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Press Release
Uyghurs living abroad tell of campaign of intimidation
China is systematically harassing Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic groups even after they have left the country, according to new testimonies gathered by Amnesty International. The case studies, published online today, reveal how China targets members of the Uyghur and other diaspora communities across the globe through pressure from its embassies abroad, as well as through messaging apps and threatening phone calls. “These chilling accounts from Uyghurs living abroad illustrate how the far-reaching shadow of repression against Muslims from China extends far beyond its borders,” said Patrick Poon, Amnesty International’s China Researcher. “Even when Uyghurs and members of other minorities flee persecution…
February 20, 2020
Press Release
Joint Statement on the Trump Administration’s New Landmine Policy
In response to the January 31st announcement by the White House of the Department of Defense’s new landmine policy, we, the undersigned organizations, strongly condemn the Trump Administration’s decision to lift existing United States prohibitions against the use of landmines. We urge the White House and Department of Defense (DOD) to reconsider and take steps to join the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. We urge Congress to take immediate measures to block the deployment of landmines and prohibit the development, production, or other acquisition of new antipersonnel landmines. Landmines are inherently indiscriminate weapons that maim and kill long after conflicts end. Over the past…
February 20, 2020
Press Release
The U.S. government should reverse ‘outrageous’ visa revocation for Forensic Architecture head
The U.S. government should reverse its outrageous decision to revoke the visa of renowned human rights investigator Eyal Weizman, Amnesty International said today. The organization vigorously condemned the U.S. decision to revoke Eyal Weizman’s visa, and raised serious concerns about the practice of visa revocations based on problematic security algorithms. “Stopping Eyal Weizman from entering the United States does a grave disservice to human rights documentation efforts,” said Margaret Huang, executive director of Amnesty International USA. “It would be ludicrous to suggest that Eyal Weizman poses a security threat, and it’s an embarrassment for the U.S. to bar him.” Eyal…
February 20, 2020
Press Release
Re-Arrest of Osman Kavala in Turkey Smacks of Calculated Cruelty
The decision to detain Osman Kavala on new charges merely hours after a court-ordered his release must be immediately reversed and he must immediately set free, said Amnesty International.
February 19, 2020
Press Release
Provision Criminalizing Human Rights Defenders at the Border Criminalizes Humanity
As the Supreme Court of the United States prepares to hear arguments on February 25 in the case of United States v. Sineneng-Smith, on whether to strike down as unconstitutional a criminal provision, which makes it illegal to “encourage” or “induce” people to violate U.S immigration law, Amnesty International has submitted an amicus brief providing why the provision is unconstitutional. Justin Mazzola, deputy director of research at Amnesty International USA said: “At a time when this country is enforcing some of the most inhumane policies against people seeking safety, the people who are showing humanity amidst the cruelty are being unjustly…
February 18, 2020
Press Release
Osman Kavala and two others face aggravated life sentences in Turkey as landmark verdict expected in Gezi trial
Ahead of tomorrow’s expected verdict in the so-called ‘Gezi trial’ where civil society leader Osman Kavala and 15 others are on trial on trumped-up charges of ‘attempting to overthrow the government’, Amnesty International’s Turkey Campaigner, Milena Buyum said: “The outcome of this case will show the rest of the world whether respect for human rights has any part to play in the Turkish justice system.” “Despite failing to produce a shred of evidence to support their claim that Osman Kavala, Mücella Yapıcı and Yiğit Aksakoğlu were involved in any criminal activity let alone conspiring to overthrow the government, the prosecution is seeking to condemn them…
February 14, 2020
Update
Presidential Election 2020 Human Rights Priorities
To view the entire booklet click here: Amnesty_Presidential Forum Booklet_Priorities_FINAL DIGITAL 2020 is a crossroads year for human rights, both in the U.S. and abroad. Around the world, authoritarian forces are gaining traction and strength, cracking down on peaceful dissent and free expression. Governments are failing to address existential threats to our human rights – including civil war, climate change, political corruption, and rising inequality. The world is confronted with the highest displaced population in history, at a time when governments are increasingly closing their doors to migrants and refugees seeking safety. These human rights crises are rocking every region…
February 13, 2020
Press Release
Killings, Corruption and Censorship Besiege Media Freedom in Somalia
A surge in violent attacks, threats, harassment and intimidation of media workers is entrenching Somalia as one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist, Amnesty International said today.
February 12, 2020
Update
Statement for the Record on the Muslim Ban Markup (2/12/2020)
To view PDF version click here: Statement for the Record - No Ban Act Markup.AIUSA.02.12.20 February 12, 2020 The Honorable Jerrold Nadler Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary United States House of Representatives 2138 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Doug Collins Ranking Member, Committee on the Judiciary United States House of Representatives 1504 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 RE: Markup of H.R. 2214, the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act and H.R. 5581, Access to Counsel Act Dear Chairman Nadler, Ranking Member Collins, and Members of the Committee: On behalf…
February 12, 2020
Press Release
Explainer: Seven ways the coronavirus affects human rights
The outbreak of the coronavirus (2019-nCov) that started in the Chinese city of Wuhan (Hubei province) in late 2019 has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). As of early February, the epidemic is estimated to have infected more than 24,500 people worldwide. The Chinese authorities have reported 490 deaths, mostly in Hubei province, and over 24,300 cases in total. The disease has now spread to 25 other countries and territories around the world. The response to an epidemic has the potential to affect the human rights of millions of people. First and foremost is the right…
February 10, 2020
Press Release
2020 Could be Shell’s Year of Reckoning in Nigeria
In 2020 Shell will face unprecedented legal scrutiny over decades of human rights abuses in Nigeria, Amnesty International said today, as the oil giant braces itself for conclusions in a string of European court battles. Allegations range from complicity in unlawful executions to systemic pollution and environmental damage in the Niger Delta.
February 9, 2020
Press Release
Prominent Investigative Journalist and Lawyer Attacked During Visit to Chechnya
Reacting to news of a mob attack late last night, in the Chechen capital Grozny, on two visiting human rights activists –one of whom is investigative journalist Elena Milashina, who uncovered a vicious campaign of abduction, torture and killings against gay men in Chechnya two years ago, Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Deputy Director, said:
February 7, 2020