Below you’ll find breaking news as well as reports, updates on our campaigns, and victories.
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Update
In Maryland: Victims, Not Vengeance?
Maryland's death penalty repeal bill that will be considered in 2013 is groundbreaking in the way it also seeks to support the families of victims.
December 12, 2012
Update
Native Women’s Rights Are in Danger: Tell Congress to Pass a Tribal-Inclusive VAWA that Provides Justice for All Women!
As efforts to push the Violence Against Women Act to the finish line have resumed, some House Members are attempting to remove protections for Native women from VAWA. This is unacceptable: all women deserve equal rights and protection under the law.
December 12, 2012
Press Release
Egyptian Activist’s Guilty Verdict “Outrageous” Assault on Freedom of Expression
Amnesty International said today that the sentencing of an Egyptian activist to three years in prison for “defamation of religion” is an “outrageous” assault on freedom of expression. The human rights organization considers Alber Saber Ayad to be a prisoner of conscience detained solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression.
December 12, 2012
Report
‘The Hands of Cruelty:’ Abuses by Armed Forces and Taliban in Pakistan’s Tribal Areas
During its bid to recapture territory from the Taliban over the last three years, the Pakistan Armed Forces have arbitrarily detained thousands of men and boys, and the Taliban continue to recklessly kill scores of civilians and conduct suicide bombings in public spaces.
December 11, 2012
Update
Do You Know About Guantánamo Detainee Hussain Almerfedi?
Few people know about the plight of Guantánamo detainee Hussain Salem Mohammed Almerfedi, a Yemeni national who has been held in U.S. military custody at Guantánamo Bay for over nine years without charge or trial. He was also cleared for transfer by the administration of former President George W. Bush. But he remains at Guantánamo and could be there for the rest of his life.
December 11, 2012
Update
Army Out of the Barracks, Back On the Streets
A first-hand account of the situation in Egypt, which is eerily reminiscent of the days after the “25 January Revolution,” when many welcomed the army on the streets after the 18 days of mass protests that ended the rule of Hosni Mubarak.
December 11, 2012
Press Release
Bahrain Must Release Prominent Activist Nabeel Rajab Following “Hollow” Appeal Verdict
Amnesty International today called on Bahrain to release prominent human rights defender Nabeel Rajab, whose conviction for involvement in anti-government protests has been upheld by an appeal court.
December 11, 2012
Press Release
New Report Exposes Abuses by Armed Forces and Taliban in Pakistan Tribal Areas
Human rights abuses committed by the Armed Forces and the Taliban in Pakistan’s northwestern Tribal Areas are locking millions in perpetual lawlessness, said an Amnesty International report released today.
December 11, 2012
Update
Is the U.S. Congress Starting to Get Its Human Rights Mojo Back?
Late last week, Congress reclaimed some of its human rights mojo when the bi-partisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC) announced its new Defending Freedoms Project. The TLHRC was established in 1983 by the late Rep. Thomas Lantos, the only Holocaust survivor to have served in Congress.
December 10, 2012
Press Release
‘Pussy Riot World Map’ Shows Global Solidarity for Jailed Russian Punk Band Members
Artists from Pearl Jam, Roger Waters Sting and Flogging Molly to Demand Release of Imprisoned Members of Pussy Riot on International Human Rights Day
December 10, 2012
Press Release
Assassination of Nadia Sidiqi Underscores the Deadly Consequences for Women Standing up for Rights in Afghanistan
Suzanne Nossel, executive director of Amnesty International USA, issued the following comments in response to the assassination of Nadia Sidiqi, the acting Director of the Ministry of Women's Affairs department in the eastern province of Laghman, Afghanistan.
December 10, 2012
Press Release
Hard Rock, EDUN LIVE Launch U2 Signature Series: Edition 30 T-Shirt on International Human Rights Day
Today, on International Human Rights Day, Hard Rock and EDUN LIVE launched the U2 Signature Series: Edition 30 T-shirt, with 15 percent of the retail price to support Amnesty International’s life-saving human rights campaigning worldwide.
December 10, 2012