Human Rights Action Update Nov. 6-12

Miriam, human rights defender, 1947-2012

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

Indigenous tribes do not simply die out. They are killed by the actions of so-called civilized nations. Survival International provides a long list of cases in which a letter from you can and will make a difference. Please open this link and write at least one letter. This link will be a permanent feature on our blog and we would be grateful if you gave it a bit of attention each week. We suggest going down the list in the order given. The letters are pre-written for you. All you need to do is send them. It would be nice also if a donation to Survival International could be forthcoming.

UZBEKISTAN 

After being abducted in Russia and forcibly returned to Uzbekistan, refugee Mirsobir Khamidkariev faces 15 years in prison on extremism charges. There are credible allegations that he was tortured in detention in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and concerns in relation to the fairness of his trial. He is at risk of being subjected to further torture and other ill-treatment. Please act on his behalf.

UKRAINE 

According to an anonymous source newspaper editor Sergei Dolgov, who has been missing since his abduction by armed men in June, in Mariupol, eastern Ukraine, is held in a military base and suffering from serious health issues. His wife fears for his life. Please call for his release.

UNITED STATES 

Leon Taylor, a 56-year-old African-American man, is scheduled to be executed in Missouri on 19 November. He was convicted in 1995 of a murder committed in 1994. There are serious questions about the role of race in his case. Please call for commutation of the death sentence since it appears to have racist overtones.

TURKEY 

The struggle for union representation at Deva Holdings, the large pharmaceutical company continues.  The Turkish Labor Ministry ordered Deva Holdings to recognize the union and start collective bargaining.  Despite the order,  Deva ignored the government and instead sacked even more workers who were union activists. Please click to join the protest.