Zimbabwe: Justice for Women

Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu's lawyers filed a case before the Supreme Court arguing the unconstitutionality of their arrest. The Court heard arguments this June and announced that it would issue a decision later that month, but no written opinion has yet been issued. This lack of action leaves Jenni and Magodonga in legal limbo, though the state is willing to prosecute them as soon as it is able to do so. Williams and Mahlangu appeared before the Magistrate's Court in Bulawayo on October 14, 2009. The trial was once again continued until December 2009, pending the Supreme Court issuance of its written opinion on the constitutionality of their arrests. Meanwhile, Jenni and Magodonga will continue to live under the threat of detention in Zimbabwe's notoriously filthy, cold, overcrowded, and disease-ridden prisons.

Take Action

Stand with Suu Kyi

photo action

Myanmar's military rulers have detained Nobel Peace Prize laureate and prisoner of conscience Aung San Suu Kyi for 14 of the last 20 years. Although she is imprisoned, Suu Kyi's message of hope and dignity remains strong. Show your support for her and human rights in Myanmar!

Help us gather at least 2,100 photos to represent the 2,100 political prisoners detained in Myanmar. You can take pictures anywhere - at school, near local landmarks, with community leaders - get creative!

Here's how you can stand with Aung San Suu Kyi:
1. Download our "Stand with Suu Kyi" signs (PDF): 8.5 x 11 11 x 17 14 x 20
2. Photograph yourself and others with the sign.
3. Post your photos to: www.flickr.com/groups/standwithsuukyi
4. Spread the word!
• Use your "Stand with Suu Kyi" picture as your profile picture on Facebook, MySpace or other social networks.
• Send your picture to your Followers on Twitter. Be sure to include the #aungsansuukyi hashtag.
5. Shop for a "Stand with Suu Kyi" t-shirt: http://shop.amnestyusa.org/
6. For more information: umoroz@aiusa.org

Guantanamo: 8 Years of Injustice

Since Guantanamo detention facility opened 8 years ago, it has twisted the rule of law to accommodate its flawed practices of torture, abuse and indefinite detention.

When President Obama took office, he pledged to restore justice by closing the infamous prison. It's clear that this is not going to happen by his original January 22nd deadline, but all hope is not lost.

During these first weeks of 2010, we'll be watching the administration like hawks to ensure that it re-affirms its commitment to closing Guantanamo and upholding justice in the face of terror. Join us as we ratchet up pressure to demand justice and accountability for the crimes that continue to be committed at Guantanamo.

Tell your local newspaper why you think closing Guantanamo and bringing torturers to justice is the right thing to do.

President Obama and a number of members of Congress have resisted full accountability for torture, and have endorsed indefinite detention and unfair military commissions. Further, loopholes for torture and abuse remain and U.S. detentions at Bagram and other facilities in Afghanistan and Iraq do not meet human rights standards. The U.S. government is required by law to end human rights violations and ensure accountability for them. Human rights violations are immoral, illegal and—according to military and intelligence experts—ineffective and counterproductive. There is an alternative: call on President Obama and Congress to respect human rights, follow the law and counter terror with justice.

President Obama and Congress: Respect Human Rights and Counter Terror With Justice

Taking action for Haiti

Our hearts go out to all those who have been directly or indirectly affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12. On Friday, the Obama administration granted temporary protected status (TPS) to Haitians in the U.S. - a move that could positively impact up to 100,000 Haitians!

TPS grants a 12 to 18 month grace period to undocumented Haitians living in the U.S., allowing them to live here securely and work safely.

We only hope that President Obama takes his actions one step further by rescinding discriminatory interdiction-at-sea policies. Currently, the U.S. forces Haitians fleeing their country by boat to return to their own shores, without any meaningful review of whether they are eligible for international protection. International law obligates the U.S. not to forcibly return any individual to a situation where he or she is at risk of serious human rights violations.

Thank President Obama for granting TPS and ask him to rescind discriminatory interdiction-at-sea policies.

Haiti through satellite photos

10,000 Against Torture

The Counter Terror With Justice Campaign has launched 10,000 Against Torture, an 8-week micro campaign to push President Obama and Congress to set up an independent commission to investigate torture.

This week, we're asking folks to click our 10,000 Against Torture counter to register their support and take part in a letter to the editor blitz. Please help promote this week's actions by forwarding this link: http://www.amnestyusa.org/10K

You can also refer people to our web page: http://www.amnestyusa.org/ctwj or our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/withjustice

We'll be sending out next week's action soon.

Thank you for your support!