Jan 06 2008
Save Lives by Writing Letters
My big sister asked about my New Year’s resolution. Well, um…I don’t have one. Her response was a disapproving hmpf. “My New Year’s resolution is to build relationships,” she said. And she went on to explain how she intends to do just that.
At the time, I had no intentions of making promises to myself because my year is full of commitments. Finishing The Devil’s Playground is only one of them. That alone is a time consuming task.
As a Freedom Writer, you will receive an e-newsletter once a month containing the cases of three people who’s basic human rights have been violated. The newsletter will guide you through writing and sending letters on their behalf. Your letters, combined with thousands of others, have a great impact on targeted officials. AI’s letter writing campaigns have resulted in the freeing of prisoners of conscience, prosecuting tortures, investigating disappearances, and saving lives. All this is possible with only the cost of paper and postage.
I’m a writer. Chances are you are as well. If you aren’t, I’m pretty sure you can write. So why not make a difference in 2008? Join Amnesty International Freedom Writer’s Network and take action. Heck, Amnesty International even provides sample letters to guide you.
Below are the three individuals Amnesty International is seeking help. Get involved.
BELARUS
Zmitser Dashkevich
A leader of the youth opposition organization Young Front, Zmitser Dashkevich was charged in September 2006 under Article 193 of the Belarusian Criminal Code, one of a series of amendments that enabled authorities to penalize civil society organizations and outspoken critics of the government. Send letters urging the government of Belarus to bring about the immediate and unconditional release of Zmitser Dashkevich and all those imprisoned solely for the legitimate exercise of their right to freedom of expression.
HONDURAS
Dina Meza and Carlos Hernández
After investigating private security firms for labor rights violations, award-winning journalist Dina Meza and her colleagues were subjected to a campaign of harassment and intimidation. Call on the Honduran government to investigate the continuing threats and intimidation against Dina Meza and Carlos Hernández, as well as the killing of their colleague Dionisio Díaz García, and to bring those responsible to justice.
Fathi el-Jahmi
Call for the release of prisoner of conscience Fathi el-Jahm, arrested in 2002 and sentenced to five years in prison after he called for free speech and political reforms during a conference in Tripoli. He was released in March 2004 following international pressure, but authorities detained him again just weeks later after he repeated his call for democracy during a television interview.
Amnesty International Freedom Writer’s Network