Amnesty reveals one of the festival's strongest line-ups for Wednesday comedy gig
Amnesty International today revealed it’s near-complete line-up of great comedy names for the Stand Up For Freedom show at the Assembly Hall, at midnight on 19 August. One final, award-winning special guest will still be announced on the night.
Triple Perrier nominee Dan Antopolski will join Simon Amstell, Phil Nichol, Sarah Millican and John Bishop to make a fantastic line-up. The event builds on the success of last year’s Edinburgh comedy shows and the massive Secret Policeman’s Ball from the Royal Albert Hall in 2008.
Amnesty International Scotland Director John Watson said:
"Wednesday's gig must be one of the best comedy line-ups at the festival, crammed full of award winners and nominees. Add to that the atmosphere of a packed Assembly Hall at midnight and it should make for a fantastic show.
"I'm always impressed by how many comedians jump at the chance to perform at the Stand Up For Freedom shows. I think the work we do to protect free speech around the world just strikes a nerve with performers - they know that there's a direct connection with what they do.
“There’ll be chance for everyone at the gig to take action for Binayak Sen, an Indian doctor facing a lifetime in prison if he's convicted of the trumped-up charges against him. We believe he's being persecuted because he spoke out against human rights abuses committed by the local authorities.
“Wednesday is a great opportunity to get people involved in our campaign for Binayak. But first and foremost, it will be an amazing night out and one which will raise money for Amnesty’s work to protect freedom of expression wherever it's under threat."
Stand Up For Freedom is just one part of a packed Edinburgh programme from Amnesty International this year, underlining its long-term work with festival-goers to protect the right to freedom of expression around the world.
This year Amnesty reinforces its Freedom of Expression message at the Festival by campaigning for Dr Binayak Sen, an Indian doctor facing trial on trumped-up charges that Amnesty believes are a response to his activism, speaking out on behalf of the poor and marginalised. If convicted he could face a life term in jail. Amnesty is asking people to fill in one of its action cards or go to www.amnesty.org.uk/binayak-sen to send an appeal to the Indian authorities.
Campaigners will be out on Edinburgh’s streets this year with Amnesty’s Protect the Human placards, asking festival-goers to take their own stand for human rights by posing for a photo brandishing an Amnesty banner. All the photos will be displayed on Amnesty’s Flickr stream.
Find out more about at www.amnesty.org.uk/edinburghfestivals br />