On September 16, four activists- Adolfo Campos, Abraão Pedro Santos, Gilson Morreira, and Hermenegildo Victor José – were arrested hours before taking part in a demonstration in solidarity with motorcycle taxi drivers in Luanda, capital city of Angola. On September 19, they were summarily tried, convicted, and sentenced to 2 years and 5 months in prison, for ‘disobedience and resisting orders’, although no evidence was presented in court. Their conviction and sentence stem from the peaceful exercise of their human rights. They must be immediately released.
take action:
- Write a letter in your own words or using the sample below as a guide to one or both government officials listed. You can also email, fax, call or Tweet them.
- Click here to let us know the actions you took on Urgent Action 115.23. It’s important to report because we share the total number with the officials we are trying to persuade and the people we are trying to help.
contact information:
Minister of Justice and Human Rights
Marcy Cláudio Lopes
Casarão da Justiça, Rua 17 de Setembro
Gombota, Luanda, LU, Angola
E-mail: [email protected]
Embassy of Angola in the United States
Ambassador Augustine Van-Dúnem
2100 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Email: [email protected]
sample letter:
Dear Minister,
I am concerned about the arbitrary detention and conviction of four activists, Adolfo Campos, Gilson Morreira (AKA Tanaice Neutro), Hermenegildo Victor José (AKA Gildo das Ruas), and Abraão Pedro Santos (AKA O filho da revolução_pensador), solely for exercising their human rights. On September 16, the four activists were due to take part in a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with motorcycle taxi drivers in Luanda, Angola’s capital. The police, without a warrant, arrested the four activists before it was due to start. On September 19, the court sentenced them to 2 years and 5 months in prison.
Since their arrest, the penitentiary service has repeatedly prevented the activists’ wives from delivering food. In protest, Adolfo Campos and Abraão went on hunger strike in the first two weeks of imprisonment. Since October 27, three of the activists are only allowed visits from their wives and lawyers. Adolfo Campos is being held in a cell with more than 100 other detainees where there are constant fights. Meanwhile, Adolfo Campos is losing his sight and has not received any medical treatment for it. Tanaice Neutro was due to have surgery in November, but it did not take place.
I demand that the four activists are immediately released, since their detention stems from the peaceful exercise of their rights. Pending their release, all barriers to deliver food to the activists must be removed and they must be allowed to receive visits from other members of their families. The activists must have access to all necessary healthcare and their detention conditions must comply with the Mandela Rules.
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
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