Good News for June 2015

Moses Akatugba - Nigeria

Moses was sentenced to death for stealing mobile phones, having been arrested aged 16 and 24 when he almost died. He was convicted based on a 'confession' obtained through repeated torture.

He has been granted a total pardon by the Governor of the Delta State in Nigeria, Emmanuel Uduaghan. Over 36,500 people signed the Amnesty petition asking for mercy.

Moses sent this message: 'I am overwhelmed. I thank Amnesty International and their activists for the great support that made me a conqueror in this situation. AI members and activists are my heroes.'

Goodluck Jonathan - Nigeria

On 29th May, the new President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in. The outgoing President, Goodluck Jonathan, as one of his final acts, signed a law banning female genital mutilation.

Recent violence against women - Argentina

Thousands of people have taken part in a march in Buenos Aires condemning violence against women. Marches against 'femicide' took place in other cities and in neighbouring Chile and Uruguay, women's rights groups, political parties and the Catholic Church have all backed the marches.