Below you’ll find breaking news as well as reports, updates on our campaigns, and victories.
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Press Release
Indigenous Women Win First Step in Fight Over Military Rape Case in Mexico, Says Amnesty International
The decision to prosecute soldiers charged with the rape of two Indigenous women in a civilian court is a significant step for those seeking justice for human rights violations committed by the military in Mexico, Amnesty International said today.
August 17, 2011
Update
A Murder and Anti-Corruption Protests in India
The death of Shehla Masood on August 16 and government arrests of protesters in Delhi puts corruption and human rights on the front burner in India.
August 16, 2011
Update
Amnesty Activists Worldwide Convene To Address Human Rights
The International Council Meeting allows Amnesty members to set the course of our movement.
August 16, 2011
Press Release
Malawi Set for Fresh Anti-Government Protests, says Amnesty International
Contact: AIUSA media relations, 202-509-8194 (Washington, D.C.) - Malawians participating in nationwide protests planned for August 17 risk being killed or injured unless the authorities halt the use of live ammunition against anti-government demonstrators, Amnesty International said today. The protests come amid increased harassment and intimidation of activists and other dissenting voices in Malawi. In July, at least eighteen people were killed and scores of others injured when police opened fire on protesters in a number of Malawian cities. "The Malawian authorities must allow people to express their opinions without fear of violent reprisals or arbitrary arrests," said Michelle Kagari,…
August 16, 2011
Press Release
Amnesty International Urges Presidential Candidates in Guatemala to Address Human Rights Problems
Contact: AIUSA media relations, 202-509-8194 (Washington, D.C.) - Amnesty International today urged Guatemalan presidential candidates to prioritize tackling human rights violations affecting hundreds of thousands in the country. In an open letter sent to all presidential candidates, Amnesty International wrote that the new government should improve investigations into past human rights abuses, tackle the alarming rate of violent crime and killings of women, provide long term solutions to land conflicts and protect the work of human rights activists. "Human rights abuses are a common problem in Guatemala today. Those particularly affected tend to be the most vulnerable, the ones who…
August 16, 2011
Press Release
Killing of Brazilian Judge Exposes Police Corruption, says Amnesty International
Contact: AIUSA media relations, 202-509-8194 (Washington, D.C.) - The killing of a judge by gunmen near Rio de Janeiro highlights the city's profound problems with police corruption and organized crime, Amnesty International said today. Judge Patrícia Acioli was in her car outside her home in Niterói, across the bay from Rio de Janeiro on the night of Thursday, August 11, when hooded gunmen approached in several vehicles and shot her 21 times at close range, according to initial forensic reports. An investigation is under way to determine who was behind the attack, but Acioli had received threats from police officers…
August 16, 2011
Update
From Rory Stewart and Gerald Knaus, the Second Title in Amnesty International’s Global Ethics Book Series – Now Available!
Bestselling author Rory Stewart and political economist Gerald Knaus examine the impact of large-scale interventions, from Kosovo to Afghanistan.
August 15, 2011
Press Release
Egypt Must Drop Charges Against Blogger Accused of ‘Defaming’ Military on Twitter, says Amnesty International
Contact: AIUSA media relations, 202-509-8194 (Washington, D.C.) - The Egyptian authorities must immediately drop charges against a woman blogger and activist accused of defaming the military on Twitter, Amnesty International said today. Asmaa Mahfouz, 26, was summoned by military prosecutors on Sunday and later released on a bail of 20,000 Egyptian pounds ($3,356) after posting messages on the social media network expressing concerns about the Egyptian justice system and the actions of the military government, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF). "Asmaa Mahfouz is facing a military trial merely for posting comments which criticize the Egyptian military justice…
August 15, 2011
Press Release
New Mob Attack on Ahmadiyya Amid Sentencing Controversy in Indonesia, says Amnesty International
Contact: AIUSA media relations, 202-509-8194 (Washington, D.C.) - The Indonesian authorities must act to halt attacks on the country's Ahmadi minority, Amnesty International said today, after a radical Islamist group led an attack on the Ahmadiyya in Makassar, South Sulawesi. Hundreds of members of the group the Islamic Defender's Front (FPI) attacked some ten Ahmadiyya in their place of worship on Sunday. Armed with machetes and bamboo sticks, the FPI members stormed the building at around 1 a.m. and attacked worshippers, inflicting serious head injuries on at least one Ahmadiyya member. Three local human rights defenders, two from the Indonesian…
August 15, 2011
Press Release
Young Syrian Activists Held Amid Widespread Repression, says Amnesty International
Contact: AIUSA media relations, 202-509-8194 (Washington, D.C.) - At least three young human rights activists who helped to organize peaceful protests in and near Damascus are being held incommunicado in unknown locations after their recent arrest, while fears are growing for a fourth who has gone missing. The news of the activists' plight comes amid reports that some 25 people have been killed since yesterday in the port city of Latakia, where Syrian tanks and ships reportedly continue to shell residential areas in an attempt to quell protests. Across Syria, more than 1,700 people have been killed since mass protests…
August 15, 2011
Update
Continued Impunity: Enforced Disappearances in Colombia
In Colombia there is tremendous impunity for enforced disappearances and violators continue to evade justice.
August 12, 2011
Update
California Dreamin’ Becomes A Reality, But Is It Enough?
California passes law granting eligibility for instate college tuition to undocumented students.
August 12, 2011