Dr Muchtar Pakpahan is greeted with joy outside Cipinang prison, Indonesia. Amnesty International members had written letters demanding Muchtar s release. As a trade union leader he was jailed for four years for 'inciting' others to disobey the government during demonstrations. Despite suffering poor health in detention he was denied adequate medical care. It is vital to Amnesty's work that we raise public awareness of human rights issues.
Press releases are how journalists are used to receiving a lot of their information.
A press release makes an impact by announcing an event in a professional manner. It contains your key messages and facts and so makes it easier for the journalist to write a story. Hearing of continuing human rights abuses going on around the world can leave you feeling overwhelmed and powerless. But as a supporter of Amnesty you shouldn't feel that way. There are over one million members of Amnesty International throughout the world all doing something to make a difference - writing letters, lobbying governments, holding demonstrations and raising awareness through fundraising or campaigning activities.