Author: joanne

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Russian Military Commits Indiscriminate Attacks During the Invasion of Ukraine

AI Press Release
February 25, 2022

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been marked by indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas and strikes on protected objects such as hospitals, Amnesty International said today, after documenting three incidents that it believes to have killed at least six civilians and injured at least 12 more. Indiscriminate attacks violate international humanitarian law (the laws of war) and can constitute war crimes.

“The Russian military has shown a blatant disregard for civilian lives by using ballistic missiles and other explosive weapons with wide area effects in densely populated areas. Some of these attacks may be war crimes. The Russian government, which falsely claims to use only precision-guided weapons, should take responsibility for these acts,” said Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

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Guantanamo: The Voice of a Guard – A Special Group 48 Virtual Event

Thursday, January 13, 2022 7:30 PM

For nearly 20 years, Amnesty International has campaigned against the ongoing human rights violations at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and the release of those detained. Thirty-nine prisoners remain detained. Amnesty International’s campaign to close this secret detention facility continues.

Join us to hear the story of Steve Wood, who was a guard at Guantanamo Bay as a member
of the Oregon National Guard. He was told the detainees were the worst of the worst and responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attack. He witnessed torture techniques and inhumane conditions. Eventually, he guarded Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a Mauritanian man held for fourteen years without charge, and whose story was the subject of the film “The Mauritanian” starring Jodie Foster.

Today, Steve Wood works towards the end of closing Guantanamo. He has reconnected with Mohamedou, and they treat each other as brothers. We are pleased to hear his story in his own words.

To join our virtual event, contact us for the event link.

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2021 Virtual Write for Rights

Amnesty International Group 48 is hosting the annual Write for Rights event virtually. Grab a drink, a snack, and a seat at home to join us.

Thursday, December 9 at 7:00pm
Contact us for the link to join the event virtually with the following Write for Rights essentials:

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Group 48 remembers one of its founders

AIUSA Group 48 is mourning the loss of one of its founders, Cornelia Cerf at the age of 99. Cornelia was critical in helping to establish Group 48 and keep it going during the early days in the 70’s. She remained actively involved in her golden years by attending monthly meetings and writing letters for various actions in the newsletters.

Click here to read the obituary. Please feel free to submit comments with your favorite memory of Cornelia.

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ILLUSTRATING IMPRISONMENT: Sarah Mirk Presents “Guantanamo Voices”

Portland area author/journalist Sarah Mirk compiled an amazing graphic non-fiction book, Guantanamo Voices: True Accounts from the World’s Most Infamous Prison, exposing the human rights abuses at Guantanamo Bay prison, which the US opened in Cuba exactly four months after 9/11. Mirk will speak at a livestream event followed by an audience Q&A. The event will be hosted by local media personality Theresa Mitchell.

ILLUSTRATING IMPRISONMENT:
Sarah Mirk Presents “Guantanamo Voices”
Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 7:00 PM
Streaming live on YouTube
https://youtube.com/peaceandjusticeworks

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