Human Rights Action Update August 1-7

Miriam, human rights defender, 1947-2012

MEXICO 
A group of relatives of the disappeared in Querétaro state, including Brenda Rangel Ortiz, have been intimidated for demanding a meeting with state authorities. The authorities are dragging their feet on the investigation of the disappearance of  Héctor Rangel Ortiz, who was forcibly disappeared in the state of Coahuila in November 2009, with the collusion of local police. Please act to support the relatives of the victims.
HAITI
Members of GADES, an organization of women human rights defenders in Haiti, have received threats following the recent sentencing of a police officer for the rape of an underage boy. The organization has been supporting the victim and his family throughout the legal process. The officer was given a ten year sentence and his lawyer threatened  the organization and its coordiantor stating that they would face repercussions if his client was sentenced. The police are not providing protection despite death threats. Please join the protest.

INDIA
Four men and two women are at risk of imminent execution in India after their mercy pleas were rejected by the President. They could be executed at any time. While their crimes are indeed heinous, there is no place in civilized society for the death penalty. Please call for commutation of their sentences to prison terms.

ISRAEL/PALESTINE 
Union busting is going on at the Zarfati garage in Mishor Adumim with the connivance of the police, using trumped up security charges against the chair of the workers' committee.
Please join the protest.