lashes for having "illicit relations." After being flogged, she was transferred to Varamin Prison near Tehran. Fatemeh is beliebed to have had her sentence of stoning, imposed in 2005, overturned. After a retrial, she is said to have been acquitted of the carge of adultery and to have been sentenced to three years imprisonment in connection with the death of a man with whom she is said to have had an affair. Amnesty International does not have details of when the retrial took place. Iran and Khayrieh both remain detained in prisons in Khuzestan province and Abdollah Farivar Moghaddam remains detained in Sari Prison, all under sentence of stoning. Amnesty International will continue to campaign on their behalf.

Peccerelli and Family No Longer in Grave Danger in Guatemala (UA 7/09)

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Fredy Peccerelli, his family and colleagues, are no longer in immediate danger as a result of the death threat recieved on 8 January. Amnesty International is continuing to monitor their situation, and will take further campaigning action as necessary.

Urge the Release of OPIM Prisoners in Mexico (UA 314/08)

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:03:07 EST

Members of Me'phaa Indigenous People's Organization (OPIM) have been jailed and threatened with death for the 1 January 2008 killing of Alejandro Feliciano Garcia. They are being detained solely for peaceful opposition to the political boss.

Call for Fair Trial of Death Row Inmates in St Kitts and Nevis (UA 36/09)

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:49:32 EST

Lewis Gardner, Sheldon Isaac, Romeo Cannonier, Ruedeney Williams, Travis Duport, Evanson Mitcham, and Warrington Philips, who make up the entire population of death row on St Kitts and Nevis, may now be in danger of being put to death, as the island recently carried out its first execution in 10 years.

Call for Medical Treatment for Three Men in Zimbabwe (UA 39/09)

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:39:10 EST

Political activists Fidelis Chiramba, Gandhi Mudzingwa and Kisimusi Dhlamini are being detained at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in the capital, Harare, after they were taken into custody by security forces in late 2008. All three men have serious medical problems, and need specialist treatment.

Turkmenistan fails to keep human rights promises

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Two years after the country's new government came to power, politically motivated harassment, detentions and imprisonments continue, according to a new Amnesty International report.

Protect Julio Cesar Vasquez Calle from Death Threats in Peru (UA 33/09)

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:27:58 EST

Journalist Julio Cesar Vasquez Calle has received death threats regarding a complaint he issued against police officers and mining company security guards whom he claims tortured him in 2005. Similar complaints have been issued by 28 others; all of these community members are in grave danger.

Call for Medical Care for Prisoner in Russia (UA 342/08)

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:51:44 EST

The health of Zubair Isaevich Zubairaev, a Chechen imprisoned in Volgograd, souther Russia, has deteriorated. The authorities at the prison colony where he is held do not provide any medication. Reports suggest that he is still being beaten, and has been threatened.

Demand protection of Police Officer in Ecuador (UA 34/09)

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:47:28 EST

Police Officer, Leidy Johanna Velez Moreira and her family have ben subjected to an ongoing campaign of intimidation by the police since October 2007. The most recent threats took place on 23 and 24 January, when she and her partner were followed by police officers on two separate occasions.

Zimbabwe: A Five Point Human Rights Agenda For The Inclusive Government

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

As the political parties in Zimbabwe set up an inclusive government, Amnesty International is calling on the new government to place human rights at the top of its agenda

New Zimbabwe government urged to prioritise human rights

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Zimbabwe's new unified government has been urged to place human rights at the top of its agenda.

Call on Authorities to Commute Death Sentences in Iraq (UA 32/09)

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 14:11:56 EST

According to the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council's website, seven people under sentence of death had their sentences upheld by the Cassation Court on February 8. Pending their cases being referred to Iraq's Presidential Council for ratification, they will be executed.

Urge Ohio Governor to Commute Death Sentence in USA (UA 30/09)

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 14:01:48 EST

Jeffrey Hill was sentenced to death in 1992 and is due to be executed on March 3, 2009. The state parole board has unanimously recommended that Governor of Ohio Ted Strickland commute Hill's death sentence to life imprisonment with parole eligibility after 25 years.

Demand Immediate Release of Gao Zhisheng in China (UA 24/09)

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 13:33:47 EST

Gao Zhisheng, a human rights activist who spoke out against human rights violations in China, has been taken from his home in Shaanxi Province. His whereabouts are unknown and he is at risk of torture and other ill-treatment.

Call to Commute Death Sentence of Juvenile Offender in Iran (UA 252/08)

Fri, 6 Feb 2009 16:12:00 EST

Bahman Salimian was scheduled to be executed on February 5, and although that execution was halted, it is feared that it could be rescheduled at any time. Although under Iranian law lawyers should be informed of an execution at least 48 hours in advance, this prior notification does not always take place.

Tunisian trade unionists' convictions upheld

Thu, 5 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST

Those sentenced were accused of leading unrest against unemployment and high living costs in the phosphate-rich Gafsa region of south-east Tunisia earlier in 2008.

Protect Human Rights Defenders from Threats in Honduras (UA 28/09)

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 16:57:58 EST

Bertha Oliva, coordinator of the Committee of Relatives of the Disappeared in Honduras, has been receiving death threats - her safety and that of her colleagues could be at risk. The organization works for reparation for the relatives of Honduran victims of enforced disappearance in the 1980s.

Prevent Torture of Nine Detainees in Syria (UA 328/08)

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 11:19:53 EST

Ten men were arrested by Military Intelligence agents in August 2008, and one of those men has died in custody - reportedly as a result of torture. His death has increased concern for the safety of the remaining nine men.

Demand Release of Human Rights Lawyer in China (UA 24/09)

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 11:14:38 EST

Gao Zhisheng, one of the best-known human rights lawyers in China, was taken into custody and is being held incommunicado. He has been under house arrest since November 2007 and is considered to be at high risk of torture and other ill-treatment.

Demand Proper Medical Treatment for Activist in Myanmar (UA 27/09)

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:09:47 EST

Pro-democracy activist Robert San Aung was arrested on June 19 and sentenced to two and a half years in prison for his participation in a peaceful demonstration. His health is deteriorating and he requires immediate medical attention.

Call for Death Sentence to be Commuted in Iran (UA 252/08)

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:18:55 EST

Bahman Salimian is at imminent risk of being executed for a crime committed when he was 15 years old. Originally sentenced to five years' imprisonment and a fine, Salimian's sentence was overturned and he was sentenced to death even though he was a juvenile when the crime was committed.

Conscientious Objector Allowed to Remain in Canada (UA 22/09)

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Dean Walcott has been allowed to stay in Canada until the country's Federal Court decides whether or not to review his case. It is not yet known when this will be decided. He had been due to be deported to the uSA on 30 January. If deported to the USA, he risks being court-martialed and imprisoned for between for between one and five years and would therefore be a prisoner of conscience. Dean Walcott is seeking refugee status on a number of grounds, including that if returned to his unit in the USA, he would risk being subjected to hazing and other non-judicial punishment. Whilst in Canada, Dean Walcott has spoken out about his objection to the armed conflict in Iraq, and has become a member of a Canadian organization, the War Resisters Support Campaign, which works to lobby the Canadian government to offer sanctuary to US military personnel who go to Canada because of their opposition to the armed conflict in Iraq.

Web 2.0 Artists Cross National Borders in Fight for Freedom

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:03:59 EST

Mount Beacon Fine Arts Gallery will host a panel discussion focusing on the plight of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, an international human rights figure under house arrest in Myanmar (formerly Burma) since 1990.

Larry Swearingen Granted a Stay of Execution (UA 17/09)

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

On January 26, Larry Swearingen was granted a stay of execution by a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, the federal court one level below the US Supreme Court with jurisdiction over Texas cases. He was scheduled to be put to death in Texas on the evening of January 27. Swearingen was sentenced to death in 2000 for the murder of Melissa Trotter in 1998. He maintains his innocence of the murder and several forensic experts have provided statements and testimonies that support his claim.

USA/China: Amnesty International Testimony Human Rights in China And UN's Universal Periodic Review

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International Testimony Human Rights in China And UN's Universal Periodic Review Before Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Committee on Foreign Affairs United States Congress

Call for Fair Trial for Naji Jawdat Hamdan in United Arab Emirates (UA 23/09)

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:13:16 EST

Naji Jawdat Hamdan, a US citizen of Lebanese origin, has been charged with terrorism-related offenses and is likely to face trial within days. The basis of the charges is a statement he signed after being held incommunicado, in solitary confinement, and tortured.

Prevent Forcible Return of Eritrean Asylum-Seekers from Egypt (UA 348/08)

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:40:35 EST

Egyptian authorities have been deporting asylum-seekers back to Eritrea without giving them the chance to have their asylum claims considered. Their return to Eritrea puts them at risk of imprisonment, torture, and other serious human rights violations.

Demand Release of 17 Uigher Detainees from Guantanamo (UA 278/08)

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:32:01 EST

Four months after a federal judge ruled the continued detention of 17 ethnic Uighers unlawful and ordered their release into the USA, all 17 remain in Guantanamo. This is their 7th year of indefinite military detention, although it has been conceded that none of them are "military combatants."

Condemn Unfair Trial and Imprisonment of Doctors in Iran (UA 216/08)

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:35:38 EST

Doctors Arash and Kamiar Alaei, brothers and activists in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, have been sentenced to six and three years' imprisonment respectively. Their trial was closed and they are considered prisoners of conscience, detained only for their work with international institutions.

Prevent Execution of Iraqi Nationals in Saudi Arabia (UA 20/09)

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:55:47 EST

At least 15 Iraqi nationals are feared to be at imminent risk of execution in Saudi Arabia. They have all been sentenced to death for various charges, and all were beaten until they confessed to those accusations. All claim to be innocent; none have been allowed access to a lawyer since their arrests.

Urge for Halt to Execution of Prisoner in Saudi Arabia (UA 21/09)

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:28:41 EST

Mohammed Abdul Amir is at imminent risk of execution after being convicted of a 1995 murder. He confessed to the crime after three months of interrogation where he was allegedly beaten and sustained injuries.

Call for Death Sentence to be Commuted in Iraq (UA 19/09)

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:24:55 EST

Ibrahim Karim Mohammed al-Qaragholi has been sentenced to death for kidnapping and killing 3 US soldiers. His trial appears to haved failed to meet international fair trial standards.

Demand Medical Treatment and Care for Prisoner in Viet Nam (UA 018/09)

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:09:30 EST

Vu Hung, a teacher in detention since September 18, has not been seen in two months. His health has deteriorated and reports of torture have surfaced, with no indication that Hung has received medical treatment. He was arrested with eight others for peaceful activism.

Demand Information on Indigenous Activist in the Philippines (UA 274/08)

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:46:50 EST

James Balao was abducted on September 17 and has not been seen since. The Regional Trial Court has ordered the authorities to disclose his whereabouts, but they are not forced to release documents relating to his case, nor are places of detention where Balao may be held allowed to be inspected.

Protect Transgender Human Rights Defender in Honduras (UA 16/09)

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:53:43 EST

Police officers are alleged to have beaten up a transgender woman, who is an HIV/AIDS campaigner and sex worker, after she refused to give them her money. They subsequently threatened her with death if she reported the incident.

Demand Release of Prisoner of Conscience in China (UA 332/08)

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:33:28 EST

On January 7, Ji Sizun was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for "forging official documents and faking official seals." Amnesty International believes him to be a prisoner of conscience as questions remain concerning the motivation for his detention and sentence.

Ebrima B. Manneh

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:07:26 EST

Journalist "Chief" Ebrima B. Manneh was arrested in July 2006 and has been missing ever since. While the exact reason for his arrest is unknown, it is clear that Chief Manneh was arrested in connection with the peaceful exercise of his right to freeom of expression.

Call for Return of English Teacher in Chad (UA 12/09)

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:15:33 EST

Issa Palkoubou, a teacher in the Chadian capital, Ndjamena, has not been seen since his abduction on 3 September 2008. Amnesty International believes that he may still be alive, and could be in the custody of Chadian security forces at an unknown location.

Indigenous community leader Receives Medical Treatment in Bangladesh

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Rang Lai Mro was releaseed on bail on 8 January, on the orders of the Bangladesh High Court. The head of a community of indigenous Mro people, he had been detained since 22 February 2008 charged with possessing a pistol without a license. He was tortured in army custody after his arrest: he was at risk of a heart attack, and his health was deteriorating. His release on bail now allows him to recieve the medical treatment he requires.

Mother and Children Enter Witness Protection Program in Brazil

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

After receiving a series of threats, Katia Camargo and her two children entered a witness protection program on 5 January. They are no longer believed to be in grave danger. Katia Camargo had been threatened by people linked to the killers of her husband, investigative journalist Luiz Carlos Barbon. The journalist, who had reported on official corruption, was murdered in May 2007. Their protection was ordered by Sao Paulo's Human Rights Prosecutor. It is unusual for the Prosecutor to act so rapidly on such a case. It is notable that the prosecutor's office acted with impressive speed in this case due in part to Amnesty International's intervention.

YUKOS Vice President Released on Bail in Russia

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

On 31 December 2008, Vasilii Aleksanian was released on bail of 50 million rubles (more that US$1.5 million). The money had been collected during a campaign in his support. Vasilii Aleksanian, a former vice-president of the Russian oil company YUKOS, was detained on 6 April 2006 and accused of embezzlement and tax fraud. In October 2006 he was diagnosed with HIV infection, and subsequently developed AIDS and several other diseases, including lymphatic cancer, tuberculosis and a cataract; he has also developed a tumor in his kidney. Under Russian law, a person diagnosed with such serious health problems should not be kept in pre-trial detention. In mid-November, he had surgery to remove his spleen. Soon afterwards his condition deteriorated, but improved again in late December. Vasilii Aleksanian spent 31 December with his family, including his six-year-old-son, whom he last saw three years ago.

Demand Medical Treatment for US National Imprisoned in Belarus (UA 121/08)

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:30:09 EST

US national Emanuel Zeltser was sentenced on August 11, 2008, to 3 years in prison following a closed trial. His health has deteriorated, yet he continues to be denied essential medication for various ailments including diabetes, heart problems, and severe arthritis.

Protect the Residents of Lomas del Poleo in Mexico (UA 15/09)

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:00:22 EST

Harassment and intimidation have been ongoing since 2003 in an area northwest of Ciudad Juarez where land ownership is disputed. The incidents have intensified recently with houses being destroyed and residents being attacked.

Protect Community Activist from Further Attack in Mexico (UA 13/09)

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:53:25 EST

Ruben Valencia Nunez, an activist with Oaxacan Voices Building Autonomy and Liberty, was harassed and attacked on January 10. He was accosted by three men in a car, and one of those men pursued Nunez and stabbed him.

Prevent Torture of Protestors in Saudi Arabia (UA 14/09)

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:51:45 EST

Khaled al-'Omair, Mohammed al-'Otaibi, Kamil 'Abbas al-Ahmad, Zuhair al-Janbi, and at least 21 other men have been detained for protesting against Israel's current military action in Gaza. They are held incommunicado and are at risk of torture or other ill-treatment.

Prevent Death by Stoning in Iran (UA 10/09)

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:35:49 EST

Gilan Mohammadi and Gholamali Eskandari have been sentenced to death by stoning for charges of adultery. The Head of the Judiciary declared a moratorium on executions by stoning in 2002, yet sentences of death by stoning continue to be carried out.

Call for the Protection of Movement Leaders in Guatemala (UA 08/09)

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:28:02 EST

A leader of the street vendors' movement in the city of Coatepeque has been killed as well as an independent lawyer assisting the vendors' movement in negotiations with the government. The other leaders of the movement may be at risk.

Protect Hassan Al Turabi from Arbitrary Detention in Iran (UA 9/09)

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:27:35 EST

Hassan Al Turabi has been held incommunicado, without charge, since 14 January by armed agents of the Sudanese National Intellicence and Security Services at his home in Khartoum. Al Turabi, who is about to turn 77, has been refused visits from family, food for his special diet, and medical attention.

Demand Fair Investigation into Death of Migrant Workers in Mexico (UA 11/09)

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:18:43 EST

Chiapas state police officers shot at a van carrying 45 undocumented migrants in San Cristobal de las Casas Municipality. Three of the migrants were killed and a further eight were seriously injured. Amnesty International fears that the migrants who have testified against the attack may be at risk of reprisals.

Iranian Political Prisoner Released on Bail

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Jamila Nabgan is now free on bail, and is no longer being detained for 14 hours a day by the Ministry of Intelligence. She had been arrested at her family home in Shush, Khuzestan province, on 19 October by Ministry of Intelligence officers. She was released on bail five days later, on condition she reported every morning to the Ministry of Intelligence detention facility in Ahvas, Khuzestan province, where she would be detained from 8 am until 10pm. Her brother, Habib Nabgan, is a prominent member of the outlawed political party Lejnat al-Wefaq (Reconcilitation Committee), which promotes the rights of the Arab minority in Iran. His wife, Ma'soumeh Ka'bi, fled to Syria in May 2008, and the authorities believe she had help from Jamila Nabgan. Jamila Nabgan had been arrested in May 2008 and held for two days of questioning about her sister-in-law's flight to Syria, at the Ministry of Intelligence detention facility in Ahwaz.

Demand Release of Mother Held Hostage in Iran (UA 279/08)

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:28:06 EST

Ma'soumeh Ka'bi and her five children, all members of the Arab minority in Iran, were forcibly returned from Syria to Iran in violation of international law. They are prisoners of conscience held solely in order to force Habib Nabgan, Ma'soumeh Ka'bi's husband and the children's father, to return to Iran. Her five children are now known to have been released in October.

Call For the Protection of Fredy Peccerelli in Guatemala (UA 07/09)

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:14:35 EST

Fredy Peccerelli has received a death threat that includes his brother and other relatives. He is the Executive Director of the Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation, an organization pursuing truth and justice relating to the armed conflict in Guatemala.

Prevent Forcible Return for Iranian Men to Iran (UA 03/09)

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:55:40 EST

Shaheed 'Abdulhussain 'Abbas 'Amouri, Mohammed 'Ali 'Abdulzahra Hamad 'Amouri and Naji 'Aboud Obidawi are at risk of being forcibly returned from Iraq to Iran where they would face torture or even the death penalty.

Protect Family Receiving Death Threats in Brazil (UA 05/09)

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:40:11 EST

Jose Luis da Silva, his wife Severina dos Santos Silva, and their 25-year-old daughter Edisandra, have received death threats in relation to a court case against four men alleged to have violently attacked the family in 2007. They may face further attacks and intimidation before the next hearing.

Demand Immediate Release of Woman in Ethiopia (UA 02/09)

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:30:51 EST

Birtukan Medeksa was arbitrarily arrested on December 28 and has been held without charge in solitary confinement since then. She is denied legal representation or medical treatment and is at risk of torture and other ill-treatment.

Iranian Aids doctors tried in closed hearing

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

Detained without charge for six months, brothers Arash and Kamiar Alaei could now face up to ten years in prison for 'cooperation' with an 'enemy government'.

China urged to release scholar Liu Xiaobo from 'residential surveillance'

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

One of China's best-known dissidents has been under house arrest since 8 December, after he signed a campaign for political and rights reform in China, known as Charter 08.

Film Screening and Card Making

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:32:20 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 371 will host a Holiday Card Making Party to support prisoners of conscience and human rights workers.

Holiday Cards and Write-a-thon

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:31:58 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 363 will host a Holiday Card Action Write-a-thon.

Holiday Card Action

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:31:37 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 13 will host a Holiday Card Action.

Write-A-Thon to Commemorate Human Rights Day

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:31:18 EST

Amnesty International Oyster River High School Student Group will host a Write-A-Thon to Commemorate Human Rights Day.

Outdoor Rally Commemorating Human Rights

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:31:04 EST

Amnesty International Local Group Groups 76 and 128 will co-host an outdoor rally highighting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Celebrate Human Rights

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:30:24 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 702 will host a theatrical presentation, speakers and a buffett to commemorate Human Rights Day.

Boston Write-A-Thon

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:30:05 EST

Amnesty activists host the Annual Write-A-Thon to commemorate International Human Rights Day.

Celebrate Human Rights Day

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:29:34 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 165 will host a Write-A-Thon to celebrate Human Rights Day.

New York City Write-a-thon for Human Rights

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:29:19 EST

Amnesty International Local Groups 280/9, 11 & 27 and the NYC Women's Human Rights Action Team will hold a Write-a-thon event on the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Global Write-a-thon

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:28:40 EST

The Amnesty International Peoples Academy High School Student Group will host a letter writing as part of Amnesty's Global Write-A-Thon.

Human Rights Day

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:27:44 EST

The Amnesty International Westover School Student Group will commemorate Human Rights Day by writing cards of support.

Declaration of Human Rights Write-a-thon

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:25:25 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 566 will host a write-a-thon to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Holiday Card-Writing to Prisoners of Conscience

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:23:42 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 10 will host a Holiday Card-Writing to Prisoners of Conscience.

Holiday Card Action

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:22:57 EST

The Amnesty International Southern Regional High School Student Group will hold a Holiday Card Action for human rights.

Human Rights Day of Events

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:22:32 EST

The Amnesty International Ithaca College Student Group

Speaking Event & Screening

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:21:03 EST

Amnesty International Local Groups 9 & 280 will host a speaking event & film Screening.

Holiday Card Action

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:20:42 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 79 will gather to send holiday cards to human rights defenders around the world, bringing them support and hope.

21st Annual Providence Write-A-Thon

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 11:34:55 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 49 will host their 21st Annual Providence Write-a-thon in honor of Human Rights Day.

Write-A-Thon

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 11:24:44 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 42 will host a Human Rights Day Write-A-Thon.

Holiday Card Writing Party

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 10:55:12 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 356 Webster, MA and Woodstock, CT invite you to their Holiday Card Writing Party.

Protect Possible Prisoner of Conscience in Iran (UA 343/08)

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:43:36 EST

Blogger Hossein Derakhshan was arrested on November 1st. Denied access to his family and to legal representation, no one knows where he is held and his family has not been allowed communication with him since late November. He is at great risk of torture while held incommunicado.

Amid new releases, government critic allowed to leave

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

The Libyan authorities have allowed political reform activist Idriss Boufayed to travel to Switzerland to seek medical treatment for cancer.

Trade unionists sentenced to jail in Tunisia

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

A court in Tunisia has handed down sentences of up to 10 years' imprisonment against 33 workers and trade union activists after an unfair trial.

Protect Indigenous Community in Colombia Facing Death Threats (UA340/08)

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:30:13 EST

A group of Indigenous leaders and some of their female companions, all members of the Embera Indigenous community, have received a death threat stating that they will be killed on 24 December.

Human Rights Day Write-a-thon

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:51:21 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 175 will host a Human Rights Day Write-a-thon.

Happy Hour/Write-A-Thon

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:51:06 EST

Bring your colleagues and join us after work for a Write-A-Thon and Cocktail Hour.

60th Anniversary of the UDHR

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:50:12 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 671 will host an day of human rights awareness.

December 10: Human Rights Day Vigil

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:49:09 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 78 will host a candlelight vigil and toast to freedom to commemorate Human Rights Day.

Holiday Card Action

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:05:26 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 297 will be holding a holiday card action for Prisoners of Conscience.

Holiday Party and Cards of Hope

Tue, 9 Dec 2008 10:00:35 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 105 will host a Holiday Party and Cards of Hope.

Write-A-Thon

Tue, 9 Dec 2008 09:56:25 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 105 will host their annual Write-A-Thon.

Global Write-a-Thon

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 15:23:16 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 531 will hold a write-a-thon as part of Amnesty's Global Write-a-Thon.

Global Write-A-Thon

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 15:22:34 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 539 and the Amnesty International Shepherd University Student Group will host a Write-A-Thon as part of the "Global Write-A-Thon".

Bu Dongwei

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

Bu Dongwei was released on July 18, 2008, approximately four months before the end of his term of re-education through labor in China. Bu Dongwei was serving a two-and-a-half year sentence in connection with his activities as a member of the Falun Gong movement, which is banned in China. He believes international attention, including Amnesty International's campaign, protected him during his ordeal, and he thanked all Amnesty International activists who took action on his behalf and on behalf oft human rights in China. During the 2007 Global Write-a-thon, and continuing throughout 2008, Amnesty International activists aggressively campaigned for Bu Dongwei's release.
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Protect Three Victims of Police Brutality in Mexico (UA 330/08)

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 16:49:20 EST

Máximo Mojica Delgado, María de los Ángeles Hernández Flores (his wife), and Santiago Nazario Lezma have all been arbitrarily arrested and are believed to have been beaten in custody. They are being held incommunicado and are at risk of further torture for their work on housing rights.

Zimbabwe: Amnesty International Demands Immediate Release of Abducted Human Rights Activist in Zimbabwe

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International demanded that Zimbabwean authorities immediately disclose the whereabouts of human rights activist Jestina Mukoko, who was abducted from her home at dawn today south of the capital, Harare, by armed men in plain clothes who identified themselves as police. The abduction follows the arrest in late November of three of Mukoko?s colleagues at a clinic offering treatment to cholera victims.

Human Rights Day Letter Writing Event

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 16:15:37 EST

Amnesty International Local Group 86 will host a letter writing event for Human Rights Day.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights Event and Write-A-Thon

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 12:29:14 EST

Universal Declaration of Human Rights Event and Write-A-Thon

Demand Medical Attention for Prisoner in Bangladesh (UA 276/08)

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 18:16:42 EST

Rang Lai Mro, head of a community of Indigenous Mro people, was sentenced to 17 years' imprisonment for an charge his lawyers disproved. Despite the authorities' assurances, he may not be receiving the medical attention he needs.

Myanmar: Act Now for Htay Kywe

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

Prisoner of conscience Htay Kywe is on trial facing politically motivated charges for his role in the peaceful protest marches against military rule in Myanmar in August/September 2007. In this document Amnesty International calls for his immediate and unconditional release and for assurances that he is not being subjected to torture or ill-treatment.

USA: President-elect Obama recommits to closing Guantánamo and ending torture

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

'Early action' promised on closing the detention centre at Guantánamo Bay and ensuring that the USA does not resort to torture.

Rally for Egyptian POC

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:28:46 EST

Rally for Egyptian POC / student blogger Karim Amer

USA: Jerry Yang is Being Urged by Amnesty International to Lobby China for Release of Jailed Journalist Shi Tao

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

On Eve of Opening of US-Based Human Rights Museum on China, Yahoo! CEO Jerry Yang is Being Urged by Amnesty International to Lobby China for Release of Jailed Journalist Shi Tao

Protect Human Rights Workers in Guatemala (UA 309/08)

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 15:35:58 EST

Human rights activist Miguel Arturo Albizures Pedrosa and a member of a Guatemala City student organization were involved in a demonstration which disrupted a government rally on 20 October. Both were attacked a few days later. They, their families and their colleagues are in grave danger.

Protect Human Rights Workers in Colombia (UA 308/08)

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 15:01:07 EST

Paramilitaries have attempted to kill one of the leaders of the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó, in the north-western department of Antioquia. Paramilitaries operating in the area have also threatened to kill members of the community if they do not leave the area.

Protect Labor Rights Defenders in Honduras (UA 301/08)

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:53:23 EST

Lorna Redell Jackson García and Juana Leticia Maldonaldo Gutíerrez and other members of the motor vehicle workers? trade union SITRAFL have been shot at and received death threats. All of them are in grave danger, and they have gone into hiding.

Syria: Syrian court sentences activists to two and a half years

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Twelve members of the opposition coalition the Damascus Declaration for Democratic National Change are convicted of "weakening national sentiment.

Eritrea: Patriarch Abune Antonios [Global letter-writing marathon 2008]

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Patriarch Abune Antonios has been under house arrest since January 2006. Abune Antonios is Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church. Amnesty International considers Abune Antonios to be a prisoner of conscience, and there are grave concerns for his health as he is 80 years old, has diabetes and is not receiving medication.

Syria: Amnesty International condemns sentencing of 12 pro-democracy activists

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International condemns today's sentencing by a Syrian criminal court of 12 pro-democracy activists to two and a half years in prison

Syria: Release pro-democracy activists immediately

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

The Syrian authorities must immediately release 12 activists who have been victims of an unfair trial which could see them sentenced for up to 15 years in prison, Amnesty International said today.

United Kingdom: European Parliament honours jailed Chinese activist

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Imprisoned Chinese activist Hu Jia has been awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament.

Troy Anthony Davis

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:56:08 EST

Troy Davis was sentenced to death for the murder of Police Officer Mark Allen MacPhail at a Burger King in Savannah, Georgia; a murder he maintains he did not commit. There was no physical evidence against him and the weapon used in the crime was never found. The case against him consisted entirely of witness testimony which contained inconsistencies even at the time of the trial. Since then, all but two of the state's witnesses from the trial have recanted or contradicted their testimony.

Zimbabwe: Activists beaten, arrested and detained

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

The leaders of one of Zimbabwe's main activist movements have been remanded in custody by the courts in Bulawayo since Friday. Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, leaders of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), were arrested on Thursday in Bulawayo after leading a peaceful protest of about 200 activists demanding immediate access to food aid in Zimbabwe.

Libya: Prisoner of conscience released

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Arrested for trying to organize a peaceful demonstration critical of the Libyan government, Idriss Boufayed has been released on humanitarian grounds, after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Syria: Repressing dissent: Pro-democracy activists on trial in Syria

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Twelve pro-democracy activists, all Syrian nationals, are being tried before the Damascus Criminal Court. The charges that they face include weakening national sentiment and they could face up to 15 years imprisonment if convicted. They are being held in poor conditions and at least eight of them were subjected to torture and other ill-treatment. In this document Amnesty International calls on the Syrian authorities to release immediately and unconditionally the 12 activists and to drop all charges against them.

Syria: Pro-democracy activists in Syria face 15 years in prison

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Twelve people are charged with "weakening national sentiment" for attending a meeting of the Damascus Declaration for Democratic National Change.

Morocco: Moroccan Blogger Freed

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

On 18 September 2008, the Court of Appeal in Agadir overturned the two-year sentence imposed on blogger Mohamed Erraji by the Court of First Instance for ?lack of respect for the king? and dropped all charges against him on the grounds of procedural irregularities in the previous trial.

Egypt: No justice for 49 facing trial before emergency court

Fri, 5 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

The trial of 49 people before an emergency court for alleged involvement in the violent protests of 6 April 2008 in the city of Mahalla is due to resume on 6 September.

Libya: Human rights in Libya must be on the agenda of discussions with US

Fri, 5 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

As Condoleezza Rice becomes the first US Secretary of State to visit Libya in 55 years, Amnesty International urges the US government to make human rights an integral component of its bilateral cooperation with Libya.

Release Female Journalist in Iran (UA 169/08)

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 13:35:31 EST

Mahboubeh Karami has been imprisoned in Tehran since 13 June without charge. Her bail is set at approximately $110,000 and her family is unable to raise such a large amount.

Malaysia: Internal Security Act used to punish human rights activists

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

New information about the arbitrary detention of five Malaysian government critics obtained by Amnesty International researchers highlights the need for the Malaysian parliament to immediately abolish the country's Internal Security Act, Amnesty International said today.

Guatemala: 25 years remembering the disappeared

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

Since the International Day of the Disappeared was started in 1983, the government practice of kidnapping, abducting or detaining people and holding them in secret has continued and spread as more countries accept and justify this crime.

Argentina: Amnesty International welcomes life sentences for Argentinean military officers

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

Organization also calls on the Argentinean authorities to investigate the 2006 disappearance of Jorge Julio López.

China: China and International Olympic Committee Must Learn From Mistakes, Uphold Human Rights Values

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

As the Beijing Olympics ended, Amnesty International accused the Chinese authorities of prioritizing image over substance as it continued to persecute and punish activists and journalists during the Games.

USA: Joint statement Concerning Congressional letter to President Yudhoyono

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

On July 29, 2008, forty members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono requesting that he release two political prisoners: Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage. Karma and Pakage are serving 10 and 15-year prison terms for raising a flag during a peaceful protest in Abepura, Papua, Indonesia. Amnesty International has declared them prisoners of conscience and leads an international coalition seeking their release.

Syria: Amnesty International welcomes release of prisoner of conscience

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International today welcomed the release of Syrian prisoner of conscience Dr ‘Aref Dalilah.

China: Ye Guozhu must be immediately released

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International today demanded the immediate release of Beijing housing activist Ye Guozhu. He was due to be released on Saturday, July 26, but will now remain imprisoned until October 1, after the end of the 2008 Olympic Games.

China: Amnesty International Calls for Release of Chinese Housing Activist Ye Guozhu, Now Slated to be Held Through Olympics

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

Ye Guozhu must be released immediately

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

The Chinese authorities say they will now not free the housing rights activist when his four-year prison sentence expires on July 26. Amnesty International demands he be freed.

Viet Nam: Supreme Patriarch Thich Huyen Quang, a life committed to human rights

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

The Venerable Thich Huyen Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the Unified Buddhist Church of Viet Nam (UBCV), and a prisoner of conscience for many years, passed away on 5 July 2008

Syria: Dekalbab imprisoned

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International deplores the sentencing this week of Muhammad Bedia' Dekalbab, a member of the unauthorized National Organization for Human Rights, to six months' imprisonment

One thousand protesters unaccounted for in Tibet lock-down

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

As the Olympic torch relay travels to Lhasa, Amnesty International urged the Chinese government to provide information about those detained during the protests last March and called for free access to Tibet by independent observers.

Equatorial Guinea: Amnesty International Welcomes Release of 14 Prisoners of Conscience

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Prisoners Include Pastor Jailed for Speaking Out Against Government Treatment of Minorities

Equatorial Guinea: Amnesty International calls for release of all prisoners of conscience

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International today called on the Equatorial Guinea government to unconditionally release all people they continue to hold without charge or trial on account of their peaceful political activities

Equatorial Guinea: Amnesty International Welcomes Release of 14 Prisoners of Conscience in Equatorial Guinea

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International today welcomes the release of 14 prisoners of conscience in Equatorial Guinea, including a pastor who was an outspoken critic of government treatment of minorities. Since 2002, Amnesty International activists in the United States and worldwide had repeatedly appealed for the prisoners' release in letters sent to government leaders.

USA: James Corey Glass has right not to serve in Iraq

Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International believes James Corey Glass to have a genuine conscientious objection to serving as a combatant in the US forces in Iraq, and would consider him to be a prisoner of conscience if imprisoned on his return to the USA

Activist released in Uzbekistan

Thu, 5 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Uzbekistani human rights defender Mutabar Tadzhibaeva, who was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2006, was unexpectedly released on Monday, 2 June.

Amnesty International Demands Release of Zimbabwe Activists Jailed in Peaceful March

Mon, 2 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International mobilized its global network of activists on Monday on behalf of 14 activists from the Women of Zimbabwe Arise movement who were arrested on May 28 in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare, for participating in a peaceful protest and are being held under harsh prison conditions. The human rights organization fears the activists - some of whom already have been beaten by police -- are in danger of being tortured.

Tiananmen activists must be released

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

Wednesday 4 June 2008 marks the nineteenth anniversary of the Chinese government's crackdown on the pro-democracy demonstrations in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

Egypt: HIV arrests: Policing in ignorance and fear: Doctors failing in their medical responsibility

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

Since October 2007 Egyptian police have launched a series of arrests in Cairo of people they suspect are HIV-positive. As a result, 12 men have so far been subjected to criminal prosecution. The nine convicted men are now serving their sentences in prison; three others have been released without charge. Amnesty International considers the men to be prisoners of conscience and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.

Darfuris at risk of torture

Fri, 23 May 2008 18:59:17 EST

More than 150 individuals, mainly from Darfur, were arrested between May 9 and 16 in Khartoum, Sudan. Many of those arrested are reported to be held incommunicado in national security detention facilities in the capital or at unknown locations. All the detainees are at risk of torture or other ill-treatment, and may even be killed or subjected to enforced disappearance.

South Korea: On-going Crackdown against Migrant's Trade Union

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International expresses serious concern at the arrest of two senior officials of the Seoul-Gyeonggi-Incheon Migrants Trade Union (MTU) on May 2, 2008.

Human rights abuses in Sri Lanka flourish under veil of secrecy

Fri, 2 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

Sri Lanka is a conflict where journalists face unjustified restrictions on reporting and there are very few established facts.

Royal pardon for Moroccan demonstrators

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

Eight men convicted of undermining the monarchy in Morocco last year have been released after they were pardoned by the King.

Hu Jia jailed for three and a half years

Fri, 4 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

Chinese human rights activist Hu Jia has been convicted of “inciting subversion of state power” and sentenced to three and a half years in prison.

Nepal: Clampdown on Tibet demonstrators must stop immediately and protesters released

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International called on the Nepalese authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested in connection with demonstrations on Tibet.

Turkish activist gets jail sentence

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Human rights activist Eren Keskin has been sentenced to six months and 20 days in prison after being convicted of “denigrating the Turkish army”.

Iran: Amnesty International and international trade union bodies condemn repressive measures meted out against trade union leader Mahmoud Salehi

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) are calling on the Iranian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Mahmoud Salehi, the former leader of the Saqez Bakers' Union, who was imprisoned in 2007 for the pursuit of legitimate trade union activities

UN scrutiny of Tibet crisis required

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

The Chinese authorities must allow independent UN investigation into the events of the last week in Tibet.

Belarus: Update to Public Appeal: Prisoner of Conscience: Alyaksandr Kazulin

Tue, 4 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Prisoner of conscience, Alyaksandr Kazulin, was granted temporary leave from the prison colony in Vitebsk, Belarus, in order to attend the funeral of his wife, Iryna Kazulina, which took place on 27 February 2008

One year missing and imprisoned in Libya

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST

At least 14 Libyans were arrested just over a year ago for planning a peaceful demonstration to mark the anniversary of the Benghazi events when security forces killed 12 demonstrators.

New Cuban leadership can improve human rights

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International has called on the new Cuban government to allow UN human rights bodies and independent human rights organizations to visit the country.

Write-a-thon Action: Demand investigation into whereabouts of Professor Sivasubramanium Raveendranath

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:21:47 EST

Over the past two decades of armed conflict in Sri Lanka, the security forces have been responsible for tens of thousands of enforced disappearances. In December 2006, Prof. Sivasubramanium Raveendranath was taken by force while at a conference and has not been heard from since.

Uzbek Human Rights Defender Released

Mon, 4 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST

Human rights defender Saidzhakhon Zainabitdinov was released on February 4 under a presidential amnesty. He had been serving a seven-year sentence, handed down in January 2006 after what was in effect a secret trial. He was indicted for libel, "information dissemination fomenting the panic" and "terrorism." Prior to his imprisonment, Saidzhakhon Zainabitdinov was monitoring protests in the town of Andizhan which escalated on May 12-13, 2005. During the information blockade that engulfed Uzbekistan in the aftermath of the protests, messages from Saidjahon Zainabitdinov were forwarded to the leading world news agencies, TV channels, radio stations and newspapers.

Belarusian youth activist freed

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

The Belarusian youth activist, Zmitser Dashkevich, has been released early from Sklou prison in Belarus.

Youth Leader Freed in Belarus

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

Amnesty International welcomes the release from prison on January 23 of Zmitser Dashkevich, leader of a youth organization that advocates political freedom in Belarus. AI mounted a global campaign to win his release featuring his case in a Global Write-a-thon in December through which thousands of people across the United States appealed for his release. As one of Amnesty International USA's Special Focus Cases, Zmitser Dashkevich's case was a particular focus for action by Amnesty student activists, who joined youth activists around the world in sending 10,000 origami cranes to Belarusian authorities in a symbolic plea for freedom for Mr. Dashkevich and other prisoners of conscience.

Europe must call Musharraf to account

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

Europe's leaders have the chance to urge President Pervez Musharraf to end human rights violations in Pakistan when he visits Europe this week.

Religious minority faces discrimination in Armenia

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

Jehovah's Witnesses in Armenia face discrimination and imprisonment because of their beliefs, according to a new Amnesty International report.

China: 'Strike hard' against beliefs

Thu, 1 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST

Bu Dongwei, a Falun Gong practitioner who worked for the US-based NGO, the Asia Foundation, is serving two and a half years Re-education Through Labour (RTL) at the Tuanhe facility in Beijing.

Dr. Haleh Esfandiari allowed to leave Iran!

Sun, 2 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST

Haleh Esfandiari is the Head of the Middle East Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington D.C., and is a well-known advocate of dialogue between the U.S. and Iranian governments. She had travelled to visit her elderly mother. While on her way to the airport to return to the USA, her taxi was stopped by armed, masked men, who took both her passports and her belongings. In May Amnesty International activists began a letter-writing action and in June held a rally calling for her release. Many thanks to all who participated on Haleh's behalf.

The Wire, November 2006. Vol. 36, No.10.

Wed, 1 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

1) Children maimed by Israeli cluster bombs in Lebanon 2) Pakistan sells 'terror suspects' to USA 3) Sudan: 'If you leave the camp, we will kill you' 4) Arbitrary deadlines hamper tribunals 5) Women in Mexico denied Justice 6)Worldwide appeals: Peru: Activist threatened and intimidated; Morocco/Western Sahara: Prison sentence for human rights defender; Belarus: Election monitors imprisoned 7) Updates: Saudi Arabia; Iran; USA; Peru; Greece; Ending impunity for police in Angola 8) Canadian inquiry vindicates case of Guantánamo detainee 9) Ambassador of conscience award 10) Control Arms 11) 25 years of renouncing religious intolerance 12) Activist murdered in Russian Federation 13) Recent Publication

The Wire, October 2006. Vol. 36, No.9.

Sun, 1 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST

1) Government maligns Colombian activists 2) Will China honour its Olympic promises? 3) 3 October Focus on Africa - World Habitat Day 4) Thousands made homeless in Nigeria 5) Oil fuels evictions in Equatorial Guinea 6) No justice for victims of forced evictions in Zimbabwe 7) Worldwide appeals: United Arab Emirates: Human rights activists harassed; China: Prisoner of conscience sentenced; United Kingdom: Risk of torture if returned to Algeria; Violence flares in Sudan; Cluster bomb carnage in Lebanon; USA defends secret detention 8) Update: Guantánamo detainee released; Turkmenistan; Viet Nam; Australia scraps migration bill 9) 10 October The World Day against the Death Penalty 10) Activists say no to death penalty 11) Iran continues to execute children

Marcelino and Leonardo Miranda, and Feliciano Pineda Freed

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EST

Leonardo Miranda, the last of three Honduran prisoners of conscience on whose behalf AIUSA has campaigned for the past year through its Special Focus Case project, was freed on August 15, 2006. Leonardo's brother Marcelino was freed on July 12, 2006, following a decision by the Honduran Supreme Court in June that acquitted Marcelino and Leonardo of a 2001 murder for which they were wrongfully imprisoned. On August 15, a lower court commuted Leonardo's sentence on another charge, resulting in his release. Amnesty believed the two brothers and another indigenous rights activist, Feliciano Pineda, were jailed in connection with their efforts to secure communal land titles for their communities in Montaña Verde. Pineda was released from detention in February 2006.

Sudan: Protecting Civilians in Darfur: A Briefing for Effective Peacekeeping

Tue, 18 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EST

Civilians in Darfur continue to be killed, raped and forcibly displaced in large numbers. Some 250,000 people have been driven from their homes and from places where they have sought safety since the beginning of 2006. Amnesty International urges the prompt deployment of a UN force with a robust protection mandate, and vigorous support for AMIS in the meantime. This briefing includes 10 recommendations that AMIS must follow to ensure effective protection of civilians in Darfur in full compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law.

The Blue Diamond Society

Fri, 20 Aug 2004 00:00:00 EST

The 39 metis (male transvestites) arrested in Kathmandu on 9 August were released on bail on 20 August. The Blue Diamond Society, a local organization which campaigns for the rights of sexual minorities, has sent its "sincere and grateful thanks" for the work done on behalf of the 39, all of whom are members of the Society. They were arrested on the street and in bars and nightclubs. All were apparently told that they were being taken to a meeting, and to an identity parade to pick out the man who had attacked another meti on 7 August. All 39 were reportedly kept together in a very small and overcrowded cell. Police are alleged to have beaten two of the men severely, and verbally abused all of them, saying that acid should be thrown in their faces and they did not deserve to live. Many of the 39 are illiterate, and were reportedly forced to sign statements they could not read, while others, who could read, were not allowed to see the documents they signed.