Amnesty International Iran Team: Dec. 6, 2023

Today, Amnesty International has issued a new major report titled, “They violently raped me”: Sexual violence weaponized to crush Iran’s “Woman Life Freedom” uprising. The report documents in detail the harrowing ordeals of 45 survivors, including 26 men, 12 women and seven children, who were subjected to horrific acts of rape, gang rape and/or other forms of sexual violence by Iran’s intelligence and security forces following their arbitrary arrests during the “Woman Life Freedom” uprising between September and December 2022. The organization found that sexual violence was used with impunity as a weapon of torture to punish protesters.

                                                       For more information, Click here 

 

Amnesty International: 2023 Write for Rights (W4R)

Amnesty International 2023 Write for Rights (W4R)

Today, we’re inviting you to join Amnesty International (AI) annual letter-writing campaign, Write for Rights (W4R). Your words are not just ink on paper, but powerful tools for justice, hope, and change.

For over 20 years, Amnesty International’s annual W4R has transformed the lives of people whose rights have been wronged. Using the power of voice, W4R supporters have united behind a common purpose: together we can change lives of voiceless for better. For over 60 years activism, Letter Writing has always been at the heart of AI campaign.

This year’s AI campaign features 10 people and communities worldwide whose human rights are violated by governments, police, or big corporations. Visit AI website using: write.amnestyusa.org to learn more about this year's Write for Rights cases. Here’s how you can take part for this year Write for Rights:

 Sign All Petitions on-line with one click:

https://takeaction.amnesty.ca/page/137336/petition/1?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=utm_write_for_rights&utm_content=Write+for+Rights+Successes+-+November+1+2023

Briefly:

1.     Demand justice for the Wet’suwet’en Nation in British Columbia, Canada. They have been attached and harassed for protecting their Land and Water.

2.     Demand justice for Thapelo Mhoapi, leader of grassroots movement Abahlali Mjondolo in South Africa. He has been threatened, harassed, and intimidated for defending his community.

3.     Demand Justice for Justyna Wydrznska in Poland. She has been prosecuted for defending safe abortion.

4.     Demand justice for Ana Maria Santos Cruz in Brazil. She is the mother of a young Brazilian activist who was killed by police.

5.     Demand Justice for the family of Thulani Masek, a leading human rights lawyer and political activist in Eswatini who was killed for speaking Truth to Power. 

6.     Ask Alabama Governor to grant clemency to Rocky Myers and save him from wrongful execution. 

7.     Demand Justice for Paul Kagai and Pabai Pabai in Australia. Fighting to save their ancestral lands.

8.     Demand immediate and unconditional release of Rita Karasartova in Kyrgystan. Facing 15 years in prison for peacefully protesting.

9.     Demand full freedom for Chaima Issa, a human rights lawyer activist in Tunisia. She was arrested for speaking out against Tunisian President, Kais Saied.

10.  Demand Justice for Ahmed Mansoor, blogger and human rights activist in UAE. He has been locked up for speaking Truth to Power.

 

Sign All Petitions on-line with one click:

https://takeaction.amnesty.ca/page/137336/petition/1?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=utm_write_for_rights&utm_content=Write+for+Rights+Successes+-+November+1+2023

Or Write a Letter for each case and Change a Life by clicking here:

https://act.writeathon.ca/events/write-letters-on-your-own?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=utm_write_for_rights&utm_content=Write+for+Rights+Successes+-+November+1+2023

In hope and solidarity,

Write for Rights Team: 

For questions: Q Contact Amnesty International USA's Write for Rights team: g

  

Amnesty International-USA: Israel - Occupied Palestinian Territories (October 2023)

 

• Amnesty International joins the Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, the UN agencies working in Palestine, and many human rights experts, represented by a long list of UN special procedures, who are also calling for a ceasefire, along with the UN Secretary General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
• An end to unlawful attacks, including indiscriminate attacks, direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects, and disproportionate attacks
• Israel to immediately allow unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid into the occupied Gaza Strip's civilians, lift its 16-year illegal blockade on Gaza, and grant immediate access to the Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory
• The international community to impose a comprehensive arms embargo on all parties to the conflict given that serious violations amounting to crimes under international law are being committed.
• The International Criminal Court's ongoing investigation into the situation of Palestine to proceed and to receive full support and all necessary resources.
• Hamas and all other armed groups to release unconditionally and immediately all civilian hostages and to treat all those being held captive humanely, including by providing medical treatment, pending their release.
• Israel to release all Palestinians who are arbitrarily detained.
• The root causes of the conflict to be addressed, including through dismantling Israel's system of apartheid against all Palestinians.

Amnesty International Iran Team: Armita Garawand Cover Up

6 October 2023

Iran: Independent investigation into schoolgirl’s critical injuries needed amid mounting evidence of a cover up

The international community must demand that the Iranian authorities allow the UN Fact-Finding Missions and other independent monitors to enter the country to investigate the circumstances leading to the hospitalization of 16-year-old Armita Garawand, who fell unconscious on a Tehran metro train after reports she was assaulted by an enforcer of Iran’s compulsory veiling laws, and has been in a coma since, said Amnesty International, amid mounting evidence of a cover up by the authorities. Click here for more information.

 

 

2023 Nobel Peace Laureate: Narges Mohammdi, Human Rights Activist

Oct. 6, 2023

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

Congratulation to Human Right Activist Narges Mohammedi for her well deserved 2023 Nobel Peace Award.

Narges Mohammadi is still pushing for national change from inside her jail cell.

The motto adopted by the demonstrators -- woman life freedom -- suitably expresses the dedication and work of Narges Mohammadi," Norwegian Nobel Committee chair Berit Reiss-Andersen said.

 

The Lucent, Vol.42: Sept. 16, 2023

Mahsa Amini - Never Forget 

Amnesty International - Australia: 2023 Write For Rights

 

We continue Write for Rights every year because it works – real change happens when ordinary people come together to take action. Since it began 22 years ago, Write for Rights has transformed the lives of close to 100 people. We are uniting with those who are courageously speaking truth to power. People like Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul, who are community leaders from the Guda Maluyligal Nation in the Torres Strait, fighting to save their ancestral homelands from the risks of climate change. Activist Justyna Wydrzyńska, who has been convicted for helping a woman in a violent relationship access a safe abortion, which is a crime in Poland. And, in Brazil, Ana Maria who is bravely fighting for justice for her son, a vocal activist against police abuse who was brutally murdered. People power works! When we unite to promote and defend human rights, we can create a better world for ourselves and others. Now more than ever, your voice will join millions of others around the world as part of this event to put pressure on authorities to take immediate action.

With one click, you can take action for all ten Write for Rights cases! That’s ten times the impact! 

Amnesty International UK: Iranian Continue to Resist (Woman, Life, Freedom)

 

September 16, 2023: One year since Zhina Mahsa Amini was killed. Woman, Life, Freedom remains Iran's rallying cry for human rights. Mahsa Amini and hundreds of protesters killed by state forces all live in every Iranian bravely standing up for human rights. Click here to read more.

Take Action: Demand Clemency for Leonard Peltier (Sept. 12, 2023)

 Leonard was convicted in 1977 related to the deaths of two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Amnesty and many others have long had concerns about the fairness of his trial, and he has always maintained his innocence. American Indian Movement member Joseph Stuntz was also killed that day, and his death has never been properly investigated. Right now, on Leonard’s birthday, Indigenous activists and allies are gathered at the White House, rallying to demand his freedom. Even though you’re not there with them in-person, we need your help to amplify their calls. We’re calling on President Biden to FINALLY grant clemency to Leonard Peltier. You can help today by signing the petition. Add your name now https://act.amnestyusa.org/page/96017/action/1?supporter.appealCode=W2309EAIAR1X&ea.url.id=6568757&forwarded=true

AI-USA: Virtual Activism Conference (Oct. 20-22, 2023)

 

View in Browser

JOIN OUR VIRTUAL ACTIVISM CONFERENCE »

I’m excited to invite you to Amnesty International USA’s Virtual Activism Conference in October! When: Friday, October 20th - Sunday, October 22nd Where: Hosted online via WHOVA Register for the Virtual Activism Conference HERE We’ll have a full lineup of plenaries and workshops covering a vast variety of topics including:

Human Rights Education for Activists Leonard Peltier Case Discussion Coalition building at the state level: Reproductive Rights Activism in Times of Uncertainty Empowering Tomorrow's Stewards: Youth Environmental Sustainability Advocacy and Refugee Awareness

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! VAC’23 Registration Deadline: 10/11/23

REGISTER NOW

Amnesty International is the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization. Join us to demand human rights for all people — no matter who they are or where they are. I hope to see you there!

IRAN HUMAN RIGHTS: 61 Executions in July - NEWS

 

August 2, 2023: Mehdi Baboli-Bahmaei, a man sentenced to qisas(retribution-in-kind) for murder, was executed in Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz. At least 61 people including four women, 11 Baluch and five Afghan nationals were executed in July.

USA: Mentally Disabled Man Scheduled for Execution - URGENT ACTION

Amnesty International, July 2023

• Johnny Johnson, a 45-year-old man long diagnosed with severe mental disabilities, including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, is scheduled to be executed in Missouri on August 1, 2023 for the 2002 murder of a six-year-old girl. His lawyers have presented the findings of a neuropsychiatrist that he does not have a rational understanding of the reason for his punishment, instead believing Satan is using the State to execute him to bring about the end of the world. International law prohibits the execution of people with serious mental disabilities, including those with a diminished ability to understand the reasons for their sentence.

CLICK to Take Action 

 

IRAN: Grave Execution Risk for Youth with Disability - URGENT ACTION

Mohammad Ghobadlou is at grave risk of execution in connection with Iran’s nationwide protests amid a spike in executions since late April. Mohammad Ghobadlou received two death sentences after grossly unfair sham trials marred by torture-tainted “confessions” and failure to order rigorous mental health assessments despite his mental disability. In late May 2023, his lawyer revealed that the Supreme Court had rejected a request for judicial review of one his death sentences, raising fears that his execution could be carried out imminently.

CLICK to TAKE ACTION 

Nahid Taghavi: Iranian-German Life in Danger

 Nahid Taghavi's life in danger at Evin Prison.

The life of a German Iranian detained in Iran is in danger and she is in such pain she can barely move, a fellow prisoner who is a prominent rights activist said Sunday.

Nahid Taghavi, 68, was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in jail in August 2021 after being arrested at her Tehran apartment in October 2020, and is being held in solitary confinement at Tehran's Evin prison.

Narges Mohammadi wrote: "She can barely get out of her bed. She goes to the infirmary, receives strong painkiller injections and returns to her bed." "The pain is so severe it can be seen on her face," she added.

Mohammadi said that Taghavi had now spent 220 days in solitary confinement. This had worsened an existing spinal disc condition, and she was now also suffering from cervical disc problems, diabetes and high blood pressure.

IRAN: 6 Ahwazi Arabs at grave risk of execution - URGENT ACTION

Amnesty International, 5-17-2023

Ali Mojadam, Moein Khanfari, Mohammad Reza Moghadam, Salem Mousavi, Adnan Ghobeishavi and Habib Deris – from Iran’s persecuted Ahwazi Arab minority who are facing imminent execution. A Revolutionary Court in Ahvaz, Khuzestan province, used their torture-tainted “confessions” to sentence them to death in February after a grossly unfair trial. Iran’s Supreme Court has upheld their convictions and sentences, meaning they could be executed at any time.

CLICK to TAKE ACTION

IRAN HUMAN RIGHTS: Execution Condemned - NEWS

IRAN HUMAN RIGHTS

The Islamic Republic’s judiciary has reported the execution of Swedish-Iranian dual national and Arab dissident activist, Habib Asyoud (Chaab). He was kidnapped from Turkey by Islamic Republic forces in collaboration with international drug gangs in October 2020 and taken to Iran.

Condemning the execution of Habib Asyoud who was subjected to torture following his abduction and sentenced to death in grossly unfair trials, Iran Human Rights calls for a strong response by the international community to this extrajudicial killing.

IRAN: School Girls Poisoned - URGENT ACTION

Amnesty International, 4-19-2023

The rights to education, health and life of millions of schoolgirls are at risk amid ongoing chemical gas attacks deliberately targeting girls’ schools in Iran. Since November 2022, thousands of schoolgirls have been poisoned and hospitalized. The authorities have failed to adequately investigate and end the attacks and dismissed girls’ symptoms as “stress”, “excitement” and/or “mental contagion”. 

 

CLICK to LEARN MORE; scroll to find this urgent action.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL - USA: Free Leonard Peltier

Amnesty International, USA, April 19, 2023.

Forty-six years ago, on April 18, Leonard Peltier was convicted for the killing of two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. While the serious and tragic nature of the incident has always been clear, Amnesty and many others have long had concerns about the fairness of his trial. Decade after decade, Leonard Peltier has always maintained his innocence. Now, at 78 years old, Peltier has spent more than 46 years in prison, serving two consecutive life sentences, including years in solitary confinement. He suffers from several serious health conditions — and he’s even more at risk after contracting COVID-19 last year. Demand clemency for Native American activist Leonard Peltier »

 

 

\

ALGERIA: Journalist Sentenced to Five Years in Prison - URGENT ACTION

Amnesty International, April 12, 2023

On 2 April, the tribunal of Sidi M'hamed in Algiers convicted prominent Algerian journalist Ihsane El Kadi to five years in prison, of which two suspended, a fine of 700,000 Algerian dinars (around USD 5,150).  In addition the tribunal ordered the dissolution of his media company, one of the last media outlets in the country.  He was convicted on charges of "receiving funds for political propaganda” and "harming the national security of the state", solely for investing money sent to him by his daughter into his media

company and exercising his work of journalist. 

His conviction is a clear violation of his right to freedom of expression and the latest example of the Algerian authorities tightening their grip on critical voices and the independent media. He must be released immediately and unconditionally, and his conviction must be quashed.

CLICK HERE to TAKE ACTION

 

EGYPT: Tortured Son of Opposition Figure Held Incommunicado - URGENT ACTION

Amnesty International, US, 3-30-2023

 Anas al-Beltagy, who has been arbitrarily detained for over nine years solely due to his family links, is being held in incommunicado in the Badr Prison Complex, some 70 km east of Cairo, and is at risk of torture and other ill-treatment. He has been denied any visits and other contact with his family for over six years. Since his arrest in December 2013, Egyptian authorities have subjected Anas al-Beltagy to a litany of violations including enforced disappearance and torture. Concerns for his wellbeing and physical and mental health have mounted in recent weeks amid alarming reports emerging from the Badr Prison Complex about prisoner suicides and hunger strikes in protest at their conditions.

CLICK HERE to TAKE ACTION

Amnesty International Annual Report: 2022

March 28, 2023:

Highlights of Amnesty International 2022 Report:

o Double standards throughout the world on human rights and the failure of the international community to unite around consistently-applied human rights and universal values

o The West’s robust response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine contrasts sharply with a deplorable lack of meaningful action on grave violations by some of their allies including Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt

o Women’s rights and freedom to protest are threatened as states fail to protect and respect rights at home

o As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights turns 75, Amnesty International insists that a rules-based international system must be founded on human rights and applied to everyone, everywhere.

Click here for more information.

Iran - Four Men at Risk of Execution - URGENT ACTION

 

Amnesty International, USA

Four young Baluchi men – Ebrahim Narouie, Kambiz Kharout, Mansour Dahmardeh and Shoeib Mir Baluchzehi Rigi – are at grave risk of execution in connection with protests in Sistan and Baluchestan province. They were sentenced to death based on torture-tainted “confessions” in grossly unfair trials. Two other Baluchi men – Mansour Hout and Nezamoddin Hout – are facing retrials on capital charges also in connection with protests.

CLICK HERE to TAKE ACTION

 

International Women's Day: March 8, 2023

 Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #EmbraceEquity.

Click here for more information.

Amnesty International - Iran: Take 2023 Nowruz Actions

The Persian holiday Nowruz (“new day”) is an ancient holiday celebrated on the first day of spring to welcome in the new year. Every Nowruz we remember several courageous prisoners of conscience in Iran with Nowruz greetings. Please send cards with Nowruz greetings to let our imprisoned friends know we are thinking of them at this time. This year we include some individuals who have been persecuted for exercising their right to participate in peaceful protests, an issue of critical importance to Iranians at this time.

Click here to take 2023 Nowruz Actions.

Iran Human Rights: March 2, 2023

 

In the last three months there have been a series of chemical attacks against at least 38 girls schools in 11 Iranian cities. Human Rights considers the attacks to be coordinated chemical terror attacks and given the strong probability that the perpetrators are close to the Islamic Republic’s security institutions, it calls for a strong and immediate response from the international community. Director, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said: “The chemical attack on at least 38 girls’ schools shows the level of planning and coordination. The lack of appropriate and  preventative action by the Islamic Republic authorities strengthens the hypothesis that the perpetrators of the attacks are directly or indirectly linked to state institutions under Ali Khamenei's command."

Click here for more information.