Success Stories!

Charges Dropped Against Border Aid Workers

On September 1, U.S. District Judge Raner Collins dismissed the case against humanitarian aid workers Shanti Sellz and Daniel Strauss. Sellz and Strauss had been charged with transporting undocumented migrants after providing assistance to three men found in apparently life-threatening condition in the Arizona desert last July. Thanks to all who took action on their behalf!
Download the interview with Daniel and Shanti as featured on Law and Disorder radio. MP3 format 15MB.
2006-09-01

Vermont Passes Law to Protect Women in Prison from Custodial Sexual Misconduct

Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) applauded lawmakers in Vermont for passing legislation that protects women in prison from custodial sexual misconduct (CSM) -- the sexual abuse of inmates at the hands of corrections staff. Vermont was the last of the 50 states to pass a law directly addressing such abuse, though many of those states' laws are severely inadequate. Read more. »
2006-05-31

Robin Lovitt's death sentence commuted in Virginia

Gov. Mark R. Warner commuted the death sentence of Robin Lovitt to life in prison. Mr. Lovitt was scheduled to be executed in Virginia on November 30, 2005. "I believe clemency should only be exercised in the most extraordinary circumstances," Mr. Warner said. "Among these are circumstances in which the normal and honored processes of our judicial system do not provide adequate relief - circumstances that, in fact, require executive intervention to reaffirm public confidence in our justice system." AIUSA would like to thank the thousands of people in the U.S. and worldwide that wrote appeals on Mr. Lovitt's behalf.
2006-01-12

Arthur Baird's death sentence has been commuted

Arthur P. Baird described by various courts and mental health professionals as "insane at the time of the murders," "legally insane," and as suffering from a "delusional disorder" was scheduled to be executed on August 31. On Monday afternoon, August 29, Governor Mitch Daniels commuted Mr. Baird's death sentence. Thanks to everyone who took action on his behalf!
2005-08-29

Grassroots events held around the country

Denounce Torture activists from around the United States held more than 50 events in commemoration of June 26th, the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. From Miami, FL to Olympia, WA, from Tuscan, AZ to Owensboro, KY the day was truly inspiring. Actions ranged from flashlight vigils, to concerts against torture and demonstrations in community plazas. Thousands of signatures were collected on Amnesty International's "Statement Against Torture" and the media covered many events. Congratulations to all who helped make June 26th activities a success. Lets keep the momentum up!
2005-07-18

Congress blocks the outsourcing of torture

In June, Congress banned the government from using any money in a newly passed State Department and Defense Department spending bills to render someone to a country where they will likely be tortured or to subject any person in US custody to torture. The amendments to HR 2863, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, and HR 2862, Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, were proposed by Congressman Markey (MA) and passed the House with overwhelming majority support. The inclusion of these provisions would not have been possible without thousands of Amnesty International activists and others advocating for the US government to end any acts of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and hold those accountable in the military and civilian chains of command who have had involvement in the formulation or carrying out of such policies. Read more. »
2005-06-20

Supreme Court Outlaws Juvenile Executions

With its March 1st decision in Roper v. Simmons, the U.S. Supreme Court removed the U.S. from the list of nations that execute juvenile offenders and ensured that evolving standards of decency are recognized, allowing the United States to join the rest of the international community.
2005-03-01

Illinois passes anti-discrimination Law

On January 11, 2005, Illinois became the 15th US state to amend its state human rights statute to bar discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in housing, employment and public accommodations. Thanks to all OUTfront supporters who took part in this action.
2005-01-11