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Dear John,
Not only is the right to peacefully protest in the U.S. under assault — the right of the press to cover these protests is, as well. Right now, prosecutors in Iowa are preparing their case against Andrea Sahouri, a reporter for the Des Moines Register, after she was arrested by police while covering a Black Lives Matter protest in May.
We know you don't live in Iowa. But we need your voice — to show prosecutors there — that the nation is watching.
Tell Iowa prosecutors: Dismiss all charges against journalist Andrea Sahouri immediately. We’ll send your message straight to the county prosecutors who are bringing this case.
Andrea was pepper sprayed, cuffed in zip ties, and detained for three hours — despite repeatedly identifying herself as a reporter. She told Amnesty, “My entire face and eyes were burning, and I was crying out in pain.” She is now facing charges for the failure to disperse, and for interference with official acts under Iowa Law.
John, Andrea’s story is just one case among 125 human rights violations documented in our new report, The World Is Watching: Mass Violations By U.S. Police Of Black Lives Matter Protesters’ Rights. During the two weeks from May 26th to June 5th, our team of researchers documented law enforcement in 40 states beating protesters, journalists, legal observers, and medics. We documented the misuse of tear gas and pepper spray, and the inappropriate — and at times indiscriminate — firing of kinetic impact projectiles, including sponge rounds and rubber bullets.
We’re demanding accountability for the violations, and for the protection of protesters and journalists — and we need your voice with us right now. Add your name to our firm message to Iowa prosecutors: Reporting is NOT a crime. Drop these charges NOW »
John, Amnesty has been protecting people wherever justice, freedom, rights, and dignity are denied for nearly sixty years. We fight — and we win — by investigating and exposing abuses of human rights, and mobilizing a worldwide movement to demand change. This approach works because people like you stand up and speak out against injustice.
Right now, let’s make sure a strong message is sent to these prosecutors: an outcry from defenders of human rights across the country and around the world. Please — act now to protect freedom of the press by demanding Andrea’s charges be dropped.
Thank you, as always, for your activism and commitment.
Sincerely,
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