Changing lives and policies
We free people from prison who are being held unjustly because of who they are or what they believe. We change laws to protect millions of people’s human rights. We transform societies to be more fair, free, and just.
Featured Victory
Marilin* (31) and Yunior* (11), have been released! Before the family’s release this week, Marilin faced an anniversary no parent would want: one year of lockup with her child simply for seeking safety here in the United States.
Marilin and Yunior were featured in our family detention campaign surge – several weeks of sustained actions, from grassroots activism to billboards, to drive attention to the dozens of families who are invisible behind detention walls in Pennsylvania and Texas. We want them and the government to know they’re not forgotten, and that we are working to free them all.
Thank you all for your continuing support and activism on these case campaigns. Our collective action shines a bright light on these families and the unlawful detention of them and so many more people detained in immigration facilities, and helps push the needle for their release.
Browse Victories
Victory
Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen Released!
Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen was released on June 5 at the end of his six year sentence for “inciting separatism.” Amnesty International supporters have campaigned untiringly for his freedom.
Victory
Human Rights Defenders Free in India!
On February 7, India’s Supreme Court granted bail to indigenous human rights defenders Soni Sori and Lingaram Kodopi, ending 2 and a half years of imprisonment for their nonviolent advocacy…
Victory
Chinese journalist Shi Tao released from prison!
On August 23, 2013, journalist Shi Tao was released from prison. After over eight years in prison and a long campaign of support by Amnesty International supporters, this journalist has…
Victory
Iranian Human Rights Lawyer Released
Amnesty International welcomed the release last week of prominent Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh. She was a prisoner of conscience and the subject of sustained activism by Amnesty International…
Victory
Locals united against Vedanta mining
In April the Indian Supreme Court ruled that the affected communities must be consulted if Vedanta were to go ahead with any mining. In August, all 12 of the local…
Victory
Human Rights Defender and Her Son Released on Bail!
Aparna Marandi and her son were released on bail on May 6, 2013. She had been in jail since December 8, 2012, accused of being involved in a Maoist arson…
Victory
Death Penalty Abolished in Maryland
The Maryland House of Delegates followed the lead of the state Senate and passed the death penalty repeal bill making Maryland the 18th state to abandon capital punishment, and the…
Victory
Arms Trade Treaty Passes at UN!
After weeks of intense negotiations at the UN Conference, including a bitter roadblock put up by Iran, Syria and North Korea, a final treaty was adopted!
Victory
Violence Against Women Act reauthorized!
This is an amazing victory that will help end violence against women in the United States – ALL women, not just some.
Victory
Mao Hengfeng Released in China!
On February 8, 2013 Mao Hengfeng was released to serve the rest of her term at home. She thanks everyone who campaigned on her behalf, and her husband believes she…
Victory
The Afghan Women and Girls Security Promotion Act Is Now Law
Thanks to you, our ongoing campaign to secure the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan is marking a huge victory.
Victory
Amputation Sentences Commuted!
Six men were accused of “highway robbery” and were transferred to Malaz prison. All of them say they were beaten and forced to confess to the charges against them.