Dear John,

In just a few days, 12 Egyptian men are scheduled to die. The men, including leaders and activists from the 2011 revolution and 2013 anti-coup protests, were sentenced in 2018. Egypt’s highest appeals court just upheld their death sentence a few days ago. They were convinced in grossly unfair mass trials that make a mockery of justice. It is outrageous that Egypt's court upheld their death sentences.

It is urgent that we take action! Call on the State Department to do everything they can to stop the executions by the Sisi regime! 

These men were convicted of alleged crimes relating to their participation in peaceful sit-ins in Raba’a Square opposing the military coup of 2013—protests that ended in the regime’s massacre of hundreds of protesters. 

The Egyptian government has already executed 51 people so far this year. It has been using the ultimate punishment, the death penalty, against political opponents. According to Amnesty International, “These ruthless death sentences, which were handed down in 2018 after a grossly unfair mass trial, are a stain on the reputation of Egypt’s highest appeals court and cast a dark shadow over the country’s entire justice system.”

The U.S. should have tremendous influence in Egypt, since it is the second largest recipient of U.S. military aid, getting $1.3 billion a year. The Biden administration and Congress must use this leverage. Tell the State Department to demand that the Egyptian government immediately commute the death sentences for these 12 men! 

Thank you for joining us in the struggle to free these men. Please share the petition with a friend or two! Time is of the essence. 

Toward peace, 
Ariel, Medea, Ally, Ann, Carley, Ciara, Cody, Danaka, Emily, Farida, Grace, Jodie, Kelly, Leila, Leonardo, Madison, Mary, Marcy, Michelle, Moses, Nancy, Paki, Sana, and Teri

P.S. CODEPINK is introducing our very new Palestine T-Shirts! Palestinians need your support now more than ever. Show your support for Palestine loud and proud by wearing one! It’s perfect for any anti-apartheid activist! Buy them here!