HUMAN RIGHTS
DEFENDERS
OLYMPICS 2012
ACTION CENTRE
Take action on the Olympics HRD team. Check the boxes below to send a letter raising your concern to the national olympic committee of that defenders country, as well as a letter to a government official. You can select as many human rights defenders as you like to take action. To read the letter that will go out in your name, click on the defenders name.
Then fill out your name and email address, so your digital signature can be appended to the letter and it can be sent out immediately from our servers.
Brazil
Alexandre Anderson
Honduras
Juan Vasquez
Venezuela
Marianela
Sanchez Ortiz
Mauritania
Biram Dah Ould Abeid
Zimbabwe
Magodonga Mahlangu
Uganda
Kasha Jacqueline
Nabagese
Kyrgyzstan
Azimjan Askarov
Turkey
Osman Isci
Kazakhstan
Roza Tuletaeva
Oman
Habiba Al-Hinai
Saudi Arabia
Samar Badawi
Algeria
Yacine Zaid
China
Gao Zhisheng
India
Kavita Srivastava
Philippines
Temogen Tulawie
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27 July 2012
Mr. José Mariano BeltrameSecretaria Estadual de Segurança Pública do Rio de Janeiro
Pç. Cristiano Ottoni, s/nº Ed. Pedro II - 4º andar
Centro 20.221-250
Rio de Janeiro RJ
Brazil
Dear Secretary Beltrame:
As the London 2012 Olympics is now underway, I am writing to you to express my concern about Brazilian human rights defender Mr Alexandre Anderson de Souza. I am sure you are eagerly anticipating the 21st Olympiad in which Brazil will compete, but I want to take this moment to raise the case of Alexandre Anderson and other human rights defenders in Brazil.
Alexandre Anderson de Souza is a human rights defender and head of the Associação dos Homens do Mar – AHOMAR (Association of Seamen). He works to protect the rights and livelihoods of fisherfolk in Rio de Janeiro and in particular those affected by the construction of a gas pipeline for Petrobras. As someone who makes his living from the sea, Alexandre Anderson has worked tirelessly to protect the environment and ensure that those dependent on the sea for their livelihoods are able to continue their way of life. Corporations are seeking to develop the area and are causing distress to the environment and making it impossible for the fisherfolk to harvest from the sea. Furthermore, Alexandre Anderson and his colleagues are under physical threat by thugs hired by companies working in the area, and in recent months a number of activists have been killed. I am deeply troubled by the reports of violence against human rights defenders in Brazil and the danger that Alexandre Anderson faces on a daily basis.
I urge your office to take immediate measures to ensure the safety of Alexandre Anderson as well as the other men and women who make their livelihoods from the sea. While the provision of guards to accompany human rights defenders might be a temporary solution, it cannot replace efforts to remove the threat and ensure that those responsible for attacks will be held accountable.
On this occasion of the Olympics, which brings together athletes from around the world to compete in a spirit of competition meant to bring out the best in each other and to share in excellence, I hope that Brazil can extend the Olympic principles to human rights defenders like Alexandre Anderson back at home.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
cc: Mr Carlos Arthur Nuzman, President, Brazilian Olympic Committee
27 July 2012
HE Yoweri MuseveniPresident
State House Nakasero
PO Box 25497
Kampala
Uganda
Your Excellency:
As the London 2012 Olympics is now underway, I am writing to you to express my concern about Ugandan human rights defender Ms. Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera. I am sure you are eagerly anticipating the 14th Olympiad in which Uganda will compete, but I want to take this moment to raise the case of Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera and other human rights defenders in Uganda.
Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera is a lawyer and founder of the LGBTI rights organization Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG), and works tirelessly under great threat for the civil and human rights of her fellow citizens. As you might know, threats against the LGBT community in Uganda emanate from the media, from certain religious institutions and even from politicians. I was shocked by the killing of Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera’s colleague Mr. David Kato last year, and am concerned that Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera continues to receive threats and harassment as a result of her work for basic rights of Ugandans. In addition to the personal attacks, Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera and the LGBT community face the ongoing threat of existing laws that criminalize their status as well as bills that seek to strengthen such criminalization. I urge you as a civic leader to do what you can to stand up for the civil rights of all Ugandans.
The news reports out of Uganda on the issue of equal rights for the LGBTI community are greatly disturbing, particularly how state and community institutions are mobilized to prevent fellow citizens from enjoying full civil and human rights. I urge you to provide strong leadership in ensuring that Uganda ensures international standards of protection for Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera and fellow human rights defenders.
On this occasion of the Olympics, which brings together athletes from around the world in a spirit of competition meant to bring out the best in each other and to share in excellence, I hope that Uganda can extend the Olympic principles to human rights defenders like Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera back at home.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
cc: Mr. William Frederick Blick, President, Ugandan Olympic Committee
27 July 2012
President Nursultan Nazarbayev
Office of the President
Akorda Building
Left Bank of the Ishim River
010000 Astana
Republic of Kazakhstan
Dear Mr. Nazarbayev:
As the London 2012 Olympics is now underway, I am writing to you to express my concern about Kazakh human rights defender Ms. Roza Tuletaeva. I am sure you are eagerly anticipating the 5th Olympiad in which Kazakhstan will compete, but I want to take this moment to raise the case of Roza Tuletaeva and other human rights defenders in Kazakhstan.
Ms. Roza Tuletaeva is a union organizer who joined with the oil workers striking at OzenMunaiGaz who were striking at the facility in her hometown of Zhanaozen. After Roza Tuletaeva was arrested, she was subjected to torture, including being nearly suffocated by having bags placed over her head and being beaten with iron bars. When her trial concluded she was given a sentence of seven years. She still faces another trial initiated by the National Security Service in which she is accused of ‘incitement to social enmity.’ It seems clear that these cases are clearly efforts to stifle the human rights work of Roza Tuletaeva and her colleagues and to intimidate workers from trying to organize for greater rights and protections.
I am greatly concerned about the fate of Roza Tuletaeva and her family, who face ongoing repercussions as a result of her being targeted. I believe that, along with other human rights defenders in Kazakhstan, Roza Tuletaeva should not face such judicial harassment and should be released immediately from prison, following her ordeal that included suffering torture at the hands of security forces.
On this occasion of the Olympics, which brings together athletes from around the world in a spirit of competition meant to bring out the best in each other and to share in excellence, I hope that Kazakhstan can extend the Olympic principles to human rights defenders like Roza Tuletaeva back at home.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
cc: Mr. Temirkhan Dosmukhambetov, President, Kazakh Olympic Committee
27 July 2012
Mr. Luis Alberto Rubí
Fiscal General de la República
Lomas del Guijarro
Avenida República Dominicana
Edificio Lomas Plaza II
Tegucigalpa M.D.C
Honduras
Dear Mr Rubí:
As the London 2012 Olympics is now underway, I am writing to you to express my concern about Honduran human rights defender Mr Juan Vásquez. I am sure you are eagerly anticipating the 10th Olympiad in which Honduras will compete, but I want to take this moment to raise the case of Juan Vásquez and other human rights defenders in Honduras.
Juan Vásquez is a human rights defender and member of the Executive Committee of the Consejo Cívico de Organizaciones Populares e Indígenas de Honduras – COPINH (Civic Counsel of Popular Indigenous Organisations of Honduras), working to protect the rights of the indigenous peoples of Honduras. I am saddened to learn that in 2012, Honduras is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for human rights defenders, and perhaps most especially for those working with indigenous communities on land rights and environmental issues, as corporate mining and development interests go to great lengths to secure profit. Recently Juan Vásquez and his colleague Sotero Chavarría were shot at as they were leaving a meeting of an indigenous community. They were lucky to escape unharmed, but since the coup d’état in June 2009, human rights defenders in Honduras have experienced systematic human rights violations amidst a pervasive climate of impunity. Recently there has been a reported increase in incidents of killing, violence and intimidation aimed at human rights defenders. This is an appalling situation that the authorities must take steps to address and break the cycle of impunity.
I am aware of the challenges the Honduran government faces in confronting the unprecedented wave of extreme violence, but I urge your office to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the safety and protection of human rights defenders like Juan Vásquez, who are working to protect the rights of others.
On this occasion of the Olympics, which brings together athletes from around the world to compete in a spirit of competition meant to bring out the best in each other and to share in excellence, I hope that Honduras can extend the Olympic principles to human rights defenders like Juan Vásquez back at home.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
cc: Ms. Jany El Cid, Special Prosecutor for Ethnic Affairs cc: Mr. Salvador Jiminez Caceres, President, Honduran Olympic Committee
27 July 2012
HRH Prince Ahmad bin Abdulaziz
Minister of Interior
PO Box 11134
Riyadh
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Your Highness:
As the London 2012 Olympics is now underway, I am writing to you to express my concern about Saudi human rights defender Ms. Samar Badawi. While I have noted the news that this year the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Saudi women will participate in the Olympics, I remain concerned about the status of Samar Badawi and other women human rights defenders in Saudi Arabia.
Ms. Samar Badawi has campaigned for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia after overcoming tremendous problems with her father and family, resulting in her taking her father to court. Samar Badawi has courageously challenged the informal ban against women drivers (which is not codified in law), explaining the problems and harassment Saudi women face as a result of having to rely on others to provide for their transportation. Additionally, Samar Badawi has sought to extend the right to vote to Saudi women. All this has been at great personal risk, and she faces ongoing harassment as a result of this work. While there is no doubt that there exist cultural mores in Saudi Arabia that distinguish it from other countries, there are also fundamental human rights and dignities codified in international law and part of international norms. Saudi Arabia as a major actor in the international arena has an obligation to its citizens as well as to the international community to ensure that Samar Badawi and other human rights defenders in Saudi Arabia are protected and that the human rights issues they raise are addressed.
I urge you as Minister to take action to support the full rights of all Saudi citizens, including women. As Samar Badawi, Manal Al-Sharif and others have demonstrated, full equal rights for all Saudi citizens is something that is a strong concern about fellow citizens as well as the international community. Strong leadership is needed in order to make any changes in society, and Samar Badawi has shown such courage at the grassroots level. I encourage you to find the same strength to take action to address the grievances of lack of equal rights for Saudi women.
On this occasion of the Olympics, which brings together athletes from around the world in a spirit of competition meant to bring out the best in each other and to share in excellence, I hope that Saudi Arabia can extend the Olympic principles to human rights defenders like Ms. Badawi back at home.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
cc: HRH Prince Nawaf Faisal Fahd Abdulaziz, President, Saudi Olympic Committee
27 July 2012
Mr. Beşir Atalay
Deputy Prime Minister Responsible for Counter-Terrorism & Human Rights
Ankara
Turkey
Dear Mr. Atalay:
As the London 2012 Olympics is now underway, I am writing to you to express my concern about Turkish human rights defender Mr. Osman Işçi. I am sure you are eagerly anticipating the 20th Olympiad in which Turkey will compete, but I want to take this moment to raise the case of Osman Işçi and other human rights defenders in Turkey.
Mr. Osman Isci is a human rights defender, member of the Human Rights Association (İHD), and Euro-Med Human Rights Network Executive Committee member. Osman Işçi is well-known for his work on minority rights and freedom of association and expression. He is also a member of a trade union. Osman Işçi was recently arrested in a roundup of other peaceful Kurdish activists and faces a trial on charges brought under anti-terrorist legislation. I am concerned by the Turkish authorities' use of broad powers under this legislation to target peaceful human rights defenders and union members who are working for the rights of minority communities in Turkey, including the Kurdish community.
I urge your office to take immediate steps to release Osman Işçi from detention as well as other human rights defenders. Assurance of Turkey’s security cannot be achieved by the rounding up of peaceful human rights defenders and the attempts to silence those calling for full civil, political and social rights.
On this occasion of the Olympics, which brings together athletes from around the world in a spirit of competition meant to bring out the best in each other and to share in excellence, I hope that Turkey can extend the Olympic principles to human rights defenders like Osman Işçi back at home.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
cc: Dr. Ugur Erdener, President, Turkish Olympic Committee
27 July 2012
His Excellency Hu Jintao
President
9 Xinhuang-Chenggen Beijie
Beijing
People’s Republic of China
Your Excellency
As the London 2012 Olympics is now underway, I am writing to you to express my concern about Chinese human rights defender Mr. Gao Zhisheng. I am sure you are eagerly anticipating the 12th Olympiad in which China will compete, but I want to take this moment to raise the case of Gao Zhisheng and other human rights defenders in China.
Mr. Gao Zhisheng is a well-respected lawyer, who rose from growing up in poverty and teaching himself law to becoming one of the top 10 lawyers recognized in China. He turned his attention to representing human rights defenders and religious minorities in China, which ran him afoul of Chinese authorities, leading him to face harassment, threat, intimidation and ultimately arrest, detention and forced disappearance. Recently a Chinese court found him guilty of violating parole – an absurd charge given that he had been forcibly disappeared for almost two years by the authorities. He now sits in prison in Xinjiang, facing a further three years imprisonment. I am greatly dismayed by this case of detention of a human rights defender, which unfortunately fits the pattern Chinese authorities have exhibited towards human rights defenders, including Chen Guangcheng, Liu Xiaobo and others.
I am extremely concerned that Gao Zhisheng continues to be punished for his commitment to the protection of human rights of others, and that Chinese authorities continue to keep him imprisoned. While the permission of a visit by his family a few months ago is certainly welcome, it is greatly disturbing to learn that he is being kept at Shaya Prison in the remote area of Xinjiang, meaning that those of his family who remain in China must travel 3500 kilometers to see him. I urge your government to take immediate measures to end this cruel treatment of Gao Zhisheng and to release him and other Chinese human rights defenders in prison.
On this occasion of the Olympics, which brings together athletes from around the world in a spirit of fraternity meant to bring out the best in each other and to share in excellence, I hope that China can extend the Olympic principles to human rights defenders like Gao Zhisheng back at home.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
cc: Mr. Peng Liu, President, Chinese Olympic Committee
27 July 2012
M. Abdelaziz Bouteflika
President de la République
Présidence
El-Mouradia
Alger
Algérie
Dear Mr. President:
As the London 2012 Olympics is now underway, I am writing to you to express my concern about Algerian human rights defender Mr. Yacine Zaid. I am sure you are eagerly anticipating the 11th Olympiad in which Algeria will compete, but I want to take this moment to raise the case of Yacine Zaid and other human rights defenders in Algeria.
Mr. Zaid is a member of the Ligue Algérienne pour la Défense des Droits de l’Homme (LADDH) and a union organizer in Laghouat. Yacine Zaid has campaigned tirelessly for the human rights of his fellow Algerians, and recently was arrested and faced a court hearing for participating in a peaceful protest against the detention of a fellow human rights defender. He was targeted for his human rights work and questioned by authorities repeatedly about it. This trial is now adjourned until September, even though no justification for the delay was given. This kind of judicial harassment is a tactic often employed to intimidate human rights defenders.
I believe your government must take immediate measures to implement the reforms previously announced, which would include decriminalizing the legitimate human rights work of Yacine Zaid and his human rights defenders colleagues. As events in the region have shown, governments unwilling to adapt and address the legitimate human rights grievances of their citizens are sure to face increased opposition and loss of legitimacy. I urge you to take the necessary steps to ensure that Yacine Zaid and his co-defendants are free to continue their human rights work and do not face judicial or other forms of harassment.
On this occasion of the Olympics, which brings together athletes from around the world in a spirit of competition meant to bring out the best in each other and to share in excellence, I hope that Algeria can extend the Olympic principles to human rights defenders like Yacine Zaid back at home.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
cc: Professor Rachid Hanifi, President, Algeria Olympic Committee
27 July 2012
Ms. Aida Salyanova
Prosecutor General of the Kyrgyz Republic
Erkindik avenue 39
Bishkek
Kyrgyzstan
Dear Ms. Sayanova:
As the London 2012 Olympics is now underway, I am writing to you to express my concern about Kyrgyz human rights defender Mr. Azimjan Askarov. I am sure you are eagerly anticipating the 5th Olympiad in which Kyrgyzstan will compete, but I want to take this moment to raise the case of Azimjan Askarov and other human rights defenders in Kyrgyzstan.
Mr. Azimjan Askarov is a well-known and well-respected human rights defender, and the founder of the human rights organization Vozdukh. For years, Azimjan Askarov detailed police abuse and poor prison conditions, leading authorities to take measures against individual officers. When ethnic clashes erupted in southern Kyrgyzstan in 2010, Azimjan Askarov was arrested and charged with killing a police officer, which he strenuously denied. While in detention he was tortured and prevented from having access to his lawyer. Following an unfair trial, Azimjan Askarov was convicted and sentenced. Despite an alternative investigation by a local ombudsman who determined that Azimjan Askarov did not commit the murder, the Kyrgyz government has refused to vacate the life sentence issued to Azimjan Askarov. Recently UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has visited Kyrgyzstan and raised the case of Azimjan Askarov. I am deeply troubled that Azimjan Askarov remains even another day in prison.
I urge you to take immediate steps to release Azimjan Askarov from prison and allow him to resume his legitimate and peaceful human rights work. His continued imprisonment is an injustice tarnishing the government of Kyrgyzstan.
On this occasion of the Olympics, which brings together athletes from around the world in a spirit of competition meant to bring out the best in each other and to share in excellence, I hope that Kyrgyzstan can extend the Olympic principles to human rights defenders like Mr. Askarov back at home.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
cc: Mr. Murat Saralinov, President, Kyrgyz Olympic Committee
27 July 2012
Me. Abidine Ould El Kheir
Minister of Justice
B.P. 350
Nouakchott
Mauritania
Your Excellency:
As the London 2012 Olympics is now underway, I am writing to you to express my concern about Mauritanian human rights defender Mr. Biram Dah Ould Abeid. I am sure you are eagerly anticipating the 8th Olympiad in which Mauritania will compete, but I want to take this moment to raise the case of Biram Dah Ould Abeid and other human rights defenders in Mauritania.
Mr. Biram Dah Ould Abeid works tirelessly for the abolition of slavery in Mauritania. I am profoundly disturbed to learn that slavery persists in 2012 in Mauritania and am thankful for the work of Biram Dah Ould Abeid and his colleagues to end this scourge. I am sure you will agree that slavery has no place in any society. However, Biram Dah Ould Abeid has faced ongoing harassment for his work and is currently facing a trial on the dubious charges of ‘threatening state security’ for taking a dramatic public relations action to highlight the problem of institutional support for slavery from certain sectors in the country. Surely, the authorities in Mauritania should be working to seek out the perpetrators of the slave trade and not target those who are working for the freedom and liberation of their fellow citizens and human beings.
It is profoundly shocking that slavery continues to exist in our world today, and is outrageous that someone who has dedicated his life to ending the trafficking of fellow humans is jailed as a consequence of his legitimate work. I strongly urge you and your government to take immediate measures to release Biram Dah Ould Abeid and allow him to freely work to end this scourge on Mauritanian society.
On this occasion of the Olympics, which brings together athletes from around the world in a spirit of competition meant to bring out the best in each other and to share in excellence, I hope that Mauritania can extend the Olympic principles to human rights defenders like Mr. Ould Abeid back at home.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
cc: Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Mah, President, National Olympic Committee of Mauritania
27 July 2012
HE Khaled bin Khilal Al-Mawali
Chairman of the Majlis A’Shura
Majlis A’Shura
PO Box 981
PC 111 Central Post
Muscat
Sultanate of Oman
Your Excellency:
As the London 2012 Olympics is now underway, I am writing to you to express my concern about Omani human rights defender Ms. Habiba Ali Al-Hinai. I am sure you are eagerly anticipating the 8th Olympiad in which Oman will compete, but I want to take this moment to raise the case of Hiba Al-Hinai and other human rights defenders in Oman.
Hiba Al-Hinai is a former athlete and currently is a leading woman human rights defender working to protect the rights of fellow Omanis. As a result of her work, Hiba Al-Hinai has faced harassment and pressure from the authorities, and was arrested last month for going to support and document the conditions of striking workers at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and Oxy Oman, who were demanding better wages, risk allowance and pensions. I am disturbed to learn that Hiba Al-Hinai and other human rights defenders are facing an escalating campaign targeting them for their peaceful work on behalf of others in Oman.
I urge the Omani government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and protection of human rights defenders, and to decriminalize their activity, which is rooted in international standards of freedom of expression. If there is one thing that the events of the last 18 months in the Arab world have shown, it is that governments unwilling to address the legitimate concerns of their people regarding fundamental rights are bound to face increasing opposition and loss of legitimacy. The Omani government has a responsibility to ensure that all citizens, including Habiba Al-Hinai and her human rights defenders colleagues can work in an environment free of fear of repression or reprisal.
On this occasion of the Olympics, which brings together athletes from around the world in a spirit of competition meant to bring out the best in each other and to share in excellence, I hope that Oman can extend the Olympic principles to human rights defenders like Hiba Al-Hinai back at home.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
cc: Mr. Ali Masoud Al-Sunaidy cc: The Hon. Mohammed Abdullah Masoud Al Riyamy
27 July 2012
Mr. Ashok Gehlot
Chief Minister
Rajasthan
8, Civil Lines
Jaipur 302006 (Raj.)
India
Dear Mr. Gehlot:
As the London 2012 Olympics is now underway, I am writing to you to express my concern about Indian human rights defender Ms. Kavita Srivastava. I am sure you are eagerly anticipating the 23rd Olympiad in which India will compete, but I want to take this moment to raise the case of Kavita Srivastava and other human rights defenders in India.
Ms. Kavita Srivastava is the President of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties and has worked tirelessly for years on behalf of the poor and minorities in India, at great personal risk and sacrifice. Recently, police raided her home on the pretext of searching for wanted Maoists. Nothing was found in her home, but I believe this practice of harassment and intimidation towards Kavita Srivastava is meant to stop her human rights work.
I believe your office should take steps to ensure that further harassment and intimidation of Kavita Srivastava and other human rights defenders in Rajasthan does not occur, particularly by the security forces. Human rights defenders in India have been at the forefront of ensuring some of the most important changes in Indian society and it is imperative that they are able to work in an environment free of fear and intimidation. Your office can certainly make a difference.
On this occasion of the Olympics, which brings together athletes from around the world in a spirit of competition meant to bring out the best in each other and to share in excellence, I hope that India can extend the Olympic principles to human rights defenders like Ms. Srivastava back at home.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
cc: Professor Vijay Kumar Malhotra, President, Indian Olympic Committee
27 July 2012
Ms. Leila De Lima
Secretary of Justice
Department of Justice
Padre Faura Street
Ermita
Manila
Philippines
Dear Ms. De Lima:
As the London 2012 Olympics is now underway, I am writing to you to express my concern about Philippine human rights defender Mr. Temogen “Cocoy” Tulawie. I am sure you are eagerly anticipating the 20th Olympiad in which the Philippines will compete, but I want to take this moment to raise the case of Temogen Tulawie and other human rights defenders in the Philippines.
Mr. Temogen Tulawie is a member of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society and Baugbog where he documented cases of human rights violations in the province of Sulu. He is also a member of the Council of Elders of the Concerned Citizens of Sulu and was vocal against the declaration of a state of emergency in Sulu following the 20 September 2009 bombing on Eid El Fitr. He also opposed Governor Abdusakur Tan’s creation of a Civilian Emergency Force which Temogen Tulawie termed a “private army.” Temogen Tulawie was subsequently brought up on charges related to another terrorist bombing at the Zamboanga City Airport in August 2010, in what appears to be an attempt by the Sulu authorities to frame Temogen Tulawie.
I urge your office to take immediate steps to ensure that due process and justice is carried out in this case, by investigating the validity of charges and the judicial procedure in this case. Reports in the media and by international organizations suggest that there is influence on local judicial officials in this case against Temogen Tulawie and this concern must be addressed by your office.
On this occasion of the Olympics, which brings together athletes from around the world in a spirit of competition meant to bring out the best in each other and to share in excellence, I hope that the Philippines can extend the Olympic principles to human rights defenders like Temogen Tulawie back at home.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
cc: Mr. José Cojuangco, Jr., President Olympic Committee of the Philippines
27 July 2012
Hon. Obert Gutu
Deputy Minister of Justice & Legal Affairs
Harare
Zimbabwe
Dear Mr. Gutu:
As the London 2012 Olympics is now underway, I am writing to you to express my concern about Zimbabwe human rights defender Ms. Magodonga Mahlangu. I am sure you are eagerly anticipating the 12th Olympiad in which Zimbabwe will compete, but I want to take this moment to raise the case of Magodonga Mahlangu and other human rights defenders in Zimbabwe.
Magodonga Mahlangu is as well-known and internationally respected human rights defender, and a founder of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA). Over the years, Magodonga Mahlangu and her colleagues have faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities, including spending many nights in jail. Recently Magodonga Mahlangu was one over 100 women arrested in a sweep by security forces for her participation in peaceful protests calling for the release of a draft constitution. Magodonga Mahlangu and WOZA’s activities are aimed at improving the lives of all Zimbabweans and ensuring their full political, economic and social rights are respected. It remains shocking that after so many years of harassment and intimidation that the Zimbabwean authorities continue to go after human rights defenders like Magodonga Mahlangu.
I am deeply concerned about the ongoing harassment and targeting of Magodonga Mahlangu and her colleagues at WOZA, as well as other human rights defenders in Zimbabwe. There are many who are hoping that your country can take steps to resolve internal political conflicts, but even as that process is underway, we believe that human rights defenders must be protected and free from the kind of ongoing mistreatment from the government.
On this occasion of the Olympics, which brings together athletes from around the world in a spirit of competition meant to bring out the best in each other and to share in excellence, I hope that Zimbabwe can extend the Olympic principles to human rights defenders like Magodonga Mahlangue back at home.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
cc: Mr Admire Masenda, President, Zimbabwe Olympic Committee
27 July 2012
Mr. Nicolas Maduro Moros
Vice President of the Presidential Council of Ministers & Minister of Foreign Relations
Avenida Urdaneta
Torre MRE. 1010
Caracas
Venezuela
Dear Mr. Maduro:
As the London 2012 Olympics is now underway, I am writing to you to express my concern about Venezuelan human rights defender Ms Marianela Sanchez Ortiz. I am sure you are eagerly anticipating the 17th Olympiad in which Venezuela will compete, but I want to take this moment to raise the case of Marianela Sanchez and other human rights defenders in Venezuela.
Marianela Sanchez is a lawyer and human rights defender working as Legal Coordinator in the Observatorio Venezolano de Prisiones – OVP (Venezuelan Prisons Observatory). The OVP documents violations against prison detainees in Venezuela, and promotes prisoners rights. As has been recently documented by media reports, as well as national and international organizations, the conditions in Venezuela’s prisons are horrifying. In addition to poor conditions and lack of fundamental rights for the inmates, there is a great risk of violence and death within the walls of the facilities. As a result of her work to speak out on these issues, Marianela Sanchez faces ongoing harassment and intimidation, including death threats issued against her family. I am saddened to learn of this state of affairs in Venezuela's prisons and shocked that human rights defenders such as Marianela Sanchez must fear for their lives because of their work on behalf of others. I press upon you to insist that the Venezuelan authorities take steps to ensure the rights of prisoners and better prison conditions, and to ensure for the safety and security of human rights defenders.
I urge your office and the government of Venezuela to take immediate measures to ensure the protection of Marianela Sánchez, her family and other human rights defenders who are facing threats and attacks on account of their legitimate, peaceful work. I believe that Venezuelan society can benefit from the work of those who seek to protect the rights of their fellow citizens and ensure accountability for failing institutions.
On this occasion of the Olympics, which brings together athletes from around the world in a spirit of competition meant to bring out the best in each other and to share in excellence, I hope that Venezuela can extend the Olympic principles to human rights defenders like Marianela Sanchez back at home.
Many thanks for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
cc: Professor Eduardo Alvarez Camacho, President, Venezuelan Olympic Committee