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July 2013

Cambodia: Free Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun

Sok Sam Oeun (L) and Born Samnang (R) paraded by police in front of the media after their arrests. They were convicted to 20 year in prison for the murder of union leader Chea Vichea after a police investigation marred by irregularities and a grossly unfair trial. © Heng Sinith

Born Samnang and Sok Sam Oeun were sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of Chea Vichea, the president of Cambodia's Free Trade Union. 

They were convicted following an unfair trial and seriously flawed criminal investigation - both men have strong alibis and there is no direct evidence linking them to the crime, apart from a confession extracted under duress.

Following an international campaign the men were released in late 2008. But on 27 December 2012, the Appeal Court upheld the original verdict and sent them back to prison. No new evidence was heard.

What you can do

Cambodia is preparing to hold elections on 28 July 2013. We believe that the authorities are particularly open to pressure in the lead up to this date. Please send a letter, fax or email calling for the release of the two men. 

    Zimbabwe: Elections announced - urgent action needed

    Illustrative of Zimbabwean state-sponsored brutality. Copyright: APPresident Mugabe has announced that elections will take place in Zimbabwe on 31 July. This date was disputed by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and the South African Development Community has recommended that it be pushed back to 14 August. Zimbabwe's constitutional court will now decide.  
     
    With just weeks to go now until the polls are due to open, it is so important that we take action now to avoid a repeat of the violence and fear seen five years ago.
     
    In 2008 it was Zimbabwe's neighbours in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) who
    helped to reduce the violence. Now it is crucial that they act to prevent such bloodshed from
    happening again.
     

    What you can do

    The Zimbabwe action cards are addressed to be sent c/o Amnesty UK. Now that time is really of the essence, please instead send them directly to the President pf Tanzania, chair of the group responsible for peace and security in the region: 
    President of Tanzania, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete,
    Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security
    c/o His Excellency Mr Peter Allan Kallaghe
    High Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania
    3 Stratford Place
    London
    W1C 1AS
    We have also produced an activist pack that is ready to order now.