Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Why is Iran locking up its students? ~ @amnesty #humanrights


Amnesty International

Visit Amnesty's virtual Azadi Square - where we're taking a stand for all Iran's peaceful student protesters.

Dear Ray,

It's called Azadi Square - literally "Freedom Square" in Persian.

For decades, it has been the central point of human rights activism in Iran. Two years ago, when the disputed results of a presidential election compelled many to take to the streets, Azadi Square was the backdrop of countless student protests. Although the protests began as peaceful, protesters were met with violence once riot police were dispersed.

Two students who were swept up in the resulting wave of government crackdowns that followed were Behareh Hedayat and Majid Tavakkoli.

Behareh - an economics student turned women's rights advocate is now serving 10 years in prison sentence for her activism.

Majid - a shipbuilding student turned prominent student leader is now serving nine years in prison for his activism.

We can't think of a better place to take a stand for their rights and the rights of all Iran's peaceful student protesters than in Azadi Square.

Demand the release of all Iran's peaceful student protesters!

Starting today, we're opening up a virtual Azadi Square to supporters worldwide. In the virtual Azadi Square, all human rights are protected - including freedom of expression, assembly and association.

That is why we're inviting you to join us in sending a powerful message to the Iranian government. Even if students are imprisoned for their activism, their calls for human rights can never be silenced!

For every 10,000 signatures gathered on our petition for protecting student's rights in Iran, Amnesty representatives will publicly present your signatures in a new and powerful way. But you'll have to keep checking back to find out what we'll do next!

Visit Amnesty's Azadi Square and stand up for the rights of student protesters in Iran!

Behareh Hedayat and Majid Tavakkoli, like many others, were simply students who spoke publicly about their political opinions. They do not deserve this injustice.

Take action now and give them hope. Demonstrate the power of standing together for human rights!

Thank You,

Elise Auerbach
Country Specialist, Iran
Amnesty International USA

 
In the virtual Azadi Square, the human rights of all peaceful activists are protected - including freedom of expression, assembly and association.



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© 2011 Amnesty International USA | 5 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001 | 212.807.8400  

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