Thank you for taking action for Azza Suleiman
Help us share her story on Women's Day
Your voice is sending a clear message to authorities in Egypt that it's not okay to turn a blind eye to violence committed against women by security officials. Thank you!
Tens of thousands of messages, letters and signatures like yours are putting pressure on Egyptian officials, as Amnesty International members in 80 countries have rallied around Azza since December 10, International Human Rights Day, when Azza's case was featured as a worldwide priority.
This is an encouraging start to a campaign that must end with success.
Right now, I'm honoured to share with you some words of gratitude from Azza in response to the overwhelming support she has received from people like you:
''I only have faith in people, whether in Egypt or abroad, to achieve change… We have suffered a lot in the past two years and faced a lot: tear gas, shotgun pellets, beatings, sleeping in the cold outside…One thing that gives us hope is support and solidarity from regular people. People are the only impetus for change. Government will not improve or do anything unless there is pressure from people ... the amount of messages I received (from AI members and activists) gives me a lot of hope despite all the challenges.''
-Azza Suleiman, Egypt
One of our campaigners, Clare Fermont, had the privilege of interviewing this remarkable woman, and I'd like to invite you to read more about Azza's personal story and what has transpired since the terrible day of her confrontation with the police: Read "Fighting Back", Amnesty International's interview with Azza Suleiman.
After reading her words, I'm sure you share my sense of awe at the courage she has shown
in the face of incredible adversity.
Tomorrow, March 8, is International Women's Day. Will you share the story of Azza's courage with your friends, and ask if they'll join you on Women's Day in speaking out for Azza?
This action on behalf of Azza Suleiman comes at a volatile moment in the history of Egypt and the region, as citizens continue to demand desperately needed human rights reform. It would be a terrible step backward for women's rights if security officials involved in this brutal beating go unpunished. This is a campaign we must win!
To learn more about how Amnesty is working to defend women's rights in Egypt, I invite you to follow some of our recent media releases and human rights reports on Egypt:
- Video blog: Sexual attacks on women in Egypt
- Media brief: Impunity fuels sexual violence
- News Release: Egypt: Uprising commemoration unleashes death and destruction
With your support, we'll create a better world for women - and justice for brave women like Azza Suleiman - if we rally around her and let people in positions of authority know that we won't be silent!
Thank you for expressing your concern for Azza Suleiman.
Sincerely,
Alex Neve
Amnesty International Canada
P.S.: Here's a link to the action you signed, if you'd like to pass it along to others. Amnesty International's urgent call for an investigation into the beating of Azza
P.P.S. Your support for Amnesty International helps us mobilize global action for Azza, and to conduct high-level research missions to the region and maintain a vital research presence in Egypt and the Middle East.
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