Please send letters to the editor on immigrants' rights

There is a lot of coverage of immigrants’ rights rallies in today’s NJ papers. Please write letters to the editor in response to articles such as

http://www.nj.com/morristown/jamieduffy/index.ssf/2009/09/pastors_and_people_call_for_an.html

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/cumberland/article_722821a4-1bca-5a28-b914-ea3a3e2eb8db.html

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20090915/NEWS/909150366

http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009/09/jersey_city_vigil_held_today_f.html

Be sure to mention Amnesty’s Jailed Without Justice Report (http://www.amnestyusa.org/uploads/JailedWithoutJustice.pdf) and call on Congress to support HR 1215, The Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act. (You can thank Holt, Rothman, and Payne for their support.)

AI Urgent Action on El Salvador

This is not a legislative action. As many of you know, however, I have a long history of human rights work on El Salvador, including my doctoral dissertation/book.


URGENT ACTION
death threats for activists demanding justice
Those seeking justice for a murdered environmental activist in Cabañas department, El Salvador, are at risk. Another anti-mining activist has also been shot, and five men and one boy have received threats and warnings in an effort to stop the campaign for justice for the murdered environmentalist, Gustavo Marcelo Rivera.
The body of Gustavo Marcelo Rivera, who opposed mining in the area, was found in Cabañas on 30 June, bound and showing signs of torture. According to local human rights organizations, the authorities have charged at least two men with his abduction and killing. However, as Gustavo Marcelo Rivera campaigned against what he considered “deadly [mining] projects” that could have a negative impact on the people and the environment in the department, Amnesty International is concerned that local authorities are not investigating the motives for his killing.
Ramiro Rivera, a male community leader who has also campaigned against gold mining in the area, was shot eight times outside his home in Cabañas on 7 August. Police have arrested the man named by Ramiro Rivera as his attacker. Ramiro Rivera is receiving treatment for his injuries.
Three broadcasters on a radio station in Cabañas, José Alexander Beltrán Castillo, aged 19, Ludwin Franklin Iraheta, aged 20, and 16-year-old Vladimir Abarca Ayala, have received death threats after reporting on Gustavo Marcelo Rivera's killing. The threats were sent in anonymous letters and SMS messages on 24 July. One of the SMS messages said: “You are also on the list…you saw what happened to [Marcelo] the next one is you” On 27 July, Father Luis Quintanilla, a Catholic priest in Cabañas, was driving home after appearing on the same radio station to call for justice for Gustavo Marcelo Rivera, when another vehicle forced him off the road. Four hooded gunmen travelling in the vehicle surrounded his car but Father Luis Quintanilla was able to escape unhurt. Community leader Héctor Antonio Garcia Berríos was warned on 4 August by a man he knew that if he and Gustavo Marcelo Rivera's brother, Miguel Rivera continued campaigning for justice for the murder, their lives would be at risk.
PLEASE WRITE IMMEDIATELY in Spanish or your own language, urging the Salavdoran authorities to:
n Ensure that they provide José Alexander Beltrán Castillo, Ludwin Franklin Iraheta, Vladimir Abarca Ayala, Luis Quintanilla, Ramiro Rivera, Miguel Rivera and Héctor Berríos with all necessary protection according to their wishes;
n Urgently carry out an independent investigation into recent threats and attacks against anti-mining and environmental activists, journalists, community and religious leaders in the department of Cabañas;
n Thoroughly and promptly investigate the abduction, torture and killing of Gustavo Marcelo Rivera, with the results made public and those responsible, including those who may have ordered the killing to be brought to justice.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 08 OCTOBER 2009 TO:
Acting Attorney General
Lic. Ástor Escalante Saravia
Fiscal General en Funciones
Fiscalía General de la República
Final 4ª Calle Oriente y 19ª Avenida Sur, Residencial Primavera,
Santa Tecla, La Libertad, San Salvador El Salvador
Fax: +503 2523-7402/7170
Email: astor.escalante@fgr.gov.sv
Salutation: Dear Attorney General
Director of the National Civil Police
Comisionado Carlos Ascencio Girón
Director de la Policía Nacional Civil
Policía Nacional Civil
6ta. Calle Oriente entre 8va y 10ma Ave. Sur, # 42 Barrio La Vega
San Salvador, El Salvador
Email: carlosascencio@pnc.gob.sv
Salutation: Dear Commissioner

And copies to:
Human Rights Organization
La Fundación de Estudios para la Aplicación de Derecho
25 Calle Poniente No. 1332,
Col Layco
San Salvador, El Salvador
Fax: +503 2236-1833Email: fespadinfo@vip.telesal.net

Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country. Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date.
URGENT ACTION

attacks continue after activst murdered
ADditional Information
Community, development and environmental organizations in the Cabañas department have been campaigning against reported electoral fraud following local elections in January and against mining exploration due to the potential environmental impact and impact on the health of the local population. Threats, attacks and intimidation against activists reportedly began at least as early as May 2008 when campaigning against mining exploration in the area began and have intensified since January this year when activists denounced electoral irregularities following the elections.
Gustavo Marcelo Rivera Moreno, was Director of the House of Culture (Casa de Cultura), linked to the Ministry of Education in the municipality of San Isidro Cabañas department and together with his brother Miguel Rivera, co-founder and director of the community organization Association of Friends of San Isidro, Cabañas (Asociación Amigos de San Isidro Cabañas, ASIC). He had a long history of activism including human rights education, denouncing electoral fraud and concern for the environment.
Radio Victoria is a community radio station, committed to social and human rights reporting. Broadcasters at Radio Victoria have reported on anti-mining campaigns and have called for those responsible for the abduction and killing of Gustavo Marcelo Rivera to be brought to justice. On 25 July, the human rights ombudsman in San Salvador called on the Attorney General and the Director of the National Civil Police to provide security and protection measures for the three threatened broadcasters, to carry out a thorough investigation into the threats and for those responsible to be brought to justice. Following the threats all three broadcasters left Cabañas in fear for their safety. Ludwin Iraheta has since returned to work on Radio Victoria and is receiving protection from police from outside the area. At the time of writing, Jose Beltrán, who has reportedly refused protection, and Vladimir Abarca, have not yet returned to work in fear for their safety.
Leaders of other community-based organizations campaigning against mining in the area have also received death threats. On 29 July, Antonio Pacheco, Director of the Social and Economic Development Association of Santa (Asociación de Desarrollo Económico y Social Santa Marta, ADES) received death threats. ADES has been campaigning against the negative consequences of gold mining in Cabañas department and calling for justice in the killing of Gustavo Marcelo Rivera.

UA: 223/09 Index: AMR 29/001/2009 Issue Date: 27 August 2009

Urge Lautenberg and Menendez to Stand Up for the Constitution!

The Senate may vote this week to officially allow indefinite detention without charges, “legalizing” a Bush-era practice that violates both the U.S. Constitution and international human rights law! Amnesty International is also concerned that the Senate may approve revisions to the Military Commission Act this week instead of overturning it. Amnesty has consistently argued that the US federal court system is the correct place to try those accused of terrorism and make sure that justice is done.

Please call the offices of Senator Lautenberg (202- 224-3224) and Senator Menendez (202-224-4744) and urge them to:
Overturn rather than rework the Bush-era Military Commissions. The U.S. federal court system is the correct place to find justice.
Oppose any efforts to legalize indefinite detention, an egregious violation of the right to due process.

Call Congress to Support Immigrant Detention Reform!

This week, activists across the United States are meeting with their local congressional offices to support HR 1215, the Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act. Even if you aren’t taking part in a meeting, you can still help out by calling your Congressman’s Washington, DC office and urging him to support this important legislation to:

1. Imprison accused illegal aliens only when he or she is shown to be a flight risk or a danger to the community. By relying on effective alternative procedures, we can humanely assure that the accused show up for their hearings while reducing costs and strain on the overburdened prison system.
2. Ensure that each and every person who is detained has the opportunity to challenge the grounds of his or her detention. This is necessary because legal residents and even U.S. citizens have had to spend months in prison while waiting for their deportation hearings.
3. Create enforceable standards of humane treatment for those who are detained, whether in federal, state, local, or private facilities.

NJ Congressmen Rush Holt, Donald Payne, and Steve Rothman have already agreed to cosponsor this important bill! If you live in one of their districts, please call to say “thank you.”

If you live in another district, please call your Congressman and urge him to support HR 1215.

You can find out the name and contact for your representative by entering your zip code at www.house.gov.

Rothman Supports Immigrant Detention Reform

Congressman Steve Rothman's office has informed me that he has agreed to support HR 1215, the Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act!

As you may know, Amensty activists around the country are currently organizing a lobby week in support of this legislation, which address the three main problems identified in Amnesty's Jailed Without Justice report.

House votes to establish Office for Global Women’s Issues

Last night, the House of Representatives approved legislation that would implement an important component of the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA) by creating a new permanent position on women’s issues in the State Department. Nine of New Jersey’s thirteen representatives voted in favor, and the remaining four voted against.

The next step is to get this legislation passed in the Senate. There will then be a conference committee to reconcile the House and Senate versions, followed by another round of voting in each chamber. We also need to continue pushing for passage of IVAWA in both chambers.

In favor of the creation of the Office for Global Women's Issues at the Department of State to help coordinate efforts to fight violence against women:

Robert E. Andrews ( D - NJ - 01 )
John Adler ( D - NJ - 03 )
Frank Pallone ( D - NJ - 06 )
Leonard Lance ( R - NJ - 07 )
Bill Pascrell ( D - NJ - 08 )
Steve Rothman ( D - NJ - 09 )
Donald Payne ( D - NJ - 10 )
Rush D. Holt ( D - NJ - 12 )
Albio Sires ( D - NJ - 13 )

Against:

Frank LoBiondo ( R - NJ - 02 )
Christopher H. Smith ( R - NJ - 04 )
Scott Garrett ( R - NJ - 05 )
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen ( R - NJ - 11 )

Urge Congress to Reform Immigrant Detention!

One of our nation’s greatest strengths is the wide diversity of its population, built on the arrival of immigrants of all social classes from every part of the globe. Those of us living in New Jersey can be especially proud of the wide array of cultures that have contributed to the development of our communities.

Unfortunately, this asset is undermined by a judicial system that places of the burden of proof on those accused of being illegal immigrants rather than on those accusing them. As Amnesty’s Jailed Without Justice report documents, legal residents and even U.S. citizens can be arrested and jailed on charges of immigration violations WITHOUT having the opportunity to go before a court and say, “on what grounds am I being held?” Furthermore, those arrested are almost always subject to mandatory detention, regardless of factors such as flight risk or danger to the community. This winds up costing taxpayers $95 per detainee per day! Since 1996, the number of individuals in immigrant detention has tripled! This problem is compounded by the inhumane treatment that many detainees receive, such as being housed with violent offenders and denied adequate medical care.

Congressmen Rush Holt and Donald Payne are already cosponsors of the Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act (HR 1215), a bill that would correct this horrible situation. Please help convince the rest of our state’s representatives and our senators to join them. Activists across the country will be meeting their elected officials’ offices on this issue during the week of June 29th to July 5th. You can volunteer to organize a meeting or look for an existing meeting to join at http://www.amnestyusa.org/immigrant-detention/join-a-delegation/page.do?id=1011618.

Payne Becomes 2nd NJ Rep to Cosponsor Immigrant Detention Reform

Earlier this week, Congressman Donald Payne joined fellow NJ Representative Rush Holt in supporting HR 1215, the Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act. This important legislation addresses the problems identified in Amnesty’s recent report, Jailed Without Justice.

As you know, the state of New Jersey is home to many immigrants and there families. All members of our congressional delegation should therefore join Holt and Payne in supporting legislation that will guarantee due process, ensure that detention is used only when necessary, and improve inhumane prison conditions!

Report from DC Lobbying!

Last weekend was the annual meeting for Legislative Coordinators at AI’s DC office. On Monday, I met with staff members from the offices of
· Rep. Chris Smith
· Rep. Rush Holt
· Rep. Albio Sires
· Rep. Leonard Lance
· Rep. Steve Rothman
· Rep. Bill Pascrell
· Rep. Donald Payne
· Sen. Frank Lautenberg
· Sen. Robert Menendez

One of the main issues I raised was the horrible state of immigrant detention documented in Amnesty’s Jailed without Justice report. We asked House members to support HR 1215, the Immigration Oversight and Fairness Act to:
· Ensure that detainees can challenge the grounds for their detention (They may be legal residents or even citizens, for example.)
· Consider alternatives to detention before sending accused illegal immigrants to prison.
· Create enforceable standards to ensure the humane treatment of detainees, regardless of whether they are in federal, state, or local facilities.

I am happy to report that Congressman Holt had already cosponsored this important piece of legislation! Amnesty hopes that similar legislation will soon be introduced in the Senate.

I also followed up on the national in-district lobbying campaign to establish accountability on torture. I urged members of both chambers to:
· Support and independent commission to investigate the policies that led to torture and produce recommendations to prevent it from happening again.
· Call upon Attorney General Eric Holder to launch criminal investigations of torture and prosecutions and where there is sufficient evidence.
· Write to the President calling for an end to the abuse of “state secrets” arguments to refuse Freedom of Information requests. (We are particularly interested in the CIA Inspector General’s 2004 Report.)

Naturally, it would be great if you could follow up with a call to your Congressman, as well as Senator Lautenberg and Senator Menendez!

Star-Ledger Letter on Current Accountability Campaign

The Star-Ledger published my letter (below) on Amnesty's current push for Congress to investigate human rights violations by the previous administration. Please call your Congressman and both Senators if you have not done so already!

I'll be meeting with Congressman Albio Sires on Tuesday!

----------

Thank you for printing the op-ed piece by Leonard Pitts Jr. criticizing the previous administration's willingness to sacrifice the honor of the nation's Constitution for the "fool's gold" of false security ("We sacrificed our honor for what?" April 5).

Pitts' comparison of the Bush administration's anti-terrorist policies to Major Frank Burns' witch hunts on the television program "M*A*S*H" was very apt. I would like to suggest another show on which to model our future: "Law & Order." Every episode involves a thorough investigation of the crime and the prosecution of those found responsible.

Amnesty International is calling upon Congress to support the creation of an independent commission to investigate abuses committed in the "war on terror." Given that Attorney General Eric Holder has stated that some of the alleged abuses during the previous administration amounted to torture, Congress should also call upon his office to investigate and punish those responsible.

-- Larry Ladutke, Weehawken

Urge Congress to Investigate Torture and Establish Accountability

This week and next week, activists across the country are meeting with their Senators and Representatives to urge them to investigate torture and human rights abuses committed during the “war on terror” and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. This is the only way that we can find out the full extent of the crimes that were committed and prevent them from happening again.

Even if you are not taking part in one of these meetings, however, you can help by calling the office of your Congressman and both of our state’s Senators. Please tell them that you would like them to:

1) Establish a non-partisan commission of distinguished Americans to examine, and provide a comprehensive report on, policies and actions related to the detention, treatment, and transfer of detainees after 9/11 and the consequences of those actions, and to make recommendations for future policy in this area.

2) Call on Attorney General Eric Holder to launch a criminal investigation that U.S. engaged in torturing detainees and to hold those responsible for such conduct accountable.

3) Introduce or support a Dear Colleague letter calling on the administration to immediately produce and publish all the relevant policy memos which argued for and established the basis for coercive interrogation, detainee treatment and policy in the last administration.

You can reach Senator Lautenberg’s office at (202) 224-3224. The number for Senator Menendez’s office is (202) 224-4744.

You can find out the name and contact information for your Representative by entering the zip code where you are registered to vote at www.house.gov.

Urge Congress to Investigate “War on Terror” Abuses!

I hope you have all had a chance to call Senator Lautenberg and Senator Menendez in support of the Tribal Law and Order Act. If not, please do so soon!

The next thing on Amnesty International’s legislative agenda is encouraging Congress to investigate the abuses that took place during the previous administration. From April 6th to the 17th, activists across the country will meet with the offices of their Senators and Representatives to once again encourage them to do their job—performing oversight of the Executive Branch and thus ensuring that our constitutional system of checks and balances works!

We have planned this action to coincide with a congressional recess, a time in which Members of Congress are likely to be back in their home districts. That means that there is a good chance that you can meet with your Senator and/or Representative in person without having to travel to Washington!

You can sign up to lead a delegation . If you are approved, Amnesty will provide materials, online training, and a conference call to help you prepare yourself and train other members of your delegation.

You can also look for an existing delegation to join .

We don’t expect governments in countries like China and Iran to seriously investigate themselves and determine who is responsible for human rights violations. In democracy such as the United States, however, we should accept nothing less.

International Women’s Day/Protect Native American Women

As you probably know, today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day. Amnesty is marking this event with a week of phone calls to the Senate supporting to protect Native American women from violence.

In its 2007 Maze of Injustice report, Amnesty International found that Native American and Native Alaskan women were TWO AND A HALF TIMES MORE LIKELY to be raped or sexually assaulted than other women in the United States. It found that factors such as confusing and overlapping layers of bureaucracy and legislation; inadequate funding for law enforcement in the areas where they live; and lack of standards for the treatment of victims have left these women vulnerable and allowed their attackers to often remain unpunished.

The Tribal Law and Order Act of 2009 would directly address these factors and thus offer Native American women the same level of protection that most of us take for granted. Please contact the offices of Senator Frank Lautenberg (202-224-3224) and Senator Robert Menendez (202-224-4744) and urge them to support this important legislation. Everyone in our nation deserves to be protected by the law! No one should live in fear, especially not because of her gender or ethic background!

You can find more information, including a sample script, at http://www.amnestyusa.org/svawlobby/tloa.php?st=NJ You can even use this website to let us know that you called and tell us how the offices responded!

Urge the Senate to Investigate Abuses Under the Previous Administration

As you know, a lot has already been accomplished during the 100 Days of Action to urge the new administration to undue the damage to human rights, the U.S. Constitution, and the rule of law in the name of the “war on terror.” President Obama has ordered Guantanamo closed, banned torture, and ended the “extraordinary rendition” of prisoners to nations where they face abuse.

Our government must do more, however, and that means that WE must do more. This week, February 17-20, activists across the country are calling to urge the Senate to support the creation of a nonpartisan commission to investigate the torture and other forms of inhumane treatment prisoners that took during the previous administration. Yes, President Obama has taken some very important steps. We can not be sure, however, that these things will not happen again unless we have a full accounting of what actually happened.

The Bush Administration resisted every effort by Amnesty International and its allies to investigate these abuses through the Freedom of Information Act. Unfortunately, this is one area where the Obama Administration has not taken decisive action to restore our nation’s credibility and help prevent a repeat of these horrible mistakes.

Please call Senator Lautenberg and Senator Menendez and urge them to support the creation of a nonpartisan commission to investigate the abuses committed in the “war on terror.” Amnesty will even connect you to their offices if you enter your phone number at http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/test.php?st=NJ. You may also contact Senator Lautenberg’s office directly at (202) 224-3224 and Senator Menendez’s office at (202) 224-4744.

Women's Rights Speaker from DRC at The College of New Jersey 11/10/08

On Monday, November 10, the Mercer County Amnesty Local Group and the Amnesty chapter at The College of New Jersey will host a presentation on violence against women by Dr. Roger Luhiriri from the Democratic Republic of Congo. There will also be opportunities for those attending to learn about and support the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA).

Dr. Luhiriri is currently in residence at the Human Rights Advocates Program at Columbia University. The Program's website provides the following biographical information about him:

Dr. Roger Luhiriri serves as a specialist physician in traumatic fistula at Panzi Hospital, the only center for victims of sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Dr. Luhiriri also helps to guide the hospital’s other services for survivors of sexual violence, including psychological support, vocational training, and childcare. As a representative of Panzi Hospital, Dr. Luhiriri has built alliances between the Hospital and other nongovernmental organizations in the immediate area to encourage local participation in conflict resolution.

In addition to his work at Panzi Hospital, Dr. Luhiriri collaborates with Synergie des Femmes pour les Victimes des Violences Sexuelles (SFVS), a coalition of women’s organizations addressing sexual violence against women. To address a growing need to support the caregivers of sexual violence survivors, Dr. Luhiriri has introduced
a new Program of Psychological Assistance for Social Workers and Doctors. Dr. Luhiriri recently advocated this new initiative at Toronto University’s Stephen Lewis Foundation, where he studied women’s human rights.

The event will take place at 6:30 in Forcina Hall 130 at The College of New Jersey in Ewing. Directions to TCNJ are available at http://www.tcnj.edu/~pa/about/directions.html.

Those of you going to the Northeast Regional Conference

The Northeast Regional Office has asked me to co-facilitate a workshop on the Stop Violence Against Women Act. It will focus on efforts to promote the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA) in key states, including New Jersey.

Zimbabwe’s new government has to tackle culture of impunity

As many of you may know, AIUSA's Northeast Regional Office is focusing on the issue of impunity in Zimbabwe this year. Amnesty's International Secretariat has posted the following statement on its website:


Zimbabwe’s new government has to tackle culture of impunity

23 September 2008

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe signed a power-sharing agreement with the Movement for Democratic Change’s leaders on Monday, 15 September 2008 in an attempt to resolve the political crisis that has been developing since 2000 and escalated sharply in the last six months.

The crisis has been characterised by a series of politically-motivated violations of civil, political, social and economic rights against real and perceived opponents of President Mugabe. Those who instigated or committed these violations have enjoyed almost total impunity.

In the run-up to the 27 June presidential election run-off, the country saw a wave of state-sponsored human rights violations that left at least 165 people killed, thousands tortured and nearly 30,000 people internally displaced. How Zimbabwe’s unity government will tackle important questions of justice and impunity remains unclear.

Amnesty International has said that the validity of the deal would be seriously compromised if it includes amnesties or pardons that prevent human rights violators being brought to justice, the emergence of the truth, and full reparations to victims.

"Nothing should be agreed that would prevent the full emergence of the truth – and those responsible for the gross human rights violations that took place must be brought to justice," said Simeon Mawanza, Amnesty International's expert on Zimbabwe who recently returned from speaking to victims of state-sponsored violence in the country.

"The victims of human rights violations are demanding justice for the crimes they have suffered – and they deserve no less than that. It will be a great betrayal of these victims if national, regional and international leaders were to support pre-trial amnesties for perpetrators of human rights violations."

Simeon Mawanza added that Zimbabwe has clear obligations under international law and that the country must not fail to fulfil those obligations, particularly in this critical point in their history."

Any durable solution to the crisis in Zimbabwe must have the respect and protection of human rights at its foundation," Mawanza said.

SEN. MENENDEZ MEETS WITH U.S. ENVOY TO SUDAN

I received the following press release about Darfur from Senator Menendez's office:

SEN. MENENDEZ MEETS WITH U.S. ENVOY TO SUDAN
Foreign Relations Committee member expresses frustration with slow deployment of peacekeepers


WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee who has consistently pushed the Bush administration to become more engaged in combating genocide in Darfur, met with the U.S. envoy to Sudan, Ambassador Richard Williamson in the Senator’s Washington offices this week. Senator Menendez released the following statement:

“I expressed to Ambassador Williamson my continuing frustration and concern over the stunningly-slow deployment pace of the essential peacekeeping forces. I also expressed the need for the Department of Defense to step up its logistical support in order to facilitate the deployment of these troops. Ambassador Williamson seems to share these concerns and have a better grasp of situation than previous Bush administration officials, and I hope that this will result in a more aggressive and focused administration Darfur policy over the next four months. We must not let Bashir off the hook as he allows more slaughter to take place. Just because this administration is coming to an end doesn’t mean that it can relax in regard to Darfur – the bloodshed and misery continues.”

# # #

Update: Sires Also Signs Indonesia Letter

In my last post, I thanked Congressman Rush Holt and Congressman Steve Rothman for signing a letter to the president of Indonesia calling for the release of Filep Karma and Yusuf Pakage.

Unfortunately, the list of signers that I was given was incomplete. I have since received letter from Congressman Albio Sires’s office indicating that he also signed this important letter. I have also obtained a copy of the signed letter with Representative Sires’s signature.

Naturally, Amnesty International greatly appreciates Congressman Sires’s support for these two prisoners of conscience. I am sorry for the oversight in my original message.

NJ Congressmen Rothman and Holt Support POCs in Indonesia

Representatives Steve Rothman and Rush Holt joined thirty-eight other House members in signing a letter in support of Filep Karma and Yusuf Pakage, prisoners of conscience who have been jailed and abused by Indonesian authorities for the simple act of peacefully raising a flag.

Amnesty greatly appreciates Rothman and Holt’s support for these men and hopes that the Indonesian government responds by releasing them and demonstrating respect for freedom of expression.