Activism and Events – Page 4 – Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)

Pakistan Christian Leader Nazir Bhatti Calls for Human Rights, Release of Aasia Bibi

Pakistan Christian Congress leader, Dr. Nazir Bhatti, spoke on December 9 at a Human Rights Day event at the National Press Club, telling assembled human rights activists and the press of the oppression of Pakistani Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan. Dr. Nazir Bhatti also called for the end to the blasphemy law in Pakistan and the release of a Christian woman Aasia Bibi. Aasia Bibi was arrested on false claims of “blasphemy” against Islam and has been facing the death sentence in Pakistan.

On December 10, Dr. Bhatti and other members of the Pakistan Christian diaspora will be holding a protest outside of the United Nations in New York City at 10 AM. The Pakistan News reports today that United Nations Expert Adviser on Human Rights and Pakistan’s former Federal Minister for Human Rights Burney is urging the Pakistan government to release Aasia Bibi.

aasia-bibi — Aasia Bibi, Pakistan Christian Woman Sentenced to Death for "Blasphemy"

On December 9, at the National Press Club, Dr. Nazir Bhatti spoke on these issues. Dr. Bhatti also leads the Pakistan Christian Post, which regularly reports on these topics.

The video of his remarks on online on YouTube:

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkA7MPUT62c&

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQA5c3Rlf9M

The following is the text of his prepared remarks:

When we celebrate Universal Human Rights Day, we reaffirm our confidence in equal rights for human beings around world irrespective of religion, color or creed. I must submit on this occasion that Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Universal Human Rights doctrine being a member state of United Nations but fails to guarantee equal, basic, democratic rights under UDHR to millions of its citizens, specially religious minorities in its territory. In the constitution legislated after independence of Pakistan in 1947, we find Objective Resolution as a preamble with a paragraph on religious freedom and equal rights for minorities. However, in 1956 and 1962 constitutions of Pakistan the clauses on protection of minority rights were conveniently scratched. Then the “Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan” was adopted in 1973, in the absence of any minority legislator. Article 2, was added in the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, declaring the country an Islamic state and homeland of Muslims only.

Later, the 4th amendment in the constitution declared Ahmadi Muslim sect to be non-Muslims while 8th amendment turned all non-Muslims to be second class citizens in Pakistan when through presidential orders of a military dictator, lHudood Ordinance, Law of Evidence, Law of Compensation, Article 302 of Federal Shariat Court and introduction of Blasphemy law Section 295-B and 295-C Pakistan Penal Code became part of constitution in 1986 under General Ziaul Haq..

I would like to invite your attention on misuse of Islamic laws by the Muslim majority against religious minorities, specially the misue of blasphemy law to target innocent minority members. According to the Religious Freedom Report 2010, issued by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, more than 974 cases have been filed from 1986 to 2009, against individuals of religious minorities under section 295 B and C of Pakistan Penal Code. Under Section 295-C Pakistan Penal Code, any person guilty of defiling the name of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was made liable to suffer life imprisonment or death. Later, in 1991, instead of life imprisonment, capital punishment was inducted under the direction of the Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan. According to Ahamadi Muslims, more than 250 individuals of Ahmadi Muslims have been charged under Section 295-C PPC in Pakistan.

We have grave concerns about the safety of Aasia Bibi, a Christian mother of five, who was sentenced to death on an accusation of blasphemy law Section 295 B and C PPC on November 8, 2010, in the Punjab province of Pakistan, which by the way is toughest for minorities.

According to fact finding mission of Pakistan Christian Congress, Aasia Bibi had some argument with her Muslim neighbor woman on her goat entering their home.

After a week, when Aasia Bibi was working in a farm with Muslim women, on touching drinking water container, the same neighbor raised objection that the water had become polluted by touching of the water tumbler by Aasia Bibi, a Christian infidel. The Muslim woman screamed that calling Christianity is religion of God, Aasia Bibi has defiled Islam and attacked her. Aasia Bibi ran towards her home but Muslim women and men working in the farms followed her, dragged her out of home and tortured her and her children.

Police arrived and took Asia Bibi to Saddar Police Station to save her life, After two days a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against her under Section 295 B and C PPC, on the complaint of the Imam local mosque on June 19, 2009. She is in Seikhupura Jail now, waiting for her appeal against death sentence in Lahore High Court.

The President of Pakistan is empowered to pardon any sentence while Home Minister can withdraw any FIR according to constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The clemency appeal was submitted by Aasia Bibi to President of Pakistan but fundamentalist religious groups and Islamic political parties in Pakistan have launched a campaign against any pardon to a blasphemer. An Islamic cleric in Peshawar has announced reward of half a million Pakistani Rupees for any one who will kill Asia Bibi, which has created potential threat to her life. The Islamic political parties staged a massive rally in Islamabad and other major cities of Pakistan to pressure higher court to put the Christian woman to death.

I also like to bring to your notice on November 18, 2010, Latif Masih aged 22, was shot dead in Punjab after he was granted bail after five months of imprisonment for “blasphemy” for allegedly burning pages of the Qur’an,. The extremists are taking law in their hands and murdering Christians falsely accused in blasphemy in broad day light to win heaven for them. It is on public record that radical elements gunned downed Pastor Emmanuel and his brother Sajjid in the compound of District Courts Faisalabad, when the two were brought in police escort for hearing in a blasphemy case on July 19, 2010. On July 30, 2009, hundreds of members of banned Muslim organizations, torched Christian homes and burned alive seven Christian women and children in Gojra City in Punjab province of Pakistan. The Muslim mob set on fire hundreds of homes and vandalized Churches in village Korian Bahminwali in Punjab after charges of blasphemy. On September 16, 2009, Robert Danish, a Christian youth was killed in Sialkot Central Jail in a security cell awaited trial in a blasphemy case.

Moreover, Islamic militants gunned down Justice Arif Iqbal Hussain Bhatti of Lahore High Court on October 19, 1997, in his office on acquitting two people who were accused of blasphemy. On June 5, 1994, a blasphemy accused Manzoor Masih died on the spot in front of Lahore High Court when Islamic elements attacked him. It is also for record that Bantu Masih, 80, and Mukhtar Masih, 50, were arrested on an allegation of committing blasphemy and stabbed to death in the Police Station in the city of Lahore.

Tahir Iqbal facing sentence in blasphemy was killed in Lahore District Jail on July 7, 1991. A Christian teacher Niamat Ahmar was also killed by extremists on accusation of blasphemy law.

Keeping in view killing of Christians accused of blasphemy, the Pakistani Christians fear that Aasia Bibi is not safe in Pakistan like many other blasphemy victims gunned down by the hands of religious fanatics. In our appeal to Secretary General of United Nations dated 2nd December 2010, we urged him to press upon government of Pakistan to ensure justice and to adopt necessary measures for safety of Aasia Bibi and her family. We have also submitted an appeal with EU, urging safety for Aasia Bibi and repeal of blasphemy law.

On this Day, Universal Human Rights Day, we Pakistani Christians appeal to US administration to press upon government of Pakistan to repeal controversial blasphemy law which is being used against religious minorities to settle business rivalries and personal petty disputes.

We also appeal US administration to condition aid to Pakistan under the Kerry-Lugar with religious freedom and human rights so that every citizen of Pakistan may enjoy equal basic democratic and human rights.

We also invite attention of UN General Assembly member states and their representatives in United Nations Human Right Council UNHRC to re-consider their stance on “Defamation of Religion” resolution, presented by Pakistan on behalf of Organization of Islamic Countries, prepared by Egypt and seconded by U.S.A., in present situation of religious minorities in Islamic states because Pakistan wants to globalize blasphemy law.

DC: Americans Join Together on 9/11 to Defend Freedom of Religion

Washington DC: Americans Join Together on 9/11 to Defend Freedom of Religion

September 11, 2010

On September 11, 2010 in Washington DC, American volunteers from diverse faiths, races, and identity groups, came together in a community unity rally in support of freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom at Freedom Plaza. Washington DC’s Freedom Plaza park was named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who worked on his “I have a dream” speech in the nearby Willard Hotel in 1963.

The community public gathering of concerned Americans was a response to the growing anti-Islamic hatred spreading across America, efforts to deny Muslims houses of worship in California, Tennessee, Kentucky, and New York, violence and vandalism against Muslim mosques, and violence against Muslim Americans. About 30 Americans from Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and some as far as from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Seattle, Washington joined together on 9/11 to stand in solidarity on our freedoms. The event was sponsored by Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.), Muslims for Progressive Values, United for Pluralism, and the Muslimah Writer’s Alliance (MWA)

See our online web album of photographs from the event.

Muslim, Christian, and Jewish Americans spoke on behalf of the Constitutional religious freedom for Muslim Americans, as well as the need to ensure enforcement of the Religious Land Use Act federal law ensuring all people, including Muslim Americans, have equal opportunity to houses of worship without restrictive zoning or other acts designed to unfairly burden any American from creating a house of worship. The group circulated our petition to ask President Obama and Attorney General Holder to enforce these laws to ensure Muslim Americans equal rights to create houses of worship.

Photo Below: Washington DC – Some of the Individuals at Community Rally for Freedom of Religion

The Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV)’s Fatima Thompson spoke of the need to remind Americans that Muslims are our fellow Americans, who also suffered in the 9/11 attacks. She told the audience “Let’s not repeat the actions of those who would instill fear on others. Let’s consider the US Constitution and its guarantee for freedom of religion, freedom of worship and freedom of conscience. Let’s unite as Americans and demonstrate those values we cherish in order to allow all to enjoy these freedoms regardless of creed. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

See this link for the full text of her statement: “In Memory of Freedom on 911.”

Photo Below: MPV’s Fatima Thompson Speaks Out for Freedom of Religion, Worship, and Conscience

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)‘s Jeffrey Imm extended the nation’s continued sympathy to those who lost loved ones, family, friends and associates in the 9/11 attacks on 2001. He urged the nation not to allow those who spread anti-Islamic hatred to divide us as a United States of America. He stated that the answers to such anti-Islamic hatred require both enforcement of the Constitution and law, as well as a renewed effort to combat the forces of intolerance with tolerance, meeting the forces of hate with love, and meeting those with an upraised fist with “an outstretched hand in healing and hope.” He stated “Winning minds without winning hearts will give us no victory over hate. We must Choose Love, Not Hate – Love Wins.”

See this link for the full text of his statement: “R.E.A.L. Remembers September 11, Calls for National Healing.”;
YouTube of his statement earlier on September 11.

Photo Below: R.E.A.L.’s Jeffrey Imm Urges Respect and Love for Our Fellow Americans

R.E.A.L.’s Jeffrey Imm went around with the microphone to gather comments from the assembled audience, which shared their individual messages of peace, and support for freedom of religion, worship, and respect for their fellow Americans. (When additional YouTube videos of such messages are available, they will posted on R.E.A.L.’s YouTube page and updated to this web site.)

Members of the Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) attended with signs showing their support for human rights and freedom.

People from diverse faiths attended the event including a number of Jewish Americans, as well as Rabbi Binyamin Biber, who brought members of the Machar congregation with him to publicly stand for freedom of religion.

Mike Rychlik and others urged individuals to also join the Interfaith Youth Action Unity Walk on September 12 starting at 1:30 PM at Embassy Row, in Washington DC – for more information see, 911UnityWalk.org.

Another attendee, Andra, sang “Let There be Peace on Earth,” as other members of the community rally joined in.

Photo below: Concerned American Andra Waves Peace Flag, Sings “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

The group then sang, as our final “surprise” part of the event, a sing-a-long to an American folk song – “This land is your land.”

You can hear and see their solidarity in supporting Muslim Americans and all Americans in our shared America, our shared Constitution, our shared law, and our shared nation – in their singing of “This land is your land, this land is my land” – for ALL Americans.

See YouTube link to video.

To Muslim Americans and all Americans:

This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me.

================================================

American Folk Song: This Land Is Your Land

This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me.

As I went walking that ribbon of highway
I saw above me that endless skyway
I saw below me that golden valley
This land was made for you and me.

I roamed and I rambled and I followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts
While all around me a voice was sounding
This land was made for you and me.

When the sun came shining, and I was strolling
And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling
A voice was chanting, As the fog was lifting,
This land was made for you and me.

This land is your land, this land is my land
From California to the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me.

================================================

August 26, 2010 – White House Women’s Equality Day Event

August 26, 2010 – White House Women’s Equality Day Event

On Thursday, August 26, 2010, we will remember Women’s Equality Day in Washington DC. We will share the joy of those who commemorate the 90th anniversary of women’s suffrage in America. The proclamation enacting the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving women the right to vote, was signed by Secretary of State, days after Tennessee became the final state needed to ratify the amendment. But on August 26, 2010, we will not just celebrate the past, but we will urge President Obama and both our federal and state elected representative to finish the job and pass the Equal Rights Amendment (E.R.A.) to ensure Constitutional Equality for all women in America.

See the Facebook Event Link at:
http://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.imm?v=app_2344061033#!/event.php?eid=147807701903221&index=1

Equal Rights Amendment (E.R.A.) - The Time Has Come NOW!

We still have the open issue of the Equal Rights Amendment (E.R.A.) that has not yet been ratified and which needs the attention of American government leaders, American government representatives, and the women and men of the American public.

So we will be at the White House on Women’s Equality Day, urging President Barack Obama to make women’s full Constitutional equality a priority in his administration!

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.), United4Equality LLC, and local area chapters of the National Organization for Women (N.O.W.) will jointly hold a protest and candle light vigil at the White House on Women’s Equality Day to urge our president to remember that once again this year, half of the nation still does not yet have full Constitutional Equality. We will have candles – and we will hold this rain or shine! We urge you to join us!

— see United4Equality Web Site

— See our flier at http://bit.ly/082610-flier

Scheduled Speakers:

— National Women’s History Museum – Senior Vice President, Ann Stone
— Sewall Belmont House & Museum – Lead Docent, Erin Dexter
— Business & Professional Women USA – Immediate Past President and Bowie Councilwoman, Honorable Diane Polangin
— Coalition of Labor Union Women – Executive Director, Carol Rosenblatt
— Event Hosts – United For Equality, Responsible For Equality & Liberty
— Open Mike for Women on their views about Women’s Rights in America Today

Tell President Obama We Will Continue to Shine a Light for Women's Constitution Equality

Event Logistics and Contacts:

Date: Thursday, August 26, 2010 — in front of north side of the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC

— 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM – Rally for Women’s Equal Rights at Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House, across from Lafayette Park
— 8:15 PM to 9:30 PM – Candlelight Vigil and Remembrance of Women Leaders in front of White House at Lafayette Park and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Contact: Jeffrey Imm, Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)
301-613-8789, info@realcourage.org

Web Page: https://www.realcourage.org/august-26/
Bit.Ly Link: http://bit.ly/082610

Directions and Area Map:

Public Transportation encouraged: On-street parking is not available near the White House, and use of public transportation is strongly encouraged. Parking is available in parking lots near the Metro Center station or Farragut North or Farragut West Metro Stop, and then either walk (or use the subway for a short few stops if parking at Metro Center) from a nearby metro stop – see details below.

Restrooms/Public telephones: The nearest restrooms and public telephones to the White House are in the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion (the park area south of the White House) and in the White House Visitor Center. Restrooms or public telephones are not available at the White House.

Google Map and Directions to White House – 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Lafayette Park in the Direction of the White House - Keep Walking to the Lafayette Park Sidewalk facing the White House

Parking Options Near White House:
— 15th and 17th Streets are the ‘bordering’ streets East and West.
— To the West, (NY Avenue-E)/F/G Streets sometimes has parking on the street
— Pennsylvania Avenue between 17th and 18th may have parking and there are parking garages in this block of Pennsylvania Avenue
— Best chance for parking is in the Metro Center area as people are heading home from work, but be careful if you park in a garage to check to see what time it closes.

– Parking lots that we have seen within a few blocks of Metro Center near to Freedom Plaza (and National Theater) include:
– PMI
— 1220 E Street, NW – Enter on E Street between 12th and 13th Streets
— 424 11th Street, NW
— 1325 G Street, NW – Enter on G Street between 13th and 14th Streets
– QUICK PARK
— 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW – Enter on 13th Street between E and F Streets

If you are taking the Washington DC subway (Metro), you should exit at the Metro Center (Red/Orange/Blue Lines), Federal Triangle (Orange/Blue Lines) Farragut West (Orange/Blue Lines), Farragut North (Red Line), or McPherson Square (Orange/Blue Lines) metro stops. See WMATA.COM Web Site for a Trip Planner and the Metro Subway Map.

METRO CENTER SUBWAY STATION to WHITE HOUSE Walking Directions:
1. Head west on G St NW toward 13th St NW (0.3 mi)
2. Turn right at 15th St NW (148 ft)
3. Turn left at Pennsylvania Ave NW (0.2 mi)
— Reverse Directions back to Metro Center

Map Showing Walk from Metro Center to White House - and Nearby McPherson Square, Farragut West Stops

MCPHERSON SQUARE METRO STATION to WHITE HOUSE Walking Directions
1. Head west on I St NW toward 15th St NW (371 ft)
2. Turn left at Vermont Ave NW (446 ft)
3. Turn right at H St NW (43 ft)
4. Turn left (436 ft)
5. Turn left (322 ft)
— Reverse Directions back to McPherson Square

FEDERAL TRIANGLE METRO STATION to WHITE HOUSE Walking Directions
1. Head north on 12th St NW toward Pennsylvania Ave NW (453 ft)
2. Turn left at Pennsylvania Ave NW (0.2 mi)
3. Turn right at 14th St NW (220 ft)
4. Turn left at Pennsylvania Ave NW (495 ft)
5. Turn right at 15th St NW (0.2 mi)
6. Turn left at Pennsylvania Ave NW (0.2 mi)
— Reverse Directions back to Federal Triangle

FARRAGUT WEST METRO STATION to WHITE HOUSE Walking Directions:
1. Exit station through 18TH & I (EYE) ST NW entrance.
2. Walk approx. 1 block S on 18th St NW.
3. Turn left on Pennsylvania Ave NW.
4. Walk approx. 3 blocks SE on Pennsylvania Ave NW.
— Reverse Directions back to Farragut West

FARRAGUT NORTH METRO STATION to WHITE HOUSE Walking Directions:
1. Exit station through CONNECTICUT 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.
— Reverse Directions back to Farragut North

August 28: 100 Cities Protesting Stoning

Mission Free Iran is announcing 100 cities to protest against stoning on August 28

Mission Free Press Release:

Cities Participating in 100 Cities of the World Against Stoning on AUGUST 28
http://missionfreeiran.org/2010/08/12/participating-in-100-cities-august-28/

The following towns and cities have joined the August 28th global protest of 100 Cities of the World against Stoning. To participate, please contact us (maria.rohaly@gmail.com) and let us know what you want to do in your town or city (hand out flyers/leaflets, hold a demonstration, collect signatures on a petition, stage street theatre – however you want to condemn the stonings, torture, and executions of the Islamic Republic), what time you plan to do it, and where people who want to participate with you can find you.

Reference 1: Original call for 100 Cities protest [EN | FR]
http://missionfreeiran.org/2010/08/12/100-cities-call-aug28/

Reference 2: Guidance on how to hold your own protest
http://missionfreeiran.org/2010/07/07/stand-up/

CITIES:

AUSTRALIA

Brisbane
Contact: debcurpryce@hotmail.com
Details to follow.

Hobart
Details to follow.
Contact: roxycoxy@live.com.au

Sydney
Details to follow.
Contact: Kat, katgaf1@gmail.com

AUSTRIA
Vienna
Place: St. Stephan’s Platz
Details to follow.

BELGIUM
Brussels
Time: 15.00
Place: Avenue F. D. ROOSEVELT 15 1050 Bruxelles (IXELLES) in front of Iranian embassy
Contact: calluypeter@hotmail.com

BRAZIL
Porto Alegre
Time: 16:00 local
Place: Esquina Democrática – Av. Borges de Medeiros X Rua dos Andradas
Contact: LiHS – lihsbrasil@gmail.com

CANADA
Hamilton, Ontario
Time: 14.00-16.00
Place: Front of Jackson Square Mall
Contact: Amir Zahedi, 905-962-9638

Niagara Falls
Time: 14:00-16:00
Place: Just beside the Falls
Contact: Mehran Mahbobi, 1 647 274 7149, Mehranmahbobi1917@gmail.com

Ottawa
Time: 12.00-14.00
Place: Front of Parliament Hill
Contact: D Aram, 613-859-7929, d_aram@sympatico.ca

Toronto
Time: 13.00-16.00
Place: 250 Front St. West (in front of CBC)
Contact: Yadi Mahmodi, 416 726 9321; wpicanada@yahoo.com

Vancouver
Time: Information table from 3pm; rally at 5pm
Place: Front of Art Gallery on Robson St.
Contact: Zari Asli, zariasli@yahoo.ca

DENMARK
Copenhagen
Details to follow.

FINLAND
Tampere Keskustori
Time: 14.00
Place: Lauantai 28 Elokuu Kello
Contact: Abdol Golparian, 040575825, abdolgolparian1@gmail.com

FRANCE
Besançon
Time: 15.00
Place: du 8 septembre in Besançon

Lyon
Details to follow.

Narbonne
Time: 11am to 7pm
Place: Esplanade de la Médiathèque
Contact: monique.louicellier@yahoo.com

Paris
Details to follow.
Organised by the Ligue du Droit International des Femmes, Mouvement pour la Paix et Contre le Terrorisme
Contacts: Kahina Benziane 06 64 94 25 15 and Huguette Chomski Magnis 06 66 26 42 23

Toulouse
Details to follow.
Contact: chantal.crabere@orange.fr

GERMANY
Berlin
Time: 14.00
Place: Joachimstaler Platz, UB- Kurfürsten Damm
Contact: 017624866317

Berlin
Time: 5pm
Place: Breitscheidplatz/Kurfürstendamm 11
Contact: Code e.V. – info@code-ev.com

Bremen
Time: 14.00
Place: Stadtzentrum – Marktplatz
Contact: Siamak Maki 0172 – 4037035

Cologne
Details to follow.

Essen
Details to follow.

Frankfurt
Details to follow.

Hamburg
Time: 14.00
Place: Mönckebergstrasse, Ida-Ehre-Platz front of Karstadt

Leipzig
Details to follow.

Möchengladbach
Details to follow.

Munich
Time: 12.00-14.00
Place: Richard-Strauss-Brunnen Neuhauser Str. 8 (Fussgängerzone)
Organizers: United4Iran-Bayern and Amnesty International München, ‚Irangruppe‘
Contact: Petra, 0176-50728972

Paderborn
Time: 12.00
Place: Western Str. Kaufhof
Contact: 01743830478

Zwickau
Time: 15.00-17.00
Place: Marien Platz (Dom)

ICELAND
Rejkavik
Details to follow.
Contact: hopeful@islandia.is

INDIA
Bangalore
Contact : Ruzbeh Sedaghat/Arman Ruhipoor 9742569282 roozbehs_111@yahoo.com
Details to follow.

IRAQ
Baghdad
Details to follow.

NETHERLANDS
Amsterdam
Details to follow.

Eindhoven
Details to follow.

Groningen
Time: 12.00-16.00
Place: City Centre, around the Herestraat.
Notes: This demonstration will consist of permitted flyering; because of the Bommen Berend holiday and Noorderzon festival, festivities will be all through the city, which limits options for demonstration. If people want to participate in handing out flyers, the organizer, Danielle, will provide information on a few good spots to distribute flyers where a permit is NOT required; please email her at daily_dani@hotmail.com for that.
Contact: daily_dani@hotmail.com

Rotterdam
Details to follow.

The Hague
Details to follow.

NORWAY
Oslo
Time: 15.00-17.00
Place: Front of Parliament
Contact: Rahimi, 98694001, rahimi37@yahoo.com

POLAND
Warsaw
Details to follow.

Wroclaw
Details to follow.

PORTUGAL
Lisbon
Time: 6-8pm
Place: Largo do Camões
Contact: arturneves@netcabo.pt

SCOTLAND
Glasgow
Time: 2pm
Place: George Square
Contact: theaim@hotmail.co.uk

Bradford
Time: 11am
Place: Centenary Square
Contact: Omar Ebrahim, omarinbox@hotmail.com

SPAIN
Barcelona
Time: 6-8pm
Place: Plaza Sant Jaume
Contact: Patricia, patycarreiros@gmail.com

SWEDEN
Boras
Time: 14.00-16.00
Place: Stortorget
Contact: 46737598566

Gothenberg
Time: 14.00-16.00
Place: Bronsparken
Contact: 46737178819

Karskrona
Time: 14.00-16.00
Place: Centralen, Ronneby Gatan 43 – 47
Contact: 0704531047

Malmo
Time: 14.00-16.00
Place: Between Triangel and Gustav Adolfs Torg
Contact: 0703638088

Örebro
Time: 14.00
Place: Drötninggatan
Contact: Ahmad Fatemi, +46 73 520 3817

Stockholm
Time: 17.30
Place: Mynttorget, in front of the parliament
Contact: 0737801510

Visby
Time: 14.00-16.00
Place: Öster Centrum
Contact: 0735203817

TURKEY
Ankara
Details to follow.

Didim/Aydin
Time: 14.00
Contact: Cigdem Toprak, cigdem.toprak.tud@gmail.com

UK
London
Time: 14.00-16.00
Place: Trafalgar Square
Contact: Bahram Soroush, 07852338334, Bahram.soroush@gmail.com

Lyme Regis, Dorset
Time: 5pm
Place: Town Centre
Contact: maryamnamazie@gmail.com

Manchester
Time: 14.00
Place: Piccadilly Gardens
Contact: 07904951989, soheila@uwclub.net

USA
Berkeley, California
Details to follow.

Brooklyn, Connecticut
Details to follow.
Contact: Deb, debheath86@yahoo.com

Chicago, Illinois
Time: 2pm
Place: Millennium Park; more specific details to follow
Contact: nwade99@att.net

Dallas, Texas
Time: 18.00
Place: Downtown, Houston St. & Elm St., Kennedy Museum
Contact: 2146752120, Svafa56@yahoo.com

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Details to follow.

Seattle
Time: 3-5pm
Place: Westlake Mall
Contact: Zari Asli, zariasli@yahoo.ca

Washington DC
Time: 14.00
Place: Dupont Circle
Contact: maria.rohaly@gmail.com

Washington DC
Date: August 29
Time: 12 noon
Place: Islamic Republic Interest Section of the Pakistani Embassy
Contact: Saeed Salehinia, salehinia@aol.com

July 24 Worldwide Demonstrations in Support of Freedom for Sakineh Ashtiani

Mission Free Iran reports the following global demonstrations in support of the freedom of Sakineh Ashtiani:

Iran: Sakineh Mohammadie Ashtiani was Sentenced to be Stoned for Adultery

SPRINGWOOD New South Wales, Australia: July 24, 10:30am, Town Square

SYDNEY Australia: July 24, 2pm, QVB (Town Hall end near statue) – please join me in holding an informal protest handing out flyers. (contact: Kathryn, 0439 309 080)

VIENNA Austria: July 24, 5pm, St. Stephan’s Platz – 1010 Wien
Stephansplatz (contact: Maria Rohaly)

OTTAWA Canada: July 24, 12-3pm, in front of Parliament Hill.

TORONTO Canada: July 24, 2-4pm, In front of CBC News (250 Front St. West of Spadina Ave).

VANCOUVER Canada: July 24, 5pm, in front of the Art Gallery on Robson Street. (contact: 604 727 8986)

BIRMINGHAM England: July 24, 2-4pm, in front of the central library.

CHICHESTER England: July 24, 2pm, Town Centre, East street, in front of the old boots shop

EGHAM England: July 23, 6pm, Royal Holloway College, University of London, South Quad, Founders Building, Egham, Surrey

LONDON England: July 24, 2-4pm, Trafalgar Square.

RICHMOND England: July 24, 11.30am, outside Richmond Railway station, Kew Road, Richmond Surrey

PARIS France: July 24, 2pm, in front of the Iranian Embassy in Paris, Ligue du Droit International des Femmes will submit a letter of protest.

TBILISI Georgia: July 24, 1-3pm, in front of the Embassy of Iran (address: 80. Tchavchavadze Ave)

BERLIN Germany: July 24, 2pm, Breitsheidtplatz, opposite of Gedächtniskirche (contact: 017624866317)

BREMEN Germany: July 24, 3-5pm, Marktplatz in city centre (contact: 0172-4037035)

FRANKFORT Germany: July 24, 7:30pm, Hauptwache in City Centre (contact: 015781688732)

VENICE Italy: July 24, 2pm, place to be announced

AMSTERDAM Netherlands: July 24, 2pm, Beurs Plein (contact: 0651273261)

OSLO Norway: July 24, 2pm, in front of the Parliament

BORåS Sweden: July 24, 2-4pm, Stortorget. (contact: 0737-598566)

GOTENBURG Sweden: July 24, 2-4pm, Bronzparken. (contact: Abe Assadi, 0737-17 88 19)

MALMO Sweden: July 24, 2-4pm, at Davidshalls Bron between Triangeln and Gustav Adolfs Torg. (contact: Farideh Arman, 070-363 80 88)

STOCKHOLM Sweden: July 24, 2-4pm, Mintorget. (contact: Mamad Amiri, 0737- 80 15 10)

DALLAS Texas, USA: July 24, 6-8pm, corner of Houston & Alem, downtown

NEW YORK CITY, USA: July 24, 2pm, Union Square (we will be distributing flyers about Sakineh rather)

WASHINGTON DC, USA: July 24, 12-3pm, in front of the Islamic Republic Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy (2209 Wisconsin Ave NW)

Falun Gong Hold DC Event on Oppression, Killings

On July 22, 2010, the Falun Dafa / Falun Gong practitioners from around the world joined together in Washington DC, to hold a night time candlelight vigil remembrance of the oppression of the Falun Gong in China that started 11 years ago in the Communist People’s Republic of China.

The Epoch Times reported on this candlelight vigil of thousands of Falun Gong members from around the world in their report “Captivating Candlelight Vigil at the Washington Monument (Photo Gallery) – Glowing candles commemorate 11 years of the Falun Gong persecution in China” and in their report “Falun Gong Vigil Touches the Heart.” Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline consisting of moral principles and slow-motion physical exercises, has been persecuted in China since 1999.

Washington DC: July 22, 2010 - Falun Dafa / Falun Gong Gather for Candlelight Vigil in Washington DC to Remember Persecution and Lives Lost (Photo: Dai Bing/Epoch Times Staff)

Two Falun Dafa practitioners hold a candle at the candle light vigil in Washington, DC on July 22nd -- marking 11 years of persecution in China. (Jeff Nenarella / The Epoch Times)

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)‘s Jeffrey Imm joined the Falun Dafa / Falun Gong Candlelight Vigil.

Responsible for Equality And Liberty's Jeffrey Imm Joins Candlelight Vigil (Jeff Nenarella / The Epoch Times)

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports the right of all people to have their freedom of conscience and freedom to believe.

On March 26, 2010, the United States Congress passed House Resolution 605, which acknowledges the oppression and suffering of the Falun Gong in Communist China and advises the U.S. President to meet with Falun Gong leaders.

On April 11, 2010, supporters of human freedom stood by the Falun Gong and Falun Dafa in a protest that called for the Chinese government to respect their freedom of conscience, including Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)’s Jeffrey Imm.

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) has continued to support the Falun Gong and Falun Dafa in their struggles for freedom in China for the past year. See our reports on this subject. To find out more on the importance of Chinese culture and traditions and those struggling to preserve such culture, see the Shen Yun Performing Arts.

Choose Love, Not Hate – Love Wins.

DC: White House Protesters Call for Action on Sudan’s Omar Al-Bashir for Genocide

The Sudanese diaspora and a wide range of human rights activists protested outside of the White House today, sometimes during the rain on a hot July afternoon, calling for U.S. President Barack Obama and his administration to take action on the International Criminal Court (ICC) July 12, 2010 warrant against Sudan President Omar Al-Bashir on three charges of genocide.

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.

Protest groups at the White House included the Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy, Africa Action, Darfur Interfaith Network, Voices for Sudan, Save Darfur Coalition, Darfur Women’s Action Group (DWAG), Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), Our Humanity in the Balance, and Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.). (See online photo album of photos of protesters.) The protesters also delivered a statement to the White House calling for the U.S. government to take action to end the genocide in Sudan and to ensure justice against Omar Al-Bashir and those responsible for genocide.

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 Zordanki, with Africa Action and Our Humanity in the Balance Speaks — 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 House

Protesters at White House in Support of Justice in Darfur and Sudan

Protesters Listen as Damanga's Mohamed Yahya Speaks on "Historic" Opportunity for Justice in Darfur and Sudan

Protesters for Justice Undiscouraged by Rain

As the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) stated in its press release on the July 12, 2010 warrant for genocide against Sudan President Omar Al-Bashir, “Justice requires that President Al Bashir respond to these very serious charges against him.”

The Continuing Tragedy of Darfur and the Failure of America to Act

A recent R.E.A.L. posting described the continuing tragedy in Darfur and Sudan and the failure of the U.S. government administration to effectively act to ensure justice for those victimized by Omar Al-Bashir’s 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)

Omar Al-Bashir was recently re-elected in an “election” that was widely disputed as fraudulent, with even the Sudan National Election committee recognizing irregularities, and was boycotted by many. Washington DC area Sudanese diaspora and human rights activists protested the Sudanese elections in May 2010. Sudan is listed as one of the “worst of the worst” nations in terms of human rights, by both the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and NGOs such as Freedom House.

Despite promises from the Barack Obama administration to take action on the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudanese human rights activists have been disappointed in what many view as efforts by the administration to “normalize” relations with the Omar Al-Bashir administration, which the ICC has now charged with genocide (see more below ICC press release). U.S. envoy General Scott Gration has stated that he views the Sudan “coordinated genocide” is over. In May 2009 alone, 600 were killed in Sudan.

==========================

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.

Choose Love, Not Hate – Love Wins.

United4Equality Social Justice Enterprise

United4Equality

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.

To contact United4Equality and find out more about its organization, see their Facebook or Twitter sites, or email them at united4equality@realcourage.org

United4Equality on Women's Equality Day 2009 - Maureen Gehring (Left) and Carolyn Cook (Right) — 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 Cook

United4Equality on Women's Equality Day 2009 - Carolyn Cook and Maureen Gehring (Left) and Other Supporters — United4Equality on Women's Equality Day 2009 - Carolyn Cook and Maureen Gehrig (Left) and Other Supporters

United4Equality on Women's Equality Day 2009 - Maureen Gehring — United4Equality on Women's Equality Day 2009 - Maureen Gehrig

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 Gehring - left) — 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 Gehrin - Right) — 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 Gehrin — United4Equality at Lincoln Memorial Speaking Out for Women's Right: Maureen Gehrig

DC: Protesters Challenge Stoning at Lincoln Memorial

On Sunday, July 11, 2010, at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool steps in Washington DC, protesters demonstrated in support of human rights and against the barbaric practice of stoning. The protesters included men, women, Muslims, non-Muslims, and represented diverse human rights and feminist causes. The July 11, 2010 event was organized by Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)‘s Jeffrey Imm, and included Maria Rohaly of Mission Free Iran, as well as United4Equality’s Carolyn Cook and Maureen Gehrig, and other feminist activists.

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.

The July 11 protesters continued to urge people to sign the petition to call for an end to the stoning and death sentence against Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. Over 5,000 people have signed the Mission Free Iran petition in the past week. R.E.A.L.’s Jeffrey Imm and volunteers passed out fliers and business cards with a shortcut link to the petition at: http://bit.ly/helpsakineh

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 protest at 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.

R.E.A.L. has tried to publicize the continuing plight of stoning in Iran and other parts of the world, and has held multiple awareness events on stoning corresponding to the film released last summer, ‘The Stoning of Soraya M.,’ including a public awareness campaign in Washington DC’s Georgetown. R.E.A.L. supporters have also tried to have home gatherings to watch the DVD release of that film in March 2010.

Feminists Stand Up Against Stoning and For Human Rights — United4Equality Social Justice Activists Carolyn Cook (Left) and Maureen Gehrig (Right)

The Lincoln Memorial protesters also included American feminists and supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment (E.R.A.), designed to gain Constitutional equality for women in America.

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.”

=============================

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) stand with our fellow human beings in defense of our Universal Human Rights.

We urge all – Choose Love, Not Hate – Love Wins.

=============================

Video YouTube Link to Lincoln Memorial Protesters’ Statements

Online Photo Gallery from Lincoln Memorial Protest

=============================

July 14, 2010 White House Protests Planned on U.S. Government Policies on Sudan

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.

Damanga’s Press Release on the July 14 Protest States

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.”

========================================

July 14, 2008 – International Criminal Court (ICC) Press Release: ICC Prosecutor presents case against Sudanese President, Hassan Ahmad AL BASHIR, for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur

July 12, 2010 – International Criminal Court (ICC) Press Release: Pre-Trial Chamber I issues a second warrant of arrest against Omar Al Bashir for counts of genocide

========================================

Logistics and Map:

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 WEST METRO STATION to WHITE HOUSE Walking Directions: 1. Exit station through 18TH & I (EYE) ST NW entrance. 2. Walk approx. 1 block S on 18th St NW. 3. Turn left on Pennsylvania Ave NW. 4. Walk approx. 3 blocks SE on Pennsylvania Ave NW.

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.