Security forces shot and killed scores of civilians and arrested and tortured hundreds of others. One police officer was killed by demonstrators. Most of those arrested were released on bail to await possible trial on charges of illegally demonstrating, but at least 20 remain in detention on the charge of murdering the police officer. An appeal from you to the authorities can help the people whose stories are told here. You can help free a prisoner of conscience, stop torture, even prevent an execution.
Every appeal counts.
Our files contain many letters from prisoners who have been released or spared the agony of torture as a direct result of Amnesty pressure. Write on the assumption that the government is open to reason and discussion. Keep your letter brief, polite and factual. Limit yourself to following the instructions given by Amnesty in each case. Don't discuss ideology or politics.