Hello
Welcome to the latest news from your local Amnesty Group
Our next meeting is Thursday, 12th February 2015 at 7.30pm at Moordown Community Centre, Bournemouth. On the agenda:- South America discussion and letter writing
Regional Conference in Bristol
Its been quite a while since we’ve had a Reigional Meeting of any description; there used to be quite frequent gatherings in Salisbury. There is going to be a Regional Conference in Bristol on Saturday 21st February 2015. There are more details here. If you are interested in going, please contact organiser Caroline Butler asap (booking essential). caroline@futura.com
Amnesty Books
You may be aware that across the country there are several bookshops run by Amnesty International, mainly for fundraising. For over 10 years there has been an Amnesty Bookshop in Bristol, sellings CDs and DVDs as well as books. As there will be at least one car going to the Regional Conference in Bristol, if anyone has some books they wish to donate we can pass them on. Please bring to the next meeting or reply to this newsletter.
South America Newsletter
For longer than most of us can remember, our group has been linked to South American actions. The national coordinators publish a regular newsletter giving updates on the countries they cover – check it out on our blog. At the bottom are a few links to actions. We will be focussing on these at our next meeting.
Raif Badwadi
A couple of weeks ago the plight of Raif Badawi reached the BBC news. He received the first 50 of 1000 lashes on 9th January, but then subsequent floggings have been postponed on medical grounds. He still has 10 years in prison to serve, simply for blogging about free speech.
Its important
to keep the pressure on. Firstly there is a petition – currently passed 1,000,000 – and there is also an email you can send to Simon Collis, the new Ambassador of the UK to Saudi Arabia.
Cuba
For several years our local group has campaigned on behalf of prisoners of conscience in Cuba – at our last meeting we planned to do more letter writing in January. Since then, there have been historic moves to normalize diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba and the release of Alan Gross and the 3 remaining Cubans of the Miami Five. Please see the full press release here:-
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/usa-cuba-prisoner-swap-must-spur-historic-human-rights-change-2014-12-17
“This release after more than a decade and a half behind bars in the USA, following proceedings that fell short of international fair trial standards, must come as an immense relief for these three men and their families. Concerns raised by Amnesty International and others over their trial and treatment should have prompted US authorities to grant these men clemency years ago,” said Erika Guevara Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International
Bric-a-Brac
In the past we held many stalls at Trade Union Conferences when they visited Bournemouth, plus we had our own Garden Party. Times have changed, but as reported above, Ted and May still turn out at a variety of Fairs and Carnivals – such as in Winton, Boscombe and now Muscliff Funday!
So if you have any jewellery (even broken), scarves, handbags (particularly evening), bric-a-brac or other knick-knacks in any condition that you wish to donate, please let May Stevens know (01202) 510886. They can collect.
Thanks to…
Everyone who turned out for the Quiz Night organised by Bournemouth University Choir. The event raised £750 for Amnesty International. Special thanks to Wendy and her team from the choir for putting the event on.
