Amnesty International, Eastern PA

HIGHLIGHT

Police Accountability Forum: LGBT Issues Addressed in Chicago

On June 19th, AIUSA hosted a very successful community forum on police accountability, focusing on police abuse of LGBTs in Chicago. AIUSA teamed with 20 cosponsoring local organizations to address the issue and brainstorm next steps to ignite activism demanding accountability for police abuse. 100 Chicagoans attended and participated in the forum, almost all of whom signed postcard appeals to the Mayor of Chicago.

This forum was particularly timely following a recent incident of homophobic CPD abuse against a gay man. This instance fits into a larger pattern of CPD abuse. AI’s findings in its Stonewalled report in 2006 indicate that even in serious cases of police abuse, Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers are seldom held accountable. These abuses include the use by police officers of sexually explicit and abusive language, threats, and physical violence.

Learn more about our LGBT work

TAKE ACTION

Help Free Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage

Patrick Kennedy (D, RI), has written a Dear Colleague letter to members of Congress, calling on them to sign on to a letter written to the President of Indonesia regarding the case of Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage. The letter asks for Mr. Karma and Mr. Pakage to be immediately and unconditionally released from prison. They were jailed in May 2005 for raising a flag of independence.

Please call or write your representative, asking them to sign on to the letter to the President of Indonesia. Find your representative’s contact info

REMINDER: We’re nearing the end of our summer drive for petitions calling for the release of Filep and Yusak. Please return any remaining completed petitions to MARO by Friday, July 18th. We will be holding an action outside the Indonesian embassy at the end of July and will take the petitions with us. Please contact Jen Horwitz at 202.544.0200 x344 or jhorwitz@aiusa.org with any questions.

Expert Organizing Tip: Everyone loves food, so incorporate food in your next fundraiser. Have a chocolate or wine and cheese tasting. Host a dinner full of ethnic food, or just provide pizza and snacks at your event.

CAMPAIGN UPDATES

AIUSA Sues the CIA: CIA Fails to Release More Than 7000 Documents Relating to Secret Detention, Rendition, and Torture Program

On the evening of June 25th, 2008 Amnesty International USA (AIUSA), the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), and the International Human Rights Clinic at NYU School of Law (NYU IHRC) filed a motion to require the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to make certain information public and to provide more details about all the documents withheld.

AIUSA and the partner groups are concerned about the CIA’s use of classification arguments in its attempts to prevent the disclosure of illegal or embarrassing conduct in its secret detention, torture, and rendition programs. The lawsuit was filed in June 2007 under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), after repeated attempts to obtain information from the CIA had failed.

Read more about the lawsuit

OPPORTUNITIES

Regional Planning Group: Give Your Input

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Group (RPG) is preparing for its July monthly meeting. In an effort to connect the RPG’s work with the work that you are doing in your groups, we’d like to invite you to take a look at the notes from last month’s meeting and send any comments or suggestions to RPG co-chair Jonathan Cohen or Regional Director Folabi Olagbaju.

See the notes from last month’s call
Apply for a position on the RPG [PDF]

Summer Postcard Action: Write Prisoners of Conscience Letters of Support

For many people, summer is a time for vacations, picnics and recreation. But for prisoners of conscience or those who defend human rights in many countries, summer brings no relief from the potential danger and sense of isolation they may face. By simply sending a postcard, however, you can help support these women and men. On Amnesty’s website, there is information about some of these prisoners.

REGIONAL & NATIONAL EVENTS

Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference: Register Online!

This year activists like you will be meeting up in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia to learn more about AIUSA, network with other activists, and engage around this year’s theme: “Educate to Activate: Building a Human Rights Movement for All”.

Learn more about the conference
Register at the reduced early bird rate

LOCAL EVENTS

Burmese Scholar in York, PA

The York PA chapter of Amnesty International will be hosting Dr. Tun Lin Moe, a Burmese scholar, who will speak about human rights in his native country. The event is free, but donations will be accepted.

Where: Cobblestones Restaurant and Sports Emporium in the Loft, 205 South George St., York, PA, 17403
When: Thursday, July 10th, 2008 at 7 PM

For more info contact: Kathleen Lucas, Co-Coordinator York Amnesty International, 717-755-3031, AmnestyYorkPA@comcast.net

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Help Plan the AGM: Be Part of the Annual General Meeting Planning Committee (AGMPC)

The AGMPC serves as the advisory committee for AGM programming, including speakers, theme, and program sessions. The AGMPC consists of one committee member from each AIUSA region, a member of the National Resolutions Committee and the Chair of AIUSA’s Board of Directors. Each regional member serves a two year term. Committee members provide input and ideas, play an important role in regional promotion of the AGM, and provide logistical support onsite.
We are currently accepting applications for the Mid-Atlantic region. For more information and a copy of the application email: agm@aiusa.org. Please submit your application by Thursday, July 24, 2008.

Help Abolish the Death Penalty in PA: Apply to be the State Death Penalty Abolition Coordinator

Become a volunteer leader in Pennsylvania’s campaign towards abolishing the death penalty. We are looking for a volunteer to work with Amnesty International USA’s Death Penalty Abolish Campaign team (DPAC) and the Regional Office to coordinate AIUSA’s work against the death penalty in Pennsylvania.

Responsibilities include:

• Communicate with, provide information to, and facilitate work of AIUSA local and student groups, and individual AIUSA members in Pennsylvania related to the death penalty.
• Communicate with, provide information to, and work collaboratively with PA’s AIUSA State Leadership Team which is comprised of Area Coordinators, Student Area Coordinators, Legislative Coordinators, and the SDPAC.
• Serve as a liaison to relevant state-based coalitions in coordination with the Field Organizer.
• Communication with the Regional Office and DPAC in a timely fashion about death penalty related legislation and activities in Pennsylvania.
• Monitor upcoming executions and other death penalty cases -particularly those involving such factors as possible innocence, mental retardation, mental illness, or such defendants as women, LGBT, or foreign nationals – and alert the Regional Office and DPAC.

For more information (including a complete role description and outline of responsibilities), or if you are interested in applying, please contact Jen Horwitz at 202-544-0200 ext. 344 or jhorwitz@aiusa.org. Applications are due by August 8th. The applicant chosen for the position will be asked to attend the annual national training for SDPACs to be held in the Washington, DC area August 22-24.

For more resources and information for the Mid-Atlantic Region visit: www.amnestyusa.org/MARO
For questions or comments please contact us at aiusama@aiusa.org

The Chester County Amnesty International group continues its search for a summertime meeting place, during our sabbatical from Saxby’s. The July meeting will be held at the Magnolia Grill at the Chester County Books and Music Co., Route 202 and Paoli Pike, West Chester.

Also, the July meeting will feature a guest speaker. From coordinator Jeff Singleton:

“Continuing our summer emphasis on human rights and China/Olympics, we welcome special guest Cindy Wang to our July meeting. Cindy will speak to us about human rights issues in China, and particularly about the persecution of practitioners of Falun Gong. According to a US Department of State report, Falun Gong comprise 66% of all reported torture cases in China, and at least half of the labor camp population.

Cindy Wang is a member of Amnesty Group 112 in Philadelphia and a 10-year Falun Gong practitioner. Since the persecution of Falun Gong started in China in 1999, Cindy has worked to raise awareness of the persecution by organizing events, visiting congressional offices, and serving as media spokesperson in Philadelphia. Cindy is also the Pennsylvania & Delaware Coordinator for Human Rights Torch Relay, the global grassroots campaign to draw attention to human rights issues in China before the Olympics.”

HIGHLIGHT

Guantanamo Cell Leaves DC: Thousands of People in the Nation’s Capital Visited the Cell

Sunday evening Washington, DC said goodbye to our replica of a Guantanamo detainee’s cell. In it’s time on the National Mall thousands of people saw the cell and more than 2,000 people took the time to step inside the cell and learn more about the human rights violations that our country is committing. While not everyone who passed by the cell agreed with our message, we did meet support from military attorneys, activists, government employees, tourists, veterans and even people who had never heard of Guantanamo.

We want to send a big thank you to all of the dedicated activists who spent hours in the hot sun to spread the word about our Counter Terror With Justice campaign.

More information about what happened at the cell
Information about how to become involved with AIUSA’s work to close Guantanamo

TAKE ACTION

Help End the Crisis in Zimbabwe

The government of Zimbabwe’s campaign of terror and voter intimidation has drawn on for months. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, swayed by the massive violence lodged against civilians, had to withdraw from last Friday’s run-off presidential elections against President Robert Mugabe. Amnesty International has repeatedly called for an end to human rights violations. For this once-prosperous country to move toward stability, Zimbabwe must hold perpetrators accountable and establish human rights monitors. Call on governments in Zimbabwe’s neighboring countries to protect human rights in Zimbabwe.

Take action
Learn more about what is happening in Zimbabwe

Expert Organizing Tip: Get your members more involved by assigning officer positions. When people have specific tasks, they are more likely to be willing to help and get the job done. They will also feel empowered. Some officer positions examples are: Event Coordinator, Publicity Coordinator, or New Member Coordinator.

CAMPAIGN UPDATES

Counter Terror With Justice: Activist Letters Make A Difference

Thank you for your Holiday Card Action messages to Sami al-Hajj which we were able to relay to him on Friday. Sami told us that he received 10,000 letters while he was in Guantanamo and apologized that he was not able to reply to each of you individually. He told us that when he received the first letter he knew he was part of the AI movement. He asked us for the following message to be relayed to all AI members.

“Myself, my son Mohammed and my wife Asma thank all AI members for supporting me and for supporting human rights. We will work hard with them together until we achieve peace for all people in the world. I will never forget their help and I will pray for them. I ask them to keep praying for me also. I will be glad if they continue their relationship with me, are in touch with me in my life and help me with my new job.”

Sami al-Hajj has a new job with al-Jazeera where he will be working as a News Producer on Liberties and Human Rights Affairs. AI will remain in contact with him and will be exploring ways in which we can support him and work with him in the future.

Thanks again to everyone for your work and dedication on this and every case.

OPPORTUNITIES

Regional Planning Group: Give Your Input

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Group (RPG) is preparing for its July monthly meeting. In an effort to connect the RPG’s work with the work that you are doing in your groups, we’d like to invite you to take a look at the notes from last month’s meeting and send any comments or suggestions to RPG co-chair Jonathan Cohen or Regional Director Folabi Olagbaju.

See the notes from last month’s call
Apply for a position on the RPG [PDF]

Summer Postcard Action: Write Prisoners of Conscience Letters of Support

For many people, summer is a time for vacations, picnics and recreation. But for prisoners of conscience or those who defend human rights in many countries, summer brings no relief from the potential danger and sense of isolation they may face. By simply sending a postcard, however, you can help support these women and men. On Amnesty’s website, there is information about some of these prisoners.

REGIONAL & NATIONAL EVENTS

Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference: Register Online!

This year activists like you will be meeting up in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia to learn more about AIUSA, network with other activists, and engage around this year’s theme: “Educate to Activate: Building a Human Rights Movement for All”.

Learn more about the conference
Register at the reduced early bird rate

LOCAL EVENTS

Burmese Scholar in York, PA

The York PA chapter of Amnesty International will be hosting Dr. Tun Lin Moe, a Burmese scholar, who will speak about human rights in his native country. The event is free, but donations will be accepted.

Where: Cobblestones Restaurant and Sports Emporium in the Loft, 205 South George St., York, PA, 17403
When: Thursday, July 10th, 2008 at 7 PM

For more info contact: Kathleen Lucas, Co-Coordinator York Amnesty International, 717-755-3031, AmnestyYorkPA@comcast.net

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Help Plan the AGM: Be Part of the Annual General Meeting Planning Committee (AGMPC)

The AGMPC serves as the advisory committee for AGM programming, including speakers, theme, and program sessions. The AGMPC consists of one committee member from each AIUSA region, a member of the National Resolutions Committee and the Chair of AIUSA’s Board of Directors. Each regional member serves a two year term. Committee members provide input and ideas, play an important role in regional promotion of the AGM, and provide logistical support onsite.

We are currently accepting applications for the Mid-Atlantic region. For more information and a copy of the application email: agm@aiusa.org. Please submit your application by Thursday, July 24, 2008.

For more resources and information for the Mid-Atlantic Region visit: www.amnestyusa.org/MARO
For questions or comments please contact us at aiusama@aiusa.org

Thursday, July 10, 2008
7:00 pm
Cobblestones Restaurant, 205 S. George St., York PA

From the York Daily Record/Sunday News

The York chapter of Amnesty International will host a Burmese scholar, who will talk Thursday about human rights in his native country of Burma, officially named the Union of Myanmar.

Tun Lin Moe, who specializes in disaster preparedness and development, will speak at the group’s 7 p.m. meeting at Cobblestone’s Restaurant and Sports Emporium, in the loft. The event is free.

The restaurant is at 205 S. George St. For information, e-mail AmnestyYorkPA@comcast.net or visit
www.hractivists.org

Next, here is an update from Kathleen Lucas, central Pennsylvania area coordinator and York, PA Amnesty group member. It concerns Sameh Khouzam, whose case many of us have come to know and follow. Sameh sought asylum from religious persecution and torture in Egypt, but instead was imprisoned and faced deportation. He is at grave risk of torture if returned to Egypt.

The hearing yesterday in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia went better than expected yesterday. We faced a tough panel of judges. Attorneys for the good guys were articulate, precise, well prepared to address intricate details of the law and reminded the court of the torture Sameh Khouzam has already endured, which, by the way, has not been disputed.

There is an article in this morning’s York Daily Record about the hearing. Overall it is positive although, as always, some of the details are incorrect. Specifically, Egypt has NOT been trying to extradite Sameh for ten years. In fact, Egypt has not expressed any interest in Sameh beyond their initial contacts when he first arrived in the US over ten years ago. OUR government reached out to ASK Egypt for diplomatic assurances. As you may remember, Sameh was the subject of an Urgent Action issued by Amnesty International in London [link is to a PDF document].

When I spoke with the reporter, he mentioned that he had been surprised to see so many responses from his earlier article that came from as far away as Canada. He said he hadn’t realized the international significance of the case. Let’s keep reminding him about that and about how wrong it is for the executive branch to try and circumvent the consistent findings of several US courts that Sameh would face torture if he was sent to Egypt.

There is also an article in today’s Philadelphia Inquirer here as well as one yesterday. Again, please take a few minutes to post supportive comments.

The story also hit the wires through the Associated Press. That article appeared in many local newspapers. Please check to see if it made it into your local paper and again, please make supportive comments.

Thanks for your ongoing support.

Kathleen Lucas

I’ve been away for a week, so I will be catching up on posting lots of news from area Amnesty International groups today. First, Karen Berry wrote the following about a briefing of members of AI Bethlehem.

Amnesty International Staff Member Renata Rendon gave an informal briefing to a few members of Group 347 about Amnesty work in Colombia and Mexico. She said that Amnesty has partnered with the Fellowship of Reconciliation group in its important work to get the Colombia government to challenge the relationship of the military and paramilitary groups in harassment of trade union groups, peace communities, women’s rights groups and others. She discussed how Amnesty has been working with US legislators regarding funding of US aid to Colombia as well as AI verification meetings with Colombiian officials. Renata was among Amnesty members who met with the Colombian vice president late last year in efforts to verify information about human rights violations and improvements.

She said AI work in Mexico continues arduously but that research and support of human rights in Mexico is extremely difficult because of corruption at all levels. She said US funding to Mexico was legislated after difficult negotiations regarding the inclusion of human rights language in the agreement with Mexico in May.

Her informal remarks came at a breakfast meeting with Tony Marino, Joe DeRaymond, Sarah Snider and the writer. Renata visited Joe and Sarah this weekend. Both Joe and Renata were in Colombia during the time of the massacres in the peace community, San Jose de Apartado. This spring 15 Colombia army soldiers were arrested for participating in the killings. The Colombian government originally blamed the killings on the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (the FARC). In the last 10 years, about 170 members of the San Jose de Apartado community have been assassinated despite the efforts of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to protect them.

Joe also mentioned the perilous situation in El Salvador which he says is ripe for violence depending on the outcome of elections early next year. He said youth leader Hector Antonia Vasquez was stabbed to death in May following his acquittal on terrorism charges for protesting the privatization of public water supplies.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
7:30 pm
1032 Arch Street, Philadelphia PA