Below you’ll find breaking news as well as reports, updates on our campaigns, and victories.
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Press Release
“Positive” Vote by Maryland Senate to Abolish the Death Penalty
Amnesty International said today the 27-20 vote to repeal the death penalty by the Maryland Senate is “a positive development for human rights,” but asserted the bill will be “incomplete” until funds for victims’ families are restored.
March 6, 2013
Press Release
Crucial Voices Missing from House Hearing on Drones
Zeke Johnson, director of Amnesty International USA’s Security and Human Rights campaign, issued the following statement in response to today’s hearing held by the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee on the use of drones to target U.S. citizens overseas who are suspected of terror activities:
February 27, 2013
Press Release
Planned Execution of Mentally Disabled Georgia Man is “Appalling”
With an execution date set by Georgia for Tuesday for prisoner Warren Hill, Amnesty International USA issued the following comments from Brian Evans of the Campaign to Abolish the Death Penalty.
February 19, 2013
Press Release
Amnesty International Leaders, Activists Speak In Support of Repealing Death Penalty at Maryland House and Senate Hearings
“Marylanders are now on course to eliminate the abhorrent practice of capital punishment. The state will have an opportunity to support victims’ families and focus on public safety solutions that are proven to work. It will be a proud day and a major step forward for human rights in the United States when Maryland becomes the 18th state to abolish the death penalty and put justice and dignity ahead of vengeance.”
February 14, 2013
Press Release
Fears Arise that Zimbabwe Will Restart Executions after Appointment of New Hangman for Country
Amnesty International said today reports that Zimbabwe has recruited a new hangman are “disturbing” and raises fears that the country may start executions after a seven-year hiatus.
February 8, 2013
Press Release
Papua New Guinea Must End ‘Sorcery’ Killings and Harassment
After the brutal murder of a woman accused of using witchcraft to kill a young boy, Amnesty International called on authorities in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to take urgent actions to prevent 'sorcery'-related killings.
February 8, 2013
Press Release
Amnesty International USA Welcomes UN Inquiry Into U.S. Drone Program
Frank Jannuzi, Amnesty International USA deputy executive director, issued the following statement in response to the announcement that the United Nations has launched an inquiry into the U.S. government's drone program.
January 24, 2013
Press Release
China Must Halt Execution of Woman Who Killed Violent Husband
A Chinese woman who stabbed her husband to death after suffering months of domestic violence should not be executed, Amnesty International urged on Wednesday.
January 23, 2013
Press Release
OBAMA: “EMBRACE HUMAN RIGHTS IN 2ND TERM AS LEGACY LOOMS”
Frank Jannuzi, Amnesty International USA deputy executive director, issued the following statement as President Barack Obama prepared to be sworn for his second term as the United States' president on Sunday, January 20, 2013
January 17, 2013
Press Release
Amnesty International Voices Support for Gov. O’Malley’s “Courageous” Stand Against the Death Penalty in Maryland
Brian Evans of Amnesty International USA’s Campaign to Abolish the Death Penalty made the following comments today in response to Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley’s announcement seeking repeal of the death penalty in Maryland
January 15, 2013
Press Release
Amnesty International Calls on Saudi King to Halt Execution of Sri Lankan Woman
A young Sri Lankan woman is at imminent risk of execution in Saudi Arabia for a crime she allegedly committed when she was under 18, prompting Amnesty International to urge the country’s King to prevent the sentence being carried out.
January 8, 2013
Press Release
Ratification of Numerous New Death Sentences Underscores Need for Iraq to End Executions
Following ratification for 28 death sentences in Iraq on Monday, December 17 by one of the Iraqi vice presidents, Amnesty International urged authorities to impose an immediate moratorium on executions as a first step towards death penalty abolition.
December 18, 2012