On Monday 12th December the Cardiff Amnesty group held its annual “Greetings Card Campaign” meeting at Chapter Arts Centre. At this time of year we write to those whose rights are being abused. It only takes a few minutes to send a card or but for someone facing oppression or unjustly imprisoned they are often invaluable.
This year the plight of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was brought home to the group as members of her family attended the meeting. Nazanin was detained on the 3rd April 2016 by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard after a holiday visiting her family in Iran. Nazanin’s two-year-old daughter, Gabriella, is also prevented from leaving the country. Her case is now an Amnesty “Urgent Action” campaigning matter. More information can be found here: http://www.amnestyusa.org/get-involved/take-action-now/urgent-action-update-prisoner-of-conscience-not-allowed-visits-from-daughter-iran-ua-11716-0
In the New Year a letter will be sent to the Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson MP, urging the UK government to intervene in this ongoing miscarriage of justice. The cross-party letter will petition the Foreign Secretary to do more for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, and two other duel nationality British citizens, Kamal Foroughi and Roya Nobakht unjustly imprisoned in Iran.
We would urge Cardiff Amnesty supporters to contact their local MPs on this matter if their representatives have not already signed the letter. The latest list of those MPs who have pledged their support can be found here: www.tulipsiddiq.com/ freenazanin-letter-to-boris- johnson-from-mps-and-peers/ and the text of the letter here:
During the meeting Nazanin’s sister-in-law, Rebecca Ratcliffe, said “Naz’s unjust arrest and continued detention over the past 9 months has been devastating for her and our family, especially as our niece, Gabriella, is stranded in Iran without either parent. Since going public about her case, we have had amazing support from friends and strangers. This kindness has at times been overwhelming and has meant so much to our family. It gives us hope. However Nazanin is struggling. She hasn’t been able to feel this support and her spirits are crushed. Amnesty’s #write4rights campaign has the power to change that and bring that kindness to her cell door. A simple letter, doesn’t have to be long, and can make a world of difference to her. Please, if you have the time, considering writing to her and help bring her back to the light.”
To show your solidarity with Nazanin we would also ask you to sign this petition: https://www.change.org/p/free-nazanin-ratcliffe
AmnestyCardiff.org 