http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=6oJCLQPAJiJUG&b=6645049&aid=517749&msource=W1208EAIAR3
Dear Tracy,
We're used to countries with shameful records on human rights not being thrilled to see us when we show up at their doors. But even though we had a scheduled meeting at the Russian embassy on Tuesday to discuss human rights in Russia, we received one of the most unfriendly welcomes we have ever seen!
Thanks to you, we were armed with more than 70,000 petitions calling for the immediate release of the three imprisoned members of Pussy Riot, Maria Alekhina, Ekaterina Samutsevich and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova. But after our delegation raised Amnesty's concerns about freedom of expression in Russia, one of the embassy officials abruptly ended the meeting and stormed off of the embassy grounds to dump your petitions on the sidewalk.
Make no mistake: This is not a conversation that Russian authorities want to have. But thanks to you and everyone who has raised their voices to sound the alarm, this is a conversation they now must have.
Tomorrow, a court will rule on the fate of Pussy Riot. Masha, Nadia and Maria, who are being detained for their peaceful performance of a protest song in a cathedral, could very well be carted off to a labor camp in Siberia where they will be at risk of rape and other abuses.
There is no time left to lose. Even if you've sent 1, 5 or 10 messages before, please keep sending emails to Russian officials.
Tell them to free Pussy Riot! Russian officials can refuse your petitions all they want, but we have seen first hand they are feeling the pressure. For Masha, Nadia and Maria -- and for the rights of all Russians to express themselves freely - let's make sure they keep hearing us.
Turn up the volume --
free Pussy Riot! Michelle A. Ringuette
Chief of Campaigns & Programs
Amnesty International USA
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