Meeting minutes

Amnesty International(UK) Norwich Group

21st December 2011 Minutes

Chair drew our attention to the death of Vaclav Havel, President of Czech Republic, founder member of Charter 77.

Apologies Louise, Carl, 17 people present

Newsclips

Jim drew our attention to the continuing human rights abuses, particularly the disappearance of large numbers of individuals, in Balochistan, a province of Pakistan. In the capital Quetta a hunger strike and a press conference was organised for 10 December to raise the voices of those families affected. In the last year 220 bodies have been found.

Matters arising from November open meeting

Write for Rights event – Photos and quotes taken for group website. Actress Matilda Zeigler, Rosalind and Simon Wright MP, Councillor Lesley Grahame and local supporters came along.

Monthly Action

Azerbaijan - Jabbar Savalan - persecuted for messages posted on Facebook calling for protests against the government. His case is included in the Write for Rights campaign and Greeting Card Campaign.

Information from AIUK

Shaker Amer’s health is getting worse. He has been in Guantanamo for 10 years.

A Draft letter is available through Amnesty and Reprieve.

Download a copy of the Letter from Amnesty UK.

Finances

£5,000 will be sent to AIUK as group contribution. Joanna will contact database and ask for donations in lieu of membership fee. David H agreed we could use his home address for cheques.

Events

Quiz and Dips 4 February 7.15 for 7.30 St Thomas Church Hall Earlham Road

Dates for the diary

8th March 2012 - 6.30pm - Shami Chakrabarti - Thomas Paine Centre at the UEA

AOB

Lesley thanked the people who helped in the Charity Christmas card shop. We are looking for organiser for next year.

Date next meeting: Wednesday 18th January 2012 - 7.30pm - All are Welcome

Downloads

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