August 2006

Prisoner of conscience Dr Pham Hong Son was yeserday released from jail as part of an amnesty to mark Vietnam's National Day on 2 September. He will remain under house arrest for up to three years. Posted: 31 Aug 2006

Amnesty International today called on Israel to immediately provide maps of the areas of Lebanon into which it fired cluster bombs during the recent conflict to enable their clearance and prevent further civilian casualties. Posted: 31 Aug 2006

Amnesty International reacted with shock and disappointment at the Scottish Executive's strategy for stronger engagement with China published today. Posted: 29 Aug 2006

Amnesty International today warned that the build-up of Sudanese troops in Darfur could lead to a human rights catastrophe in the very near future, and urged the UN Security Council to take immediate action to protect the people of the region. Posted: 28 Aug 2006

Amnesty International has welcomed the conviction of military police officer, Carlos Jorge Carvalho for his involvement in the indiscriminate killings of 29 civilians in the Baixada Fluminense area of Rio de Janeiro on 31 March 2005. Posted: 25 Aug 2006

On 25 August Amnesty International announced that the play 'Unprotected' has won their Freedom of Expression Award 2006. Posted: 25 Aug 2006

Amnesty International is deeply dismayed at today's decision of the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) dismissing the appeal of an Algerian man, known for legal reasons as "Y", against his deportation on national security grounds. The SIAC ruled that "Y" would not face a real risk of torture if he was returned to Algeria. Posted: 24 Aug 2006

Amnesty International today (23 August) called for an urgent, comprehensive and independent UN inquiry into grave violations of international humanitarian law committed by both Hizbullah and Israel - as it published a new report pointing to an Israeli policy of deliberate destruction of Lebanese civilian infrastructure during the recent conflict. Posted: 23 Aug 2006

Amnesty International has announced the shortlist for the Freedom of Expression Award 2006. Now in its fifth year, this Award celebrates outstanding productions that tackle human rights issues in compelling and innovative ways. Posted: 21 Aug 2006

Comedian and broadcaster Mark Thomas will be giving Amnesty International's Annual Lecture at the Edinburgh International Book Festival on Friday 18 August. Posted: 18 Aug 2006

Amnesty International UK today announced the return of a legend, the best-loved name in comedy, The Secret Policeman's Ball. The comedy event will take place for one night only at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 14 October 2006, and will be broadcast on Channel 4 television soon after. Posted: 18 Aug 2006

Amnesty International is alarmed that escalating fighting in Sri Lanka has resulted in the death and injury of scores of civilians, the displacement of more than 160,000 people, and the destruction of homes, schools, and places of worship. Posted: 18 Aug 2006

"Migrant workers are also human beings. Why don't they pay me for my work? I cannot go home because I don't have money. I have chosen to kill myself as there is no other way." From the suicide note of Jeong, a 34-year-old Chinese woman who had been working 12-hour night shifts in an embroidery factory, April 2004. Posted: 17 Aug 2006

Members of the El Salvadoran LGBT group Between Friends Association (Asociación Entre Amigos), including the organisation's director, William Hernández, have received death threats and are apparently under surveillance. Posted: 17 Aug 2006

Amnesty researchers just back from Chad refugee camps speak of continuing rapes and murders Posted: 17 Aug 2006

Reacting to confirmation today (16 August) from the British High Commission in Pakistan that 36-year-old Leeds man Mirza Tahir Hussain has been granted a further one month stay of execution to 1 October, his brother Amjad Hussain said: 'While this further stay of one month gives me and my family a little relief, it is not enough and in many ways it is extending the uncertainty and agony my brother and all of us have now lived with for 18 years. Posted: 16 Aug 2006

As the clock strikes midnight on Wednesday 15 August, comedians will be joining with Amnesty International to Stand Up for Freedom. The comedy benefit will include comedians Adam Hills, Ed Byrne, Lucy Porter, Frankie Boyle, Boothby Graffoe, and legendary acoustic guitarist Antonio Forcione. Posted: 15 Aug 2006

This weekend sees the start of an innovative collaboration between Amnesty International, the Royal Scottish Academy and the Museum of Childhood. 'Armour Boys' and 'Lost Childhood' are two exhibitions that explore the issues of child soldiers and arms proliferation. Posted: 12 Aug 2006

The Amnesty International Imprisoned Writers Series, launched this weekend, holds an event each day of the Book Festival and brings together an array of celebrated writers, playwrights and poets to read the writings of imprisoned writers from around the world. Posted: 12 Aug 2006

In a letter to the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, Amnesty International's Secretary General, Irene Khan, warned that the UK may become a safe haven to people who have committed genocide. The letter was prompted by the UK authorities' failure to conduct investigations into two men suspected of involvement in the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Posted: 8 Aug 2006