Friday, September 26, 2008

To: info@pmo.gov.bd; devasish59@yahoo.com; minister@bd.com

Cc: bangla@rogers.com; bma@aitlbd.net

Dear Chief Adviser,

Rang Lai Mro, the imprisoned head of a community of indigenous Mro people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, has a serious heart condition that requires medical attention. Rang Lai Mro is also the head of a local NGO, Mrochet, that works to improve the facilities available to the Mro people in the region. Please allow Rang Lai Mro to receive immediately the appropriate medical attention in a hospital equipped to provide specialist treatment for his condition.

I am particularly concerned, that he has been beaten by army officers in custody at the local army headquarters (Bandarban Cantonment) and is at risk of further torture.

Sincerely and Respectfully,

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Ivan is not Kader

I am very ashamed. After the protest today, while waiting for the Macdonald campus shuttle, I explained that I had just been to a protest. I said this to an esteemed lecturer, who I believe is the director of the Agricultural program at McGill's Macdonald Campus. Granted, I had woken up very early. And had nothing to eat or drink. But for some reason I used the name of Abdelkader instead of Ivan. God help me: Ivan Apaolaza Sancho is not Abdelkader Belaouni.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

To: info@gouexecutive.net

Cc: info@justice.go.ug; uhc@ugandahighcommission.com; uhrc@uhrc.ug
Subject: release Oundo George and Kiiza

Your Excellency,

Please release Oundo George and Kiiza immediately. They are currently detained without charge at Nabweru Police Post and have not been brought before a court within the constitutional limit of 48 hours. They are prisoners of conscience, who have been arrested solely for their gender identity. I am very affected by the trouble that they are in, my thoughts are with them.

I am concerned for the health of Oundo George. He is a diabetic and requires urgent medical attention for his condition.

Please tell me that Oundo George and Kiiza will not be tortured or ill-treated, and that they will be given prompt access to their families and lawyers. The Ugandan government must end the police harassment and wrongful detention of LGBT human rights defenders.

Sincerely and Respectfully,

Wednesday, September 10, 2008