9/30/08: Russian Journalists and Human Rights Defenders

This week we'll be discussing the dangers of being a journalist or human rights activist in Russia today. There have been several high profile cases in the western media of journalists (especially investigative journalists) who have been targeted for their work. Some have even been killed, and their deaths have resulted in uninterested and incomplete investigations, much less justice.

We also have news on Troy Davis' case -- last week he received a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court less than two hours before his scheduled execution. The Court reconvened today to decide on whether his case merits a Supreme Court trial -- this afternoon the Court issued a statement saying that no decision on the case will be made until Wednesday. This will void the death warrant in Davis' name, and the state will have to seek a new warrant (with 10 days notice) should the news from the Supreme Court be bad.

*Thanks to everyone who worked so hard on Troy's case -- you made a definite impact that was felt and seen around the world. The fight is not over, but Troy won a small victory last week and again today.*

Zach

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Meetings are in Sanford Hall 112 at 5:30pm Tuesdays, unless otherwise noted.

Troy Davis granted stay of execution!

Earlier this evening, less than two hours before his scheduled execution, Troy Anthony Davis was granted relief by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court will reconvene Monday to decide whether to hear Davis' case. Everyone can still take action to persuade the Parole Board to grant Troy clemency. If you haven't called, sent a letter, and told all your family and friends about this case, please do so as soon as possible. The outpouring of support for justice and fairness in Troy's case has been tremendous, but he is far from safe and still needs our help.

Please find more information on his case and how you can take action at:

www.amnestyusa.org/troydavis

www.gfadp.org

Week of 9/22/08: Katrina Survivors + Troy Davis Update

Hi everyone,

I hope the weekend was relaxing and enjoyable. We had a good time at the state conference in Macon on Saturday and picked up some new ideas.

This week we will be discussing the plight of Hurricane Katrina survivors within the framework of international human rights norms. It has been 3 years since the destructive storm pushed through Louisiana and the rest of the Gulf Coast; but recent storms, including Ike in Texas, have reminded us that powerful hurricanes and their consequences will continue to be a part of life in the southern United States. One of our members had an opportunity to volunteer in New Orleans after Katrina and will share her experience with us. Actions for the week will be directed to our senators, Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss.

Last Thursday, several members of our UGA group attended a march and prayer vigil for Troy Anthony Davis in downtown Atlanta. Despite the very somber nature of the event, it was well organized and received media attention. Just in the past week, Troy has received new support from former President Jimmy Carter, presumptive Libertarian Presidential candidate Bob Barr, and Nicholas Sarkozy, President of France. President Sarkozy personally phoned Martina Correa, sister of Troy Davis, Friday afternoon. The Reverend Al Sharpton personally visited Troy Friday evening at the state prison in Jackson, Ga. We have received no other news about Troy's execution scheduled for tomorrow night.

Tomorrow night, following our general meeting, we will be participating in a vigil at the arch for Troy. Vigils are held at the arch on Tuesday nights when executions are scheduled in Georgia. They are attended by members of Jubilee Partners, Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, and others from the local community. If you cannot come to our meeting, do try and join us at the arch for the vigil at 6:30pm in the hope that Troy will NOT be executed. If you have not sent an email to the Board of Pardons and Parole in the past week, please do so by going to amnestyusa.org/troydavis.

Zach

Week of 9/15/08: WOZA + Troy Davis update

Hi everyone,

We did receive some really terrible news Friday night: Troy Davis was denied clemency following his hearing with the Georgia Board of Pardons and Parole. Amnesty is gearing up another round of actions to counter this shocking decision by the board. Stay tuned for what we will be doing as part the new action plan. For those interested, the Southern Regional office is quickly organizing another rally and march through downtown Atlanta this Thursday, September 18th at 6:00PM. Right now, we don't have any more details, but please stay tuned on our Facebook page or this blog for any updates.

Tomorrow night we will be discussing on the special focus case for the Southern region: WOZA (Women of Zimbabwe Unite). WOZA is a group of 35,000 women who have peacefully advocated and demonstrated for human rights in their country. They have also spoken out about the worsening social and economic conditions. For their efforts, WOZA members have been intimidated, harassed, and detained. We will be writing letters on their behalf and to the organization directly -- your choice but we recommend doing both!

I hope the weekend treated everyone well -- we pulled a narrow one out in Columbia!

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The Amnesty State Conference in Macon, Ga is THIS SATURDAY, September 20th from 10-4. If you would like to attend and carpool, please let Zach know ASAP (zach.l.fox@gmail.com). The cost is $15, and includes lunch, snacks, materials, and an Amnesty membership for the year (great deal). Again, let us know ASAP if you would like to attend.

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Meetings are Tuesdays 5:30pm in Sanford Hall 112, unless otherwise noted.

Week of 9/8/08: Darfur, the ICC, and International Justice PLUS Troy Davis Update

Thanks to everyone who joined us last week for our action about Iraqi refugees, and also to those who came out for ISL Coffee Hour!

We have two important issues this week. First...

Our third week of action will focus on crimes against humanity being committed in the Darfur region of Sudan. Recently, the International Criminal Court indicted several members of the Sudanese government and leaders of the Janjaweed militias responsible for some of the most serious human rights abuses. Dr. Maurits van der Veen of the International Affairs department will give a brief introduction to the topic, and then we will screen a 2007 Amnesty documentary entitled Justice Without Borders. We hope you'll join us, and try to make it on time to get a seat because this event is Blue Card (we might fill the room!).

We will also have a critical update on the Troy Davis death penalty case here is Georgia.

On September 11th, a rally for deathrow inmate Troy Davis will take place from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta, GA. He was convicted in Savannah, Georgia for the shooting of a white police officer. Since his conviction 17 years ago, strong evidence of his innocence has surfaced. For example, seven of the nine eyewitnesses have recanted their testimony. Despite that, a tentative execution date has been set for Sept. 23rd - only a few weeks away! The clemency board is Troy's last chance, and he needs our help more than ever.

We will be hosting a screening of At the Death House Door and collecting signatures on Troy's behalf Wednesday, the 10th, at 7:30pm in SLC 148. We will also be tabling earlier on Wednesday at Tate so try to make it out to see us at one or the other.

Please go to amnestyusa.org for more information on how you can help.

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Meetings are Tuesdays 5:30pm in Sanford 112, unless otherwise stated.

Troy Davis receives new execution date!

The State of Georgia is set to execute Troy Anthony Davis on September 23rd, despite strong claims of innocence. Troy has been on death row for 17 years for the murder of an off-duty Savannah police officer, a crime he maintains he never committed. The prosecution of the case is fraught with inconsistencies, witness recantations, and police and prosecutorial misconduct. Nonetheless, Troy has exhausted all of his appeals -- even though his claims of innocence have yet to be heard in a federal court. He still has one appeal pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, but his execution date is before the Supreme Court returns from recess.

Please take immediate action on Troy's behalf! This is extremely urgent and important!

http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/index.aspx?c=jhKPIXPCIoE&b=2590179&template=x.ascx&action=11223