Pussy Riot - your messages of support
It's only been a few days since three members of Pussy Riot were sentenced to two years each in prison, but here at Amnesty we’re feeling encouraged. And that's thanks to you. We've received an unbelievable number of messages from the thousands of you who have taken time to show them support in your own words. It's not often that every person who supports a campaign responds in such a powerful and personal way, but it just goes to show how strongly people feel.
Outrage, reassurance, love, strength, sympathy: all these and more are flocking in to our inbox, and it’s not slowing down. Here are a few examples to lift your spirits. It’s not too late to get your message in too!
And here are two things you can do straight away to help the campaign.
Your messages
I find it impossible to be silent in the face of such monstrous injustice and preposterous tyranny. And that’s the point. Putin hasn’t made a monster of himself. He has made a fool of himself.
Stephen Fry - read his full message
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has"
Be proud xxx
Julie Clark
IT'S OUTRAGEOUS
via our SMS action network
I'm from Mexico and we're also fighting the unfair system that tries to buy Mexico's presidency manipulating the poorest. You're such an example of strength for us and everybody fighting around the world. I admire you very much, don't let them break you, we're all one voice and we will not forget about you.
Liliana Martinez
My name is Rasmus and I'm 13 soon 14, I'm a punk rocker from Denmark I am quite shocked that they got locked up. They had the courage to say that this system is broken and corupted. Putin fears them and he has a reason. Stay strong fellow punx you'll get out eventually and I will not give up!
Rasmus Emil Hjorth
Pussy Riot we are all by your side and we will keep fighting for your release. You are brave bright and you rock!
via our SMS action network
I'm just an ordinary, 39 year old guy who works in marketing. I'm a Christian. I'm not offended by what you did. In fact, I believe God is on your side. I have changed my Facebook image to a picture of you. I have done the same on Twitter. I am following your story and will keep reminding everyone I know about it.
Phil Smith
Your grace and eloquence under pressure really does speak volumes about your characters and does everything to further denounce those who oppress you.
Karen Pain
with love
via our SMS action network
I read your closing statements; they were hugely inspiring. Your inner strength is incredible...and indeed your inner freedom, despite your physical imprisonment, is clear to see. Stay strong; smile when you can.
Naomi Wilcox
Our blogs are written by Amnesty International staff, volunteers and other interested individuals, to encourage debate around human rights issues. They do not necessarily represent the views of Amnesty International.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr8Dz8VSDXE
The Pussy Riot campaign is turning into an epidemic of hate crime against Christians. Quite frankly, Amnesty should desist from appearing to condone the targeting of innocent people as they go about their devotions. The right to worship without harassment is guaranteed by treaty and convention.
Gregory, I have read numerous blogs with comments from yourself. You seem to consistantly troll Amnesty staff bloggers with your ridiculous views, this being no exception. Although at first I thought there was a fragment of merit to some of the arguements you presented, I now see that your continued harassment of bloggers and their blogs is nothing more than a cry for attention.
Pussy Riot were categorically standing up for Freedom Of Expression, and although they offended worshippers, the fact that you uphold a Putin view that these women deserve even a fraction of the sentance/treatment that they are receiving, makes me almost pity you, and your skewed morals.
Please desist from your inane rants.
There are no Article 19 issues here, nor is there a single case @ ECHR which decided in favor of the Amnesty argument. So, no case law precedents. Amnesty has yet to publish the Article 19 versus Article 18 reasoning. I have seen the docs Amnesty gave to the Russians, and they are nonsense. It is a bogus campaign is the short summary. Amnesty have been _very_ deceptive is another observation.
3 comments