A landmark meeting – after 18 months we dared to meet in person, and it did give a much better feeling than Zoom or Teams!
Aser Mohamed, then a child of 14, was first arrested, tortured and imprisoned in 2016 in Egypt. He has since been sentenced to 10 years for membership of the banned Muslim Brotherhood. We asked for his immediate release and an investigation into his treatment. We signed letters and created doves of peace to send on his behalf to the Egyptian Ambassador to London, and to President Al Sisi of Egypt.
The general situation in Egypt remains threatening. 12 men are facing the death penalty for actions in 2013; women influencers are being convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms. However a major piece of good news is that all charges against Human Rights lawyer Azza Soliman have been dropped, and her travel ban lifted.
We discussed the dangerous situation in Afghanistan, and how to mobilise opinion and effective action from the UK Government in rescuing and giving sanctuary to Afghans in danger.
In India there have been no developments in the BK16 human rights defenders, but a heartening message has come to the mid-Devon group from one of them, Vernon Gonsalves, a 61 year old writer, professor and trade union activist:
“Heartfelt thanks for the cards and letters of solidarity you have been sending. Words are indeed powerful means of support – and don’t we all need support always – though I must say we have never, through these 3 years, been allowed to feel alone. It’s persons like you who keep reminding us that the path towards justice may be long, but won’t be lonely.”
The 3 part ITV series on the Stephen Lawrence case was recommended – ‘Stephen’, a drama about Doreen and Neville Lawrence’s crusade to achieve justice for their son.
We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Friends Meeting House in Bath Place – visitors always welcome. Email: amnestytaunton@gmail.com for further details. Follow us too on Facebook and at amnestytaunton.com
Amnesty International Taunton Local Group 
great to see you all looking activistic as ever !
best greetings Martin