He has been arrested, beaten and harassed by the government
multiple times because of his news stories. In 2011, Rafael wrote a book
alleging generals in the Angolan military were complicit in human
rights abuses committed by private security contractors at diamond
fields in Angola. The generals and private companies are suing Rafael
for criminal defamation, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and $1.2
million dollars in damages.
We also have deep concerns Rafael will not receive a fair trial as
there have already been severe irregularities in the legal process. In
addition, the law under which Rafael is being tried violates the rights
to freedom of expression and speech under international law and the
Angolan constitution and is used by the government to silence critics.
“Hi,
my name is_______and I am a member of Amnesty International. I am
concerned about the trial of Rafael Marques [pronounced Mar-keys] and
think the charges should be dropped. The law under which he is being
tried violates his right to free speech and I’m also concerned he will
not receive a fair trial.”
You can also help us get the message out on Twitter by joining our Thunderclap at http://thndr.it/1DEq9Jw.
