July 14 was also the second anniversary of the July 14, 2008 ICC decision to issue an arrest warrant against the Sudanese President al-Bashir for his role in orchestrating and perpetrating war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity in Darfur.
At times standing in the rain in front of the White House in Washington DC, human rights groups demanded that the U.S. government take responsibility for it influence as a world superpower to bring Omar Al-Bashir to justice. The protesters chanted “Peace and Justice in Darfur,” “Al-Bashir to the ICC,” “War Criminals to the ICC,” and “Peace and Justice in Sudan – Yes We Can,” and they urged President Obama, Vice President Biden, and U.S. Sudan Envoy General Scott Gration to take serious steps against the genocide of the Omar Al-Bashir government.
Africa Action protesters provided a banner calling for an end “global apartheid,” and the Damanga coalition’s banner called for “Freedom for Darfur.” R.E.A.L had placards calling for “Justice and Human Rights for Darfur” and “Peace in Sudan Begins with Justice.”
Damanga Leader Mohamed Yahya spoke of the need to ensure justice for the Darfur people and Sudanese people, and urged the American government to do the right thing and “make history” by taking action against the genocidal architects within the Omar Al-Bashir government.
Damanga Leader Mohamed Yahya Speaks Outside White House
Niemat Ahmadi, with Darfur Women’s Action Group (DWAG) and the Save Darfur Coalition, spoke to urgency need for action in Darfur and thanked the human rights activists for their continued commitment to the cause of struggling for human right in Darfur and Sudan.
Niemat Ahmadi, with Darfur Women’s Action Group (DWAG) and the Save Darfur Coalition, Speaks
Jimmy Mulla, leader of Voices for Sudan, called for the American government to recognize the importance of the July 12 arrest warrant by the ICC for Omar Al-Bashir and to take action to ensure Al-Bashir faces justice.
Jimmy Mulla, leader of Voices for Sudan, Speaks
Meryl Zendarski, with Africa Action and Our Humanity in the Balance, led protester chants, and called for the American government to recognize the need for justice to achieve peace in Sudan.
Meryl Zendarski, with Africa Action and Our Humanity in the Balance Speaks
Jeffrey Imm, founder of Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.), led protester chants calling for justice in Darfur and Sudan, and spoke of the need for all people to act against genocide as a fundamental violation to human rights. Jeffrey Imm stated that “just like we rejected Adolf Hitler, so we also reject Omar Al-Bashir.” He stated that “genocide is our problem,” and that just like we cannot have peace and security without justice anywhere in the world, we must have justice to achieve peace and security in Sudan. He called for the American government to action against those responsible for genocide, and stated that enforcing our universal human rights is a law enforcement responsibility for the governments of the world, and is part of our shared responsibility for equality and liberty.
Damanga Leader Mohamed Yahya thanked all of the volunteers at the protest, including the student protesters that are always there in support of Sudan and Darfur human rights issues. Mohamed Yahya urged all Americans to be part of history by making such human rights issues a priority in their government and their lives, and seeking to bring justice to those responsible for genocide.
Damanga's Mohamed Yahya Speaks at White HouseProtesters at White House in Support of Justice in Darfur and SudanProtesters Listen as Damanga's Mohamed Yahya Speaks on "Historic" Opportunity for Justice in Darfur and SudanProtesters for Justice Undiscouraged by Rain
Over 400,000 have been killed in Darfur, countless women have been raped and abused in Darfur, and there are an estimated 2.6 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) at risk. Despite an abundance of oil and other natural resources controlled by the Omar Al-Bashir government, the vast majority of Sudan’s people live in poverty, and many children die daily from malnutrition and poverty.
Omar Al-Bashir Charged with Three Counts of Genocide by the ICC (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)
Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) stands with those seeking justice and peace in Sudan and Darfur, in support of our universal human rights. R.E.A.L. knows that such human rights are mere words if we are not accountable for upholding them. Such responsibility includes holding those responsible for genocide accountable for their actions. We call for all of our fellow human beings to speak out on the tragedy in Darfur and Sudan, and to be consistently responsible for equality and liberty.
UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM SAYS INDICTMENT OF SUDAN PRESIDENT OMAR AL BASHIR ON CHARGES OF GENOCIDE AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARDS ACCOUNTABILITY
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum today characterized the decision by the International Criminal Court to include three counts of genocide in a new arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir as an important step towards holding leaders accountable for such egregious crimes.
“This is the first time that the International Criminal Court has accused a sitting head of state of genocide,” said Michael Abramowitz, Director of the Museum’s genocide prevention program. “Justice requires that President Al Bashir respond to these very serious charges against him.”
In March 2009 the Court issued an arrest warrant charging Sudanese President Al Bashir with five counts of crimes against humanity and two counts of war crimes for masterminding the conflict in Darfur. But the court’s Pre-Trial Chamber rejected the application to include the crime of genocide.
The Appeals Chamber subsequently overturned the Pre-Trial Chamber’s decision, stating that the standard of proof the Pre-Trial Chamber had applied to evaluate the charges of genocide was “erroneous.”
Today the Pre-Trial Chamber stated: “There are reasonable grounds to believe [that President Omar Al Bashir is] responsible for three counts of genocide committed against the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa ethnic groups, that include: genocide by killing, genocide by causing serious bodily or mental harm and genocide by deliberately inflicting on each target group conditions of life calculated to bring about the group’s physical destruction.”
In the wake of the March 2009 arrest warrant, the Sudanese government expelled several humanitarian aid agencies from Sudan, jeopardizing the lives of millions. The Museum once more calls on the United States and the international community to take necessary steps to ensure that the government of Sudan does not retaliate against innocent civilians again following today’s decision. “The Court action should not be used to justify retaliation against humanitarian groups who provide desperately needed assistance to innocent Sudanese citizens,” said Abramowitz.
The Museum has been actively monitoring and raising awareness about Sudan since 2000.
In April 2007, the Museum partnered with Google Earth in an unprecedented online mapping initiative aimed at furthering awareness and action on Darfur. The programs Crisis in Darfur and World is Witness enable more than 400 million Google Earth mapping service users worldwide to visualize and better understand the situation in Darfur.
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires leaders and citizens to promote human dignity, confront hatred, and prevent genocide. Federal support guarantees the Museum’s permanence, and its far reaching educational activities and global outreach are made possible by donors nationwide. For more information, visit www.ushmm.org.
Carolyn Cook leads the social justice enterprise United4Equality, LLC, dedicated to ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment (E.R.A.) by 2015, and in support of other social justice issues for women.
Carolyn Cook has invested three years pro-bono on a new strategy for E.R.A. She lobbied Congress and secured a House sponsor to introduce a proposed bill for the E.R.A.
Carolyn works with Maureen Gehrig in support of the United4Equality social justice enterprise, and has been an activist in many public events including Women’s Equality Day, International Women’s Day, and in support of human rights groups challenging the barbaric practice of stoning against women.
United4Equality on Women's Equality Day 2009 - Maureen Gehrig (Left) and Carolyn Cook (Right)United4Equality's Carolyn Cook and Supreme Court Justice Ginsberg (Photo: Facebook)United4Equality on Women's Equality Day 2009 - Carolyn CookUnited4Equality on Women's Equality Day 2009 - Carolyn Cook and Maureen Gehrig (Left) and Other SupportersUnited4Equality on Women's Equality Day 2009 - Carolyn CookUnited4Equality on Women's Equality Day 2009 - Maureen GehrigUnited4Equality on Women's Equality Day 2009 - Maureen Gehrig (Left) and Carolyn Cook (Right)United4Equality at Public Awareness Event in Washington DC's Georgetown for International Women's Day 2010 (Carolyn Cook - Right)United4Equality at Public Awareness Event in Washington DC's Georgetown for International Women's Day 2010 (Carolyn Cook - Right)United4Equality at Lincoln Memorial on July 11, 2010 - Standing with Human Rights Activists Defying Stoning (Carolyn Cook - far left, and Maureen Gehrig - left) United4Equality at Lincoln Memorial Defying Stoning of Women (Carolyn Cook - Left, and Maureen Gehrig - Right) United4Equality at Lincoln Memorial Speaking Out for Women's Right: Maureen Gehrig
We have learned that the anti-Islam group “Dove World Outreach Center” church today has reached a new level of promoting anti-Islamic hatred by promoting an “International Burn a Koran Day” on Facebook. The Gainesville, Florida-based Dove World Outreach Center states that “On September 11th, 2010 we will burn the Koran on the property of Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, FL in remembrance of the fallen victims of 9/11 and to stand against the evil of Islam. Islam is of the devil!” The Anti-Islamic group states it mission as “To bring to awareness to the dangers of Islam and that the Koran is leading people to hell. Eternal fire is the only destination the Koran can lead people to so we want to put the Koran in it’s place – the fire!”
R.E.A.L. rejects such websites of hate and calls for book burning.
Dove World Outreach Center Promotes Anti-Islamic Hatred on Facebook - Image 1 (Photo: Facebook)Dove World Outreach Center Promotes Anti-Islamic Hatred on Facebook - Image 2 (Photo: Facebook)
DC’s Lincoln Memorial – July 11 – Protesters Challenge Stoning
Some of the protesters had also been part of the July 2 protest to call for the end to the stoning sentence of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a 43-year old Iranian woman, who has been convicted of adultery in the Islamic Republic of Iran and condemned to death by stoning, which was held at the Iranian Interests Section of the Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC.
R.E.A.L.'s Jeffrey Imm Urges Public to Sign Petition in Support of Sakineh at http://bit.ly/helpsakineh
Maria Rohaly spoke on the how Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani was first sentenced by the Islamic Republic of Iran to 99 lashes in public for the accusations of adultery in Iran. Maria Rohaly stated that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani “has spent 5 years in prison for a non-crime that she did not commit. Subsequently, the Islamic Republic decided that that was not enough and they decided that she should buried in a hole up to her chest and have stones pelted at her head until she is dead – that is called stoning and this is called ‘justice’ in the Islamic Republic, and we say no to this kind of barbaric, medieval ‘justice’ that is disproportionally implemented against women in Iran and around the Islamic world. We are here today to ask you for your continued support in the outcry against the Islamic regime’s barbaric abuse of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani as well as number of other women who are currently under, and some men, who are currently under death sentences by stoning for the non-crime for consensual adult relations.”
Lincoln Memorial: Maria Rohaly Speaks Out Against Stoning and in Support of Sakineh
Protester Maria Rohaly stated that Iran is continuing to review the sentence for Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. While Iran may withdraw the stoning sentence, it may choose another form of death penalty against her. Maria Rohaly stated “there are still no guarantees that she will not be stoned to death, there are still no guarantees that she won’t be executed for a non-crime that she did not commit. Nevertheless they may lift the stoning sentence, what’s on the table now is a 10 year sentence.. Ten years in prison for something that she did not do is still unacceptable and with continued international pressure against this regime and against the barbaric ideas of what justice is comprised of , we can continue and we can force the regime to stop the sentencing of Sakineh, and it is not just about Sakineh it is about all women who are subjected to this inhumane form of justice. Mission Free Iran led the July 2 protestat the DC Iranian Interests Section and has helped to coordinate and promote protests around the world against Iranian stoning.
R.E.A.L. leader Jeffrey Imm condemned those who support stoning anywhere in the world, as a barbaric injustice against human beings and against humanity’s universal human rights. R.E.A.L.’s Jeffrey Imm told of one of a case of stoning of a 13 year old girl in Somalia who had been raped, that was also convicted for “adultery,” like Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. He urged our fellow human beings and the world governments to reject the barbaric practice of stoning as inhumane and a violation of human rights anywhere in the world. He also urged our fellow human being to unequivocally reject stoning and those groups that promote stoning, and addressed the Hizb ut-Tahrir group’s repeated demonstrations on June 22, 2010 and on World AIDS Day, where Hizb ut-Tahrir members have supported calls for stoning of others, including postings on the Hizb ut-Tahrir website supporting stoning.
As Women Watch in Audience, R.E.A.L.'s Jeffrey Imm Challenge All Men to Stand Up Against Violence Against Women
Jeffrey Imm had a special message for men, urging them to take responsibility for ending the barbaric practice of stoning and violence against women. He stated that “it is unmanly, it is wrong for any man to ignore the violence against women. Your daughters, your sisters, your mothers depend on you – they depend on you to speak out – the women around the world depend on you to speak out to other men and say ‘Enough is Enough,’ Stop the Violence against Women! Whether it is stoning, whether it is rape, whether it is any kind of institutionalized misogyny, we need men to speak out and take responsibility for what is happening around the world and determine to change it.” Jeffrey Imm also used the public awareness event to thank the Muslims who joined the protesters at the Lincoln Memorial event, and also to recognize the Muslim groups that are speaking out on behalf of democracy and freedom, such as the American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD), American Islamic Congress (AIC), Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV), and other groups.
Activists included members of the social justice enterprise United4Equality, LLC, led by Carolyn Cook, which is dedicated to ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment (E.R.A.) by 2015, and in support of other social justice issues for women. Carolyn Cook has invested three years pro-bono on a new strategy for E.R.A. She lobbied Congress and secured a House sponsor to introduce a proposed bill for the E.R.A. Carolyn works with Maureen Gehrig in support of the United4Equality social justice enterprise, and has been an activist in many public events including Women’s Equality Day, International Women’s Day, and in support of human rights groups challenging the barbaric practice of stoning against women.
United4Equality's Maureen Gehrig - Consistency on Women's Rights in America: "We Can Be the Beacon of Hope"
United4Equality’s Maureen Gehrig spoke on behalf of feminists in condemning stoning and the abuse of women. She stated to women “this is time to use our heads” and urged women to speak out against violence against women in America as well, stating that those who commit abuse and women who are “not paying a price, to be let off, what does this say to anyone else in the country? Well, I guess the legal system doesn’t care… We need to get back to the rights of every human being, men and women. Because no matter what you are talking about whether it is a religion, whether it is a race, whether it is nationality, there is one thing we have in common… women and men… We need that equality and we need it in this country now, and then we can be the beacon of hope to the rest of the world that yes we can do it right. Don’t do as I say, but do as I do.”
On July 12, 2010, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced a second arrest warrant for Sudan’s president Omar Al-Bashir, charging Bashir with three counts of genocide. Over 400,000 have been killed in Darfur, countless women have been raped and abused in Darfur, and there are an estimated 2.6 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) at risk. Despite an abundance of oil and other natural resources controlled by the Omar Al-Bashir government, the vast majority of Sudan’s people live in poverty, and many children die daily from malnutrition and poverty.
Omar Al-Bashir Charged with Three Counts of Genocide by the ICC (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)
“Today, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a second warrant of arrest against the President of Sudan, Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir, considering that there are reasonable grounds to believe him responsible for three counts of genocide committed against the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa ethnic groups, that include: genocide by killing, genocide by causing serious bodily or mental harm and genocide by deliberately inflicting on each target group conditions of life calculated to bring about the group’s physical destruction.”
“This second arrest warrant does not replace or revoke in any respect the first warrant of arrest issued against Mr Al Bashir on 4 March, 2009, which shall thus remain in effect. In the previous arrest warrant, the Chamber considered that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Al Bashir is criminally responsible for five counts of crimes against humanity (murder, extermination, forcible transfer, torture and rape) and two counts for war crimes (intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population as such or against individual civilians not taking direct part in hostilities, and pillaging).”
“On 4 March, 2009, Pre-Trial Chamber I had rejected the Prosecutor’s application in respect of the crime of genocide. On 6 July, 2009, the Prosecutor filed an appeal against this decision. On 3 February, 2010, the Appeals Chamber rendered its judgment on the Prosecutor’s appeal, reversing, by unanimous decision, Pre-Trial Chamber I’s decision of 4 March, 2009, to the extent that Pre-Trial Chamber I decided ‘not to issue a warrant of arrest in respect of the charge of genocide in view of an erroneous standard of proof’. The Appeals Chamber directed the Pre-Trial Chamber to decide anew whether or not the arrest warrant should be extended to cover the charge of genocide. Applying the standard of proof as identified by the Appeals Chamber, Pre-Trial Chamber I concluded today that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Al Bashir acted with specific intent to destroy in part the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa ethnic groups.”
“Pre-Trial Chamber I requests the Registrar of the Court to prepare a supplementary request for co-operation seeking the arrest and surrender of Mr Al Bashir for the counts contained in both the first and the second warrant of arrest, and transmit such a request to the competent Sudanese authorities, to all States Parties to the Rome Statute, and to all the United Nations Security Council members that are not States Parties to the Statute. The Registrar is also directed to transmit additional requests for the arrest and surrender of Omar Al Bashir to the Court to any other State as may be necessary.”
“The situation in Darfur was referred to the International Criminal Court by the United Nations Security Council’s resolution 1593, on 31 March, 2005. In this situation, four cases are being heard: The Prosecutor v. Ahmad Muhammad Harun (‘Ahmad Harun’) and Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman (‘Ali Kushayb’); The Prosecutor v. Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir; The Prosecutor v. Bahar Idriss Abu Garda and The Prosecutor v. Abdallah Banda Abakaer Nourain and Saleh Mohammed Jerbo Jamus.”
“The International Criminal Court is the only permanent international court established with the mission to help put an end to impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole, namely the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, and thus to contribute to the prevention of such crimes. ”
For further information please contact Sonia Robla, Chief of Public Information and Documentation Section, at +31 (0)70 515-8089 or +31 (0) 6 46 44 87 26 or at sonia.robla@icc-cpi.int
United States of America Government Policies on Sudan
In March 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama appointedGeneral Scott Grationto be the United States special envoy to Sudan. In the summer of 2009, the Washington Times and Washington Post reported on a “softer line” that the Obama administration was taking to the Omar Al-Bashir administration, indicted and now charged with genocide. The Washington Times reported in July 2009: “Mr. Gration has taken a softer line than Ms. Rice toward the regime headed by Sudanese President Omar Bashir, going so far last month as to say that the genocide against the people of Darfur was over and that the world was now dealing with the remnants of the killings.” U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan E. Rice has differed with General Gration’s views that the genocide in Sudan is over. (In May 2009 alone, 600 were killed in Sudan.)
U.S. General Scott Gration - Envoy to Sudan (Photo: U.S. Air Force)
Sudanese Human Rights Groups have been critical of General Gration and President Obama’s approach regarding the genocide in Sudan, and apparent unwillingness to prioritize justice for the victims of genocide as a key component of seeking peace in Sudan.
Mohamed Yahya, Executive Director of Damanga
Damanga’s Executive Director Mohamed Yahya has been critical of General Gration and President Obama’s lack of action regarding the genocide in Sudan. Damanga’s Mohamed Yahya has stated: “It is also terribly sad to see the U.S. government and the U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan, General Scott Gration, giving support to Al-Bashir and his rogue NIF-National Islamic Front regime that hosted Osama Bin Laden in the Capitol Khartoum in early 1990’s for almost five years. This is the same Sudanese government that has terrorized its own people, as well as hosted international terrorists. It is unfortunate to see the Obama administration, United Nations, African Union, Arab Leagues, European Union, and the Islamic world to come together this time to support this genocidal regime, when they never came together before to support the victims of Darfur. Where has such world unity been to restore justice and human rights in Sudan for a lasting peace? Darfur has largely been abandoned, while the Darfuri people’s human rights have been taken away.”
Jerry Fowler of the Save Darfur Coalition added, “It’s jarring to hear talk of ‘gold stars’ and ‘smiley faces’ for a regime headed by an indicted war criminal. We have always insisted that the best way to deal with Khartoum is a sensible balance of pressures and incentives. The pressures part of that calculation seems to be missing in General Gration’s comments. The Sudanese government is primarily responsible for creating the political instability in Sudan and bears the brunt of the responsibility for ending it. And blaming the victims for not being more open minded towards their oppressors defies logic.”
Sam Bell, Executive Director of Genocide Intervention Network, added, “This article casts the importance of the Principals Meeting in stark relief. Senators Obama, Biden and Clinton all spoke compellingly about the need to take a tough and principled stand with Khartoum. If Washington is going to start taking war criminals at their word, despite the long list of Khartoum’s broken commitments, an even larger tragedy will soon unfold.”
July 14, 2010 White House Protests Planned on U.S. Government Policies on Sudan
Please join our call for the arrest of Omar Al Bashir
Sudanese Diaspora from all over the DC metropolitan area coming to Washington DC to demonstrate their commitment to justice and remind the world that July 14th of 2008 marked the indictment of Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir by the ICC. He is still a fugitive of justice and has continued committing more atrocities against our people in Darfur and other parts of Sudan.
When: Wednesday July 14th, noon – 1:00 pm
Where: Lafayette Park, in front of the White House
“Please join the people of Sudan in their fight for justice. Your support is extremely important to bring justice for the victims of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. We need you to help make this a priority to the leaders of the world. Please come and bring your friends with you to join in bringing Al Bashir to justice!”
“July 14, 2008 represents an important day for the people of Darfur and throughout Sudan. On this day, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against the Sudanese President al-Bashir for his role in orchestrating and perpetrating war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity in Darfur. The indictment of al-Bashir has brought hope to the people of Darfur in particular but also other marginalized Sudanese in the South, East, Nuba Mountain, Blue Nile and the Nubia in the Far North Sudan. It ensures that no one is above the law, one day justice can be achieved and finally that impunity will not be an option in Sudan.”
“Therefore we, the Sudanese community leaders and human rights activists, in Washington DC metropolitan area have decided not to remain silent. We must come together and commemorate this day and call the attention of the international community that they need to live up to their commitment and honor their promise by providing the necessary support to the ICC, reinforce its effort to execute the pending arrest warrant against al-Bashir and hold him accountable for the crimes committed against the people of Darfur.”
“On July 14, 2008, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), submitted his request to indict Omar al-Bashir, on several counts of crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur. The indictment came as a result of enormous effort by human rights organizations and the advocacy community forcing the U.N Security Council to refer the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation.”
“July 14th, 2010 will mark the second anniversary of Sudan’s president being indicted, yet the atrocities have not ended. Come one and come all to share a moment of action.”
“‘The motives of the Sudanese head of state were ‘above all, political,’… He used the ‘alibi’ of counterinsurgency in order to try ‘to end the history of the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa people.’ In fact, ‘his intent was genocide.’ — Luis Moreno-Ocampo”
“In commemoration of this historic day to remember individuals lives lost and to build on the international effort to achieve justice in all of Sudan, all human rights and advocacy organizations are called upon to participate in the day of remembrance and action.”
On Wednesday, July 14, 2010, the Sudanese diaspora, the Damanga organization, and the Darfur Interfaith Community are planning a joint protest in front of the White House at 12 Noon in Lafayette Park.
Please join our call for the arrest of Omar Al Bashir
Sudanese Diaspora from all over the DC metropolitan area coming to Washington DC to demonstrate their commitment to justice and remind the world that July 14th of 2008 marked the indictment of Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir by the ICC. He is still a fugitive of justice and has continued committing more atrocities against our people in Darfur and other parts of Sudan.
When: Wednesday July 14th, noon – 1:00 pm
Where: Lafayette Park, in front of the White House
“Please join the people of Sudan in their fight for justice. Your support is extremely important to bring justice for the victims of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. We need you to help make this a priority to the leaders of the world. Please come and bring your friends with you to join in bringing Al Bashir to justice!”
“July 14, 2008 represents an important day for the people of Darfur and throughout Sudan. On this day, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against the Sudanese President al-Bashir for his role in orchestrating and perpetrating war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity in Darfur. The indictment of al-Bashir has brought hope to the people of Darfur in particular but also other marginalized Sudanese in the South, East, Nuba Mountain, Blue Nile and the Nubia in the Far North Sudan. It ensures that no one is above the law, one day justice can be achieved and finally that impunity will not be an option in Sudan.”
“Therefore we, the Sudanese community leaders and human rights activists, in Washington DC metropolitan area have decided not to remain silent. We must come together and commemorate this day and call the attention of the international community that they need to live up to their commitment and honor their promise by providing the necessary support to the ICC, reinforce its effort to execute the pending arrest warrant against al-Bashir and hold him accountable for the crimes committed against the people of Darfur.”
“On July 14, 2008, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), submitted his request to indict Omar al-Bashir, on several counts of crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur. The indictment came as a result of enormous effort by human rights organizations and the advocacy community forcing the U.N Security Council to refer the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for investigation.”
“July 14th, 2010 will mark the second anniversary of Sudan’s president being indicted, yet the atrocities have not ended. Come one and come all to share a moment of action.”
“‘The motives of the Sudanese head of state were ‘above all, political,’… He used the ‘alibi’ of counterinsurgency in order to try ‘to end the history of the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa people.’ In fact, ‘his intent was genocide.’ — Luis Moreno-Ocampo”
“In commemoration of this historic day to remember individuals lives lost and to build on the international effort to achieve justice in all of Sudan, all human rights and advocacy organizations are called upon to participate in the day of remembrance and action.”
If you are taking the Washington DC subway (Metro), you should exit at the Farragut West (Orange/Blue Lines), Farragut North (Red Line), or McPherson Square (Orange/Blue Lines) metro stops.
FARRAGUT NORTH METRO STATION to WHITE HOUSE Walking Directions: 1. Exit station through CONNETICUT AVE & K ST NW entrance. 2. Walk a short distance S on Connecticut Ave NW. 3. Walk straight on 17th St NW. 4. Walk approx. 1 block S on 17th St NW. 5. Turn left on I St NW. 6. Walk a short distance E on I St NW. 7. Turn right on Connecticut Ave NW. 8. Walk approx. 1 block S on Connecticut Ave NW. 9. Bear right on Jackson Pl NW. 10. Walk approx. 1 block S on Jackson Pl NW. 11. Turn left on Pennsylvania Ave NW. 12. Walk approx. 1 block E on Pennsylvania Ave NW.
Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)'s Jeffrey Imm Leads Challenge to Hizb ut-Tahrir -- Hizb ut-Tahrir America Cancel Chicago ConferenceR.E.A.L.'s Jeffrey Imm on Muslims that Promote Democracy and Freedom , Rejecting Hizb ut-Tahrir's Views
To counter Hizb ut-Tahrir’s statements that its anti-democracy view represented an “Islamic” position, Muslim supporters of R.E.A.L. rejected Hizb ut-Tahrir’s positions. At the Washington DC Lincoln Memorial where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke out in support of racial equality, R.E.A.L. founder Jeffrey Imm read statements from pro-democracy, pro-human rights Islamic groups in the United States, which he called “Muslims in support of democracy and freedom,” including the American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD), the American Islamic Congress, the Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV), and others.
Jeffrey Imm also read to those at the Lincoln Memorial the comments by Muslims who were former members of Hizb ut-Tahrir and who have since rejected Hizb ut-Tahrir’s extremist and intolerant views, such as Hadiya Masieh and Ed Husain. On July 4, Muslim woman Hidiya Masieh told the Guardian newspaper that “The 7/7 bombers and the people I knew at HT were two sides of the same coin… HT says it does not believe in violence, but the violence was never condemned….” Ed Husain has written that “Hizb ut-Tahrir calls for an expansionist, violent, totalitarian Islamist state,” and that the “rhetoric of jihad introduced by Hizb ut-Tahrir in my days was the preamble to 7/7 and several other attempted attacks.”
Muslims Ed Husain and Hadiya Masieh: Former Hizb ut-Tahrir Members Who Reject HT's Extremist Views (Ed Husain - Left - Photo: the Independent, Hadiya Masieh - Right - Photo: the Guardian)
R.E.A.L. reported last July 2009, how Hizb ut-Tahrir America distributed brochures calling for the “death penalty” for those who sought religious freedom. At Hizb ut-Tahrir America’s July 19, 2009 event in Chicago, they distributed a pamphlet (page 62) that supports killing those individuals who leave Islam as guilty of “treason and a political attack on the Khilafah.” The Hizb ut-Tahrir America website promoting this year’s conference in Chicago promotes links to the main Hizb ut-Tahrir website, Khilafah.com, where this pamphlet is still distributed online by Hizb ut-Tahrir, even after the cancellation of its latest U.S. conference.
UK Hizb ut-Tahrir Leader Burhan Hanif Urges Australian Muslims to Reject Democracy -- Spoke at 2009 Chicago Hizb ut-Tahrir America Conference (Photo: YouTube)
Anti-Democracy Hizb ut-Tahrir America December 20, 2009 Meeting at Govt-Managed Facility in Lombard, Illinois -- Women Segregated and Only Permitted to Sit in the Back of the Room
On World AIDS Awareness Day, The Jakarta Globe reported that “Ahead of World AIDS Day on Tuesday, members of the group Hizbut Tahrir took to the streets in several major cities, including Jakarta, Solo, Yogyakarta and Makassar in South Sulawesi. ‘We urge everybody to support the application of Shariah in an Islamic caliphate so that, God willing, all of us will be free from the threat of HIV/AIDS,’ Hizbut Tahrir spokeswoman Febrianti Abassuni said in a statement.” Calling “homosexuals the agents of immorality,” Hizb ut-Tahrir called for an end to programs providing condoms in Indonesia.
World AIDS Day: Hizb ut-Tahrir Demonstrates Against Homosexuals, Calls for Global Islamic Caliphate (AFP/File/Bay Ismoyo)
On the Hizb ut-Tahrir Indonesia web site, Hizb ut-Tahrir contributors condemned World AIDS awareness day on “every December 1st as the International AIDS Day was not to eliminate AIDS, but to preserve and nourish AIDS promiscuity.” The Hizb ut-Tahrir web site also stated that “So in addition to the state must pay the state AIDS drug research mencarian shall take firm action against any perpetrator punished adultery with stoning to death for those who are married and whip a hundred times for the adulterer who had never married. Also ta’zir law for drug users. In the guarantee people will think a thousand times to do similar things so that transmission of HIV / AIDS can be prevented.”
Hizb ut-Tahrir Web Site on World AIDS Day - Calls for Stoning and Whipping (Hizb ut-Tahrir Indonesia Web Site)
On June 22, 2010, Hizb ut-Tahrir held another major demonstration calling for stoning, during its protests against “liberalism” on the Internet. AFP reported that: “About 1,000 protesters led by radical group Hizbut Tahrir shouted ‘Allahu akbar’ (God is greater) and brandished black flags and banners with slogans such as ‘Arrest those who commit promiscuous sex’….”Hizbut Tahrir spokesman Mohammed Ismail Yusanto said the Internet was a threat to Islamic values in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country. He said Islamic or sharia law should be applied across the archipelago of some 240 million people, including the stoning to death of adulterers. ”
“Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia coordinator Fadilah Karimah, 32, said she would like to see adulterers buried up to their necks in public places and pelted with stones until dead. ‘Those people who have sex before marriage should be caned with a stick 100 times in public. Adulterers should be half-buried and stoned to death,’ she told AFP at the rally.”
Anti-Democracy Group Hizb ut-Tahrir Protest in Indonesia (Photo: AFP)
Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports the unqualified, universal human rights for all people everywhere, including the rights and dignity for women and people of every identity group. R.E.A.L. support for our universal human rights includes our commitment to freedom of religion, freedom of worship, freedom of conscience, and freedom of expression. We support democracy and democratic values not as “Western values,” but as values that are the right for every human being of every identity group and every religion around the world.
We believe that such support for our universal human rights begins with love for our fellow human beings.
We urge all to Choose Love, Not Hate – Love Wins.
What We Believe - Responsible for Equality And Liberty's Jeffrey Imm Demonstrating Outside Hizb ut-Tahrir America's July 19, 2009 Chicago Event
“This statement was adopted by AIC’s founders in November of 2001.”
“Muslims have been profoundly influenced by their encounter with America. American Muslims are a minority group, largely comprising African-Americans, immigrants, and children of immigrants, who have prospered in America’s climate of religious tolerance and civil rights. The lessons of our unprecedented experience of acceptance and success must be carefully considered by our community.”
“* American Muslims must champion pluralism and condemn all forms of intolerance. American Muslims have a vested interest in the strength of religious freedom and democracy. Because Muslims are relative newcomers to America, we must work to guarantee our equal rights and prevent hate crimes. At the same time, we must condemn hate speech and calls for violence by Muslims. Hateful statements and actions by fellow Muslims threaten the reputation of our entire community. We must censure intolerance, whatever its source.”
“* American Muslims must be leading ambassadors to the Muslim world. America has been a haven for Islam. American Muslims must educate the Muslim world about the remarkable freedoms and coexistence we enjoy here. Calls for “Death to America” and the murder of Americans are an attack on millions of Muslims who are proud to call themselves American. Virulent anti-American rhetoric and action by radicalized Muslims threaten our country, our freedom, and our democracy.”
“* American Muslims must recognize and celebrate our own diversity. Our community comprises individuals of various religious strains, ethnic and racial backgrounds, and political outlooks. We embody the spirit of American diversity and represent a rainbow of humanity. By celebrating diversity and building bridges within our own community, we help strengthen American society.”
“* All Muslims should enjoy the social and economic prosperity experienced by American Muslims. We owe our strength and success in part to classic American principles of individual rights and social justice. And, as Americans, we are citizens of a nation that has prospered greatly in the global economy. But in much of the Muslim world, wide income disparities, high unemployment, economic underdevelopment, and limited individual rights create a fertile ground for despair and extremism. We should strive to improve economic conditions and individual freedom in the Muslim world.”
“* American Muslims must champion the rights of minorities in the Muslim world. We know firsthand the importance of protecting the full rights of minority communities. One of our gifts to the larger Muslim world must be a new emphasis on considering and protecting the rights of minorities. This includes a painful reckoning with past and present episodes of intolerance in the Muslim world – and a commitment to progress in the future.”
“1. Identity: We accept as Muslim anyone who identifies as such. The veracity and integrity of that claim is between the individual and God, and is not a matter for the state nor an issue which other individuals can or should judge.”
“2. Equality: We affirm the equal worth of all human beings, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, creed, sexual orientation, or ability. We are committed to work toward societies that ensure social, political, educational, and economic opportunities for all.”
“3. Separation of Religious and State Authorities: We believe that freedom of conscience is not only essential to all human societies but integral to the Qur’anic view of humanity (see Qur’an 2:256). We believe that secular government is the only way to achieve the Islamic ideal of freedom from compulsion in matters of faith.”
“4. Freedom of Speech: We support freedom of expression and freedom of dissent, whether political, artistic, social or religious, even when that expression may be offensive and that dissent may be considered blasphemous. No one should be legally prosecuted, imprisoned or detained for declaring or promoting unpopular opinions.”
“5. Universal Human Rights: We affirm our commitment to social, economic and environmental justice. We believe that the full self-realization of all people, in a safe and sustainable world, is a prerequisite for freedom, civility, and peace. We support efforts for universal health care, universal public education, the protection of our environment, and the eradication of poverty.”
“6. Women’s Rights: We support women’s agency and self-determination in every aspect of their lives. We believe in women’s full participation in society at every level. We affirm our commitment to reproductive justice and empowering women to make healthy decisions regarding their bodies, sexuality and reproduction.”
“7. Lesbian and Gay Rights: We endorse the human and civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex individuals. We support full equality and inclusion of LGBTI individuals in society and in the Muslim community.”
“8. Critical Analysis and Interpretation: We call for critical engagement with Islamic scripture, traditional jurisprudence, and current Muslim discourses. We believe that critical thinking is essential to spiritual development. We promote interpretations that reflect basic Qur’anic principles of tolerance, inclusiveness, mercy, compassion, and fairness.”
“9. Compassion: We affirm that justice and compassion should be the guiding principles for all aspects of human conduct. We repudiate militarism and violence, whether on an individual, organizational, or national level.”
“10. Diversity: We embrace religious pluralism and the diversity of inspirations that motivate people to embrace social justice. We believe that one’s religion is not the exclusive source of truth. As such, we will engage with a diversity of philosophical and spiritual traditions in pursuit of a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.”
“Founded in Washington, DC in 2004, the Center for Islamic Pluralism (CIP) is a think tank that challenges the dominance of American Muslim life by militant Islamist groups. Specifically, our mission is to:”
“* Foster, develop, defend, protect, and further mobilize moderate American Muslims in their progress toward integration as an equal and respected religious community in the American interfaith environment;”
“* Define the future of Islam in America as a community opposed to the politicization of our religion, its radicalization, and its marginalization, which has taken place because of the imposition on Muslims of attitudes opposed to American values, traditions, and policies;”
“* Educate the broader American public about the reality of moderate Islam and the threat to moderate Muslims and non-Muslim Americans represented by militant, political, radical, and adversarial tendencies.”
— “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
— “AIFD was formed as an unmistakable expression of American liberty and freedom in an attempt to take back the faith of Islam”
— “He felt that AIFD could formally articulate the fact that in commentary and scholarship that many Muslims believe that they are able to practice their faith more freely and more Islamically (in a personal and secular fashion which is most suited to preserve one’s faith) in America than in any other place in the world. ”
— “AIFD seeks to make a small contribution to the body of thought which articulates an understanding of Islam which separates religion and state and is in complete harmony with the U.S. Constitution and our citizenship pledge.”
