Skip to main content

WISH THIS IMPRISONED ACTIVIST A HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Freedom of Expression


Ahmed Mansoor — known as the last human rights defender in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before he was detained in March 2017 — is facing a 10-year jail sentence for speaking out on social media about human rights violations in his country. He is being held in solitary confinement, with no bed or running water, and has faced beatings and other forms of abuse. He is currently protesting these conditions through a hunger strike, still fighting in whatever ways he can for fundamental rights. On October 22, Ahmed will spend his 50th birthday behind bars, but we are letting him know he is not alone. Here’s how you can help:
  1. Sign Ahmed’s birthday card. Access Now and our partners around the world are gathering messages of support for Ahmed. You can send your note on this page, and we’ll present them at the UAE embassy for delivery. You can also share your #BirthdayWishes4Ahmed on social media.
  2. Tell the UAE government to #FreeAhmed. Add your voice to the global call for the immediate release of Ahmed Mansoor and all other prisoners of conscience by tweeting at UAE President @MohamedBinZayed and Prime Minister @HHShkMohd.
  3. Join a protest. If you are in London, New York, Washington, D.C., or Toronto, you can join us and our partners in person outside UAE government offices to demand Ahmed’s release.
Ahmed’s case is a heartbreaking example of the threats bloggers and journalists face in the UAE and around the world. Before his arrest in 2017, he was subject to a series of government hacking attempts using elite spyware from surveillance-tech producer NSO Group, earning him the nickname of “the million dollar dissident.”
UAE leaders have declared 2019 the “Year of Tolerance,” promoting diversity, pluralism, openness, and dialogue. The country is also preparing to host the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, which bills itself as a place to “build a better world” and showcase “the UAE’s values of inclusion, tolerance and cooperation.” This is an important opportunity for the country to reverse course on its imprisonment of human rights defenders like Ahmed Mansoor, and we need to hold them accountable to these commitments.
More than 40 civil society organizations from around the world are working together for Ahmed’s release. Ahmed has dedicated his life to defending the rights of others, speaking out even when it cost him his freedom. Now we ask you to join us in speaking out for him.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Breaking the Cycle: Confronting Gender-Based Violence and Drug Abuse in Bamenda

In a bid to tackle the pressing issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and drug abuse, the "Adjust for Me" project, implemented by Common Action for Gender Development (COMAGEND), has been making strides in the Ntarikon 2 community, Bamenda. The project, which aims to raise awareness and educate the community on the causes, consequences, and prevention of GBV and drug abuse, has been well-received by community members. According to Nde Christopher, a community spokesperson trained within the context of the project, the initiative has been instrumental in sensitizing the community on the ills of GBV and drug abuse. "We have organized door-to-door sensitization efforts, reaching many community members and educating them on the importance of addressing GBV and drug abuse," Christopher explained. The project has also provided a platform for community members to share their experiences and concerns regarding GBV and drug abuse. Swirri Adeline, a community member who parti...

Traditional Leaders Urge Government to Address Drug Abuse in Ntarikon 2 Community

On November 20, 2024, community spokespeople from the Adjust for Me project engaged religious and traditional leaders in an open discussion during a door-to-door sensitization campaign in Ntarikon 2. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the growing concerns of drug abuse and gender-based violence (GBV) within the community. Through this dialogue, the project sought to educate both youths and religious leaders on the dangers of substance abuse and to address how gender-based violence can be reduced in both the church and local communities. Many religious leaders expressed that while some progress has been made, the increasing prevalence of drug abuse among young people remains a pressing concern. "Our youths are falling victim to drugs, and it's taking a toll on their health, well-being, and futures," one community leader remarked. The discussion linked the rise in drug abuse to the economic challenges and ongoing socio-political unrest that have left many youths ...

BAMENDA CITY COUNCIL FOSTERS COLLABORATION AND UNITY WITH TRADE UNIONS.

The collaboration between the Bamenda City Council and trade unions signifies a powerful alliance that will drive positive change and ensure the well-being of the city's residents. By working hand in hand, they will create an environment of unity, cooperation, and progress, where the voices and rights of the workers are protected and valued. This partnership underscores the significance of collective action in achieving shared objectives and emphasizes the commitment to the city's development. Through their joint efforts, the city council and trade unions will strive to improve the quality of life, foster economic growth, and effectively address the needs of the community.  Mr. Fai Nestor President of Mezam Divisional Union of Trade Unions . The commitment to lay the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous Bamenda, was taken this 12th day of December 2023 in what is know as the Bamenda declaration, to pave the way for a brighter future for Bamenda, where everyone can thri...