Weekly Action and News 22/09/2023
Manchester Amnesty Weekly Action and News
Please do this action and make a difference
On 9 July, in Saudi Arabia, 54-year-old retired teacher Mohammad bin Nasser al-Ghamdi was sentenced to death for his peaceful online activity on Twitter and YouTube. The charge sheet cited posts in which he criticized the Saudi King and Crown Prince and Saudi’s foreign policy, called for the release of detained religious clerics, and protested increased prices. The death sentence against Mohammad bin Nasser al-Ghamdi, who has a total of just 10 followers on both of his anonymous Twitter accounts is a marked escalation in the kingdom’s crackdown on any form of dissent. Amnesty International calls on Saudi authorities to quash Mohammad bin Nasser al-Ghamdi’s conviction and release him immediately and unconditionally. You can add your voice by clicking the link below.
***TOMORROW Saturday, 23rd September***
Appeal writing drop-in at Manchester Central Library, in area behind café, 2-4pm.
Join us as we write letters to protest about and demand an end to human rights violations.
We will be writing about cases in Amnesty’s Autumn “Real Lives” leaflet, including human rights lawyer, Dr Mohammed Al-Roken, who is detained in the UAE beyond the end of his sentence.
Instructions, information about cases and all materials will be provided. If you prefer, bring a device to send emails or tweets (Wi-Fi is available).
Drop in for all or part of the session, and feel free to bring a friend!
Amnesty UK is planning a campaign to secure a Torture-Free Trade Treaty and is hosting an online talk about the campaign on Wednesday 27 September at 6pm. This will be led by Olly Feeley-Sprague (Programme Director, Military, Security and Police) and Lydia Parker (Campaign Manager, Protect the Protest). If you would like to attend, please register here:
The next Acoustic Amnesty gig
will take place on Friday 8th December, 7.30 pm at Sacred Trinity Church
to raise funds for Amnesty and Safe Passage International https://www.safepassage.org.uk/
Tickets available here
WeGotTickets | Simple, honest ticketing | Acoustic Amnesty gig for Safe Passage refugee charity
Good news
Armenia - On 11 September 2023, with 87 votes in favour, zero against and seven abstentions, Parliament ratified Protocol No. 13 to the Council of Europe Convention on Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, on the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances.
Malaysia - On September 11, 2023, an appeals court overturned the death sentence of Hairun Jalmani, a 62-year-old single mother of nine, commuting the sentence to 12 years in prison. Jalmani was sentenced to death in 2018 for possessing 114 grams of methamphetamine.
United States of America - On September 15, 2023, Baxter International Inc., B. Braun Medical Inc., Fresenius Kabi, and Johnson & Johnson announced the suspension of supplies of intravenous administration equipment to states that apply the death penalty.
Philippines - On September 12, 2023, journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa was acquitted, along with her portal Rappler, of tax evasion charges which had been brought against them during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Manchester Amnesty issue and campaign coordinators
Anti-racism –Hazel Errey hazelerrey@gmail.com
Craftivism – Lima Al-Iskalachi limazakoor@gmail.com
Europe/ Turkey Fatih Segmen - fsegmen@yahoo.com
Human Rights in the UK Lancine Sacko - sacko10@hotmail.co.uk
Individuals at Risk (bi-monthly appeal writing drop ins) - Anne Walker anne.walker9@ntlworld.com
Manchester Central Library café, 2-4pm 4th Saturdays September, November, January, March, May, July
Israel's Apartheid Against Palestinians - Mike Reed mikewreed101@gmail.com
LGBTQ+ and Pride coordinator – Zoe Song weiyi.zoe.song@gmail.com
Press freedom and Julian Assange – Lima Al-Iskalachi limazakoor@gmail.com
Refugees – Alison Wearden alison.wearden@gmail.com
UAE – Kathryn Fletcher bussk@btinternet.com
Communications Secretary
Manchester Group of Amnesty International
Please contact me with items for our Weekly Action and News email, or with ideas for longer articles for the quarterly Manchester Amnesty Group Bulletin.
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