September 2006

New report condemns wave of 'disappearances' and US role Amnesty International is calling on Pakistan's President Musharraf to reveal the fate of Pakistan's 'war on terror' detainees, as it published a new report today (29 September) saying that hundreds of terror suspects have 'disappeared' after being taken into custody, many by Pakistan's intelligence services. Posted: 29 Sep 2006

By passing the Military Commissions Act, the United States Congress has, in effect, given its stamp of approval to human rights violations committed by the USA in the 'war on terror', said Amnesty International today. Posted: 29 Sep 2006

Amnesty International has announced the final line-up for its annual Stand Up For Justice comedy benefit, part of the Magners Comedy programme at Belfast Festival at Queen's. Posted: 28 Sep 2006

Tickets have just gone on sale for a special live and uncensored 'cinecast' in Belfast of Amnesty International's legendary comedy and music show, The Secret Policeman's Ball, which takes place in London on 14 October. Posted: 28 Sep 2006

Amnesty International today expressed dismay that yet another case has been opened against journalist Hrant Dink on charges of 'denigrating Turkishness' under Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code. The organisation considers that this prosecution is part of an emerging pattern of harassment against the journalist exercising his right to freedom of expression. Posted: 27 Sep 2006

Amnesty International has urged thousands of its members around the world to appeal to Ethiopian authorities to either bring charges against two teachers who have been arrested or to release them immediately. Posted: 27 Sep 2006

On 27 September Amnesty International lead a group of human rights activists to hand over a petition to the Chinese Consulate in Edinburgh calling for the release of journalist Shi Tao. All of the signatures were collected in Scotland during the Edinburgh Festivals. Posted: 27 Sep 2006

Amnesty International is greatly concerned by new arrests and detentions in Iran targeting human rights activists, minority community activists and others peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression and association. Those detained in recent days include Iranian Azerbaijanis advocating a schools boycott and at least 10 people who sought to demonstrate against the imminent execution of four women. Meanwhile, a prominent human rights defender who has been detained without charge or trial for over 100 days has disclosed that he is being subjected to continuous pressure to 'repent' by the Iranian authorities. Posted: 26 Sep 2006

Recent reports from Amnesty International have revealed more than 150 deaths since 2001 related to tasers in the USA and yet all of Scotland's firearms officers now either carry 50,000 volt electro-shock tasers or there are plans to introduce them. Posted: 26 Sep 2006

As tasers are becoming a likely reality for the Police Sevice Northern Ireland, Dahlia Hashad, Program Director for Amnesty International USA, writes about the use of tasers in American law enforcement and reflects on the impact on human rights. Posted: 25 Sep 2006

Human rights campaigners warn the PSNI not to make the same mistakes as police in the USA by introducing 50,000 volt electro-shock tasers. Posted: 25 Sep 2006

Heddiw, cyhoeddodd Amnest Rhyngwladol y bydd 'The Secret Policeman's Ball'yn cael ei weld am y tro cyntaf yng Nghymru. Cynhelir y digwyddiad comedi chwedlonol sy'n codi arian i Amnest ar 14 Hydref yn Neuadd Albert. Ar yr un noson, gall y dilynwyr wylio'r 'cinecast' - neu Cymrucast - yn fyw drwy gyswllt lloeren i Theatr Sherman. Posted: 22 Sep 2006

Eleni, mae Amnest Cenedlaethol Cymru'n dathlu Wythnos Diogelu Dynolryw ar 14-20 Hydref ac rydym yn gofyn i ysgolion yng Nghymru gynnal gwasanaethau arbennig i ganolbwyntio ar hawliau dynol. Posted: 22 Sep 2006

This year, Amnesty International Wales is celebrating Protect the Human Week on 14th-20th October, and we're asking schools in Wales to hold special assemblies to focus on human rights. Posted: 22 Sep 2006

Amnesty International today announced that the forthcoming Secret Policeman's Ball will be seen for the first time in Wales. The legendary comedy event and Amnesty fundraiser takes place on 14th October in the Albert Hall. On the same night, fans will be able to watch a live cinecast - or Cymrucast - through a satellite link to the Sherman Theatre. Posted: 22 Sep 2006

Amnesty International today (21 September) condemned the executions of Fabianus Tibo, Dominggus da Silva and Marinus Riwu after what might have been an unfair trial. Posted: 21 Sep 2006

Man imprisoned and tortured for complaining about eviction to make way for Olympic development With 687 days to go before the start of the Beijing Olympics, Amnesty International today (21 September) criticised China's failure to honour human rights promises, as the organisation released a new assessment of the Chinese government's performance in four benchmark areas of human rights. Posted: 21 Sep 2006

Reacting to news reports that the African Union Peace and Security Council has agreed to an extension of the AU peacekeeping mission in Sudan, Amnesty International said that the development is a first step toward the protection of civilians in Darfur but must be followed by the deployment of UN peacekeepers. Posted: 21 Sep 2006

Following a military coup d'etat and the declaration of martial law in Thailand yesterday, Amnesty International has called for the military authorities to comply with Thailand's obligations under international human rights law. Posted: 21 Sep 2006

Amnesty International has announced that Nelson Mandela will be awarded its most prestigious honour -- the "Ambassador of Conscience" Award for 2006. Posted: 21 Sep 2006