Do letters make a difference?
There have been numerous releases of people whose cases featured as Amnesty International
Worldwide Appeals in recent years. [Photos by kind permission of Amnesty International.]
Fathimath Nisreen was released from detention in the Maldives on 9 May 2005 when
she was granted a presidential amnesty. On her release she said:
“I am really grateful. International pressure was the main reason for my release
and I know that Amnesty played a huge role. I know that Amnesty groups and other
well-wishers have been sending a lot of letters about me, apparently thousands of
letters. I want to say thank you to you and everyone else at Amnesty who helped
me.”
Mexican prisoner of conscience and environmental activist, Felipe Arreaga Sánchez,
was released on 15 September 2005 after more than 10 months in prison. Following
his release, he thanked national and international human rights organizations for
their support. He said that during all the time he was in prison he never felt alone
as the manifestations of support never ceased.
Ali-Salem Talek was released from prison in Morocco in January 2004, along with
more than 20 other political prisoners. On his release, he said "I am very grateful
for all the letters.. from AI members. Knowing of AI's campaign has given me strength
during my detention and to carry on my work as a human rights activist. This campaign
led directly to my release."
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