Anti-Islam Web Site Calls for Shooting at Egyptian Protesters

While the death toll in the Egyptian protests against its oppressive government has risen to over 100, one American-based web site has called for shooting at Egyptian protesters, then urges the Mubarak government to use tactics from Tienanmen Square, and even genocidal tactics from Indonesia.

In a disturbing development, R.E.A.L. has learned today that the anti-Islam “Jihad Watch” website has posted an article, titled  “A Whiff of Grapeshot” on January 28, 2011, calling for shooting at Egyptian protesters. The Jihad Watch article also urges Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak to use the same practices as Communist China totalitarians did in the Tienanmen Square massacre in 1982.  The infamous Tienanmen Square massacre against Chinese freedom activists resulted in estimates of between 400 and 3,000 killed in June 4, 1989.

In the January 28, 2011 posting  “A Whiff of Grapeshot” on JihadWatch.org, JW writer “Roland Shirk” makes the argument that if there are Muslim Brotherhood members within the Egyptian protesters that a “whiff of grapeshot” should be used to dispose of them.

  • Jihad Watch writer “Roland Shirk” states that: “That should prove enough to cripple Mubarak’s attempts to stay in power–which could only succeed through the ruthless willingness to show the mob a ‘whiff of grapeshot.’  I know it sounds terrible to say this, but if they are in league with the Muslim Brotherhood, the Egyptian mob deserves it.” (The term “whiff of grapeshot” refers to efforts by the French dictator Napoleon Bonaparte, while he was a Brigadier General during the French Revolution,  to shoot and kill Royalist opponents in the street on October 5, 1795. The future dictator had ordered soldiers to kill the Royalist rebels with cannons killing 300, which 19th century historian Thomas Carlyle called clearing the streets with a “whiff of grapeshot.”  Grapeshot was used in rifles as a series of large metal slugs to cause maximum damage to opponents.   It was used to kill American soldiers during the Revolutionary War.) (see also screen capture)

Other recent columns by “Roland Shirk” have been praised by the “racialist” Lawrence Auster who applauds this individual’s calls to end the right of any Muslims to immigrate to the United States.

The Jihad Watch website is run by SIOA co-leader Robert Spencer whose SIOA political activism has included protests at a planned mosque in Long Island and the planned Park Place Islamic Center in New York City.  He will be speaking on February 11 at a CPAC convention on those topics in Washington DC.

For the record, R.E.A.L has long objected to, protested against, and written many articles challenging the views of the Muslim Brotherhood and their political Islamist views that we believe are anti-democratic.  However, we can object to and disagree with the Muslim Brotherhood, while believing in human freedom, human dignity, and democracy.  We can see challenges to freedom without calling for tactics used by dictators, Communist totalitarians, and architects of genocide.

We urge Jihad Watch to retract this article calling for violence.

Choose Love, Not Hate – Love Wins.

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Screenshots:

Screenshot: Jihad Watch Article “Whiff of Grapeshot” by Roland Shirk
Jihad Watch Article “Whiff of Grapeshot” – Further Roland Shirk Comments

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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
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
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
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.

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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
Damanga's Mohamed Yahya Speaks at White House
Protesters at White House in Support of Justice in Darfur and Sudan
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 Listen as Damanga's Mohamed Yahya Speaks on "Historic" Opportunity for Justice in Darfur and Sudan
Protesters for Justice Undiscouraged by Rain
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 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.

See also other R.E.A.L. postings on Sudan.

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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.

DC: Protests Outside Iranian Interests Building: Stop the Stoning of Sakineh Ashtiani

On July 2, 2010, in Washington DC, outside of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Interest Section of the Pakistan Embassy, Washington DC area demonstrators called for the Iranian government to stop the stoning of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a 43-year old woman, who has been convicted of adultery in the Islamic Republic of Iran and condemned to death by stoning.  R.E.A.L. urges the public to express their voice in an online petition demanding that Iran stops the stoning of Sakineh Ashtiani and ends stoning in Iran.

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

The DC protest demonstration, promoted by Mission Free Iran, was led by Washington DC human rights activist Maria Rohaly.  Demonstrators included Iranians who have moved to America, supporters of the group Human Rights & Secular Democracy For Iran, and supporters of the volunteer human rights group Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.).

Iran Human Rights Activist Maria Rohaly Calls for Freedom for Sakineh Ashtiani and An End to Stoning
Iran Human Rights Activist Maria Rohaly Calls for Freedom for Sakineh Ashtiani and An End to Stoning
July 2, 2010: Washington DC - Activists Protest outside of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Interest Section of the Pakistan Embassy
July 2, 2010: Washington DC - Activists Protest outside of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Interest Section of the Pakistan Embassy

Outside of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Interest Section of the Pakistan Embassy, human rights activist Maria Rohaly read a protest statement calling for ending of stoning in Iran: “We are gathered here today in response to the plight of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani and her children.”  Maria Rohaly stated that her children “have called upon the world for help to save their mother’s life.  We in Washington DC tell them that we feel their pain and we know their grief.  We want them to know that they are not alone in their sorrow and their anguish.  Dear children, your letter has raised a wave of sympathy and compassion, demonstrating that humanity is alive.  Today, we loudly declare:  1. First the stoning verdict against Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani should be discarded.  Execution is murder by the state. 2. Stoning is the most savage and most merciless form of execution and should be abolished, must be abolished in Iran and worldwide.   3. Third, sexual relationships between adults are private matters and no individuals, no institutions, and especially, no government, has the right to interfere in these matters.   4. Fourth, we strongly condemn the Islamic Republic [of Iran] for its barbaric implementation of stoning, execution, and torture… we call upon all international institutions as well as the United Nations and the European Union to strongly condemn the Islamic Republic and demand that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani’s stoning verdict be overturned, as well as verdicts of all others that [Iran] plans stoning and executions. 5. We use this opportunity to demand immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Zeinab Jalalian. 6. The Islamic Republic of Iran’s leaders must be prosecuted and punished in an international court on charges of stoning and executions of tens of thousands of people.  No to execution, no to stoning, and no to murderous laws.”

YouTube Video of Maria Rohaly’s Statement in Washington DC

Demonstrators protested alongside Wisconsin Avenue and alerted motorists and pedestrians to the stoning threat to Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtianii.  Some of the protesters also marched from the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Interest Section of the Pakistan Embassy at 2209 Wisconsin Avenue, Northwest to Dupont Circle to distribute fliers to the public on this issue and urge them to contact their governments on the barbaric acts of stoning that have taken place, and are planned to take place in Iran.

July 2, 2010: Washington DC - Activists Protest outside of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Interest Section of the Pakistan Embassy
July 2, 2010: Washington DC - Activists Protest outside of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Interest Section of the Pakistan Embassy
July 2, 2010: Washington DC - Activists Protest outside of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Interest Section of the Pakistan Embassy
July 2, 2010: Washington DC - Activists Protest outside of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Interest Section of the Pakistan Embassy
July 2, 2010: Washington DC - Activists Protest outside of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Interest Section of the Pakistan Embassy
July 2, 2010: Washington DC - Activists Protest outside of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Interest Section of the Pakistan Embassy
July 2, 2010: Washington DC - Activists Protest outside of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Interest Section of the Pakistan Embassy
July 2, 2010: Washington DC - Activists Protest outside of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Interest Section of the Pakistan Embassy

Additional photographs of the Washington DC July 2 Protest are online at these Picasa web site.

An international campaign led by Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani’s children has sought to alert the world to this and call upon the Iranian government to quash her conviction, which was obtained after she was lashed 99 times.  Demonstrators also condemned the barbaric practice of stoning and the inequality of women in Iran.  According to the Guardian, “Under Iranian sharia law, the sentenced individual is buried up to the neck (or to the waist in the case of men), and those attending the public execution are called upon to throw stones.” CNN, Radio Free Europe/Radio Free Liberty, the Daily Mail, and other media have reported on this story.  Mission Free Iran, the Human Rights & Secular Democracy For Iran group, International Committee Against Stoning, and R.E.A.L. have sought to publicize the campaign to stop the stoning of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani.

Mission Free Iran promoted the event with a blog article “STOP the STONING of Sakine Mohammadi,” and has also been promoting additional global protests in London (July 2), Toronto (July 4), and Cologne, Germany (July 4).  The Human Rights & Secular Democracy For Iran group has held a number of Washington DC human rights events for Iran, including a March 7 event recognizing the need for women’s equality in Iran on International Women’s Day, and a February 11 event in solidarity with women and students in support of Iranian democracy.  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.

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Mission Free Iran Published Statement for Washington DC Event

Friday July 2 at 6pm in front of the Islamic Republic’s Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy (2209 Wisconsin Ave NW, Wash DC).

The children of Sakine Mohammadi Ashtiani have reached out to the world with a heart-rending appeal: Protest against our mother’s stoning!

Mission Free Iran is organizing Washington DC’s participation in the global protest to respond to the appeal of Sakine’s children and demand a stop to the barbaric execution of Sakine by stoning.

We will meet in front of the Islamic Republic’s Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy at 6pm on Friday, July 2, 2010 to tell the Islamic Republic that we will not stay silent while one more woman is stoned to death in Iran.  We will later walk to DuPont Circle and raise awareness of Sakine’s situation in the community.

Please feel free to bring your own signs with messages protesting the barbaric and criminal stoning act that the Islamic Republic has planned for our sister, Sakine Mohammadi Ashtiani.

* We will demand freedom for Sakine.
* We will demand an end to stoning, and to all executions in Iran.
* We will demand removal of the Islamic Republic from the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
* We will demand that the Islamic Republic be put on trial in international court for its crimes against humanity.

There will be an open mike so that anyone who wishes to speak may express themselves.

“He said his mother was an outspoken critic of the regime and especially Khomeini from day one. She was a teacher and had spoken against the regime and authorities at work. “One day when we were all having lunch, they stormed in and took my mother with them … it all happened so quickly. It didn’t even take two weeks when, one day, they announced in the town ‘come and witness a women being stoned.’ That woman was my mother.”

He said that with fear and in a state of shock, he went and from a distance witnessed his mother being stoned to death… he believes though that his mother was still alive when buried. This man has sent me his indictment against the savage thuggery of this anti-human, fascist regime, to be introduced to an international court.”
– Rescue Sakine Mohammadi Ashtiani, Prosecute Leaders of the Islamic Republic! by Mina Ahadi

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Additional Activism to Challenge Groups Promoting Stoning

The international Hizb ut-Tahrir group held a demonstration on June 22 in Indonesia supporting calls for  stoning, and we reject such views.  On World AIDS day, Hizb ut-Tahrir also called for stonings as the answer to AIDS.   The American branch of Hizb ut-Tahrir is planning to meet in a Chicago suburb on July 18 or 25 at an undetermined location, after the Chicago Oak Brook Marriott canceled hosting their Hizb ut-Tahrir America conference on July 11.  R.E.A.L. has challenged Hizb ut-Tahrir’s views on stoning, and Hizb ut-Tahrir America’s objections to democracy and religious freedom.  R.E.A.L. has invited DC area Muslims in support of democracy and religious freedom to join them at the R.E.A.L. July 11 Lincoln Memorial event at 2 PM to demonstrate their support for our human rights, and challenge Hizb ut-Tahrir’s views.

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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.


Muslims and Rights Activists Call for Women’s Rights, Freedom for Nathalie Morin, at Saudi Arabia Embassy

On June 26, 2010, at the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Washington DC, Muslim women, Muslim men, and other supporters of human rights called for women’s rights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).  Specifically, the Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV). led by DC chapter activist Fatima Thompson, sought to protest the male guardianship program, and the conditions of gender apartheid for women in Saudi Arabia, while Saudi King Abdulaziz was attending the G20 summit in Canada.  The Washington Times also reported on the plans for the protest in their June 25 article, “Women’s rights supporters to protest outside Saudi mission.”

Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) DC chapter activist Fatima Thompson Leads Saudi Arabia Protest in Washington DC - June 26, 2010
Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) DC chapter activist Fatima Thompson Leads Saudi Arabia Protest in Washington DC - June 26, 2010

A Canadian woman, Nathalie Morin, has been held against her will in Saudi Arabia, by her common-law husband since 2005.   Nathalie Morin has been a victim of conjugal violence, confinement and abuse, and activist had photographs of the abuse of Nathalie Morin and her children.   The Canadian National Post reported on the plight of Nathalie Morin and the efforts of Canadian political leaders in seeking to help her in a report: “Help sought for Canadian family in Saudi Arabia.”  According to the National Post, Nathalie Morin’s common-law husband Samir Said Ramthi Al Bishi, “met with Canadian officials in Saudi Arabia on Sept. 22, at which time he demanded $300,000 in exchange for the release of Ms. Morin and the children.”

Nathalie Morin, shown here with her eldest son, Samir (now nearly seven years old), says she has been trying to return to Canada for 2½ years.  (Family photo)
Nathalie Morin, shown here with her eldest son, Samir (now nearly seven years old), says she has been trying to return to Canada for 2½ years. (Family photo)

At the June 26, 2010 protest,  Muslim women and men, as well as other human rights activists,  condemned the mistreatment of Nathalie Morin demanding that she and her children, and other similarly detained were allowed to return to their home countries for safety. The MPV protest statement sought to “declare to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Government that Americans are demanding Nathalie Morin and her children, as well as any foreign nationals held captive, be returned to their countries immediately, that they respect the human rights of women and children and ensure the safety of Nathalie Morin and the safety of her children.”

June 26, 2010: Protest at Saudi Arabian Embassy Calls for Release of Nathalie Morin and Respect for Women's Rights
June 26, 2010: Protest at Saudi Arabian Embassy Calls for Release of Nathalie Morin and Respect for Women's Rights

The leader of the protest, Fatima Thompson spoke to television media on the subject, and a Saudi woman gave an interview on the story in Arabic.  When additional reports are available, this blog posting will be updated.

Protesters marched around the Saudi Arabian Embassy and chanted “Free Nathalie Morin,” “No Guardian for Mature Women,” “End Gender Apartheid,” and “Saudi Arabia Keep Your Promises.”

Protesters at June 26, 2010 Call for Women's Rights Outside Saudi Arabian Embassy
Protesters at June 26, 2010 Call for Women's Rights Outside Saudi Arabian Embassy
Protesters Marching Outside Saudi Arabian Embassy
Protesters Marching Outside Saudi Arabian Embassy

Protesters were showing their signs and chanting to individuals entering the Saudi embassy.  One Saudi Arabian embassy employee came out with a camera to take the photographs of the protesters.

Protesters Marching Outside Saudi Arabia Embassy
Protesters Marching Outside Saudi Arabia Embassy

Protesters also showed their signs to drivers going past the area, near the John F. Kennedy Center.  Some drivers saw the protesters and stopped to give a “thumbs up” in support of their efforts.

Message on Guardianship Program
Message on Guardianship Program

Several Muslim men came and joined the protest at the Saudi Arabian embassy, and marched together with Muslim women and rights activists in support of Nathalie Morin and women’s rights in Saudi Arabia.

Muslim Women and Men Protesting Together for Women's Rights -  June 26, 2010 Protest Outside Saudi Arabian Embassy
Muslim Women and Men Protesting Together for Women's Rights - June 26, 2010 Protest Outside Saudi Arabian Embassy

One man joined the protest whose family came from an African nation as workers and had lived in Saudi Arabia for two generations without gaining citizenship.

Protester Outside Saudi Embassy
Protester Outside Saudi Embassy

Fatima Thompson was speaking to Muslim men on the plight of Saudi women as they passed by the protest group, seeking their support for women’s rights.

Protest Leader Fatima Thompson Speaks with Muslim Men on Women's Issues
Protest Leader Fatima Thompson Speaks with Muslim Men on Women's Issues

Some protesters also distributed a fliers with a report:
“UN: Saudi Arabia Pledges End of Men’s Control Over Women”

Protesters sought to urge the Saudi Arabian government to be responsible for its pledges for women’s rights.

The protesters also included Jeffrey Imm from the volunteer human rights group Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.), whose group plans an event at the White House on women’s rights and religious freedom on Tuesday, June 29 at 12 Noon (see also Adobe Acrobat PDF flier).

Update: June 28 – 9 PM – The Gulf Institute has changed the time of their event on June 29 White House and moved it also to 12 Noon as well.  I am certain we will coordinate efforts.

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)'s Jeffrey Imm at June 26, 2010 Saudi Arabia Embassy Protest for Women's Rights
Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)'s Jeffrey Imm at June 26, 2010 Saudi Arabia Embassy Protest for Women's Rights


[Additional photographs at Online photo gallery of photographs of June 26 protest taken by Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)]

Saudi Arabian Embassy
Saudi Arabian Embassy
Outside Saudi Arabian Embassy
Outside Saudi Arabian Embassy

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Press Release from Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV)
PROTEST – Nathalie Morin and Gender Apartheid – Saturday June 26, 2010 at 1:30pm

PROTEST
Saturday June 26th, 2010, 1:30 pm in front of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia
601 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20037
To denounce the confinement of Nathalie Morin and her children, and foreign nationals, in Saudi Arabia

Canadian, Nathalie Morin who is 26 years old, along with her three small children, has been held against her will in Saudi Arabia by her common-law husband since 2005. A victim of conjugal violence, confinement and abuse, Nathalie must return to Canada with her children. But in Saudi Arabia a woman must have the authorization of her male guardian to leave the territory and her aggressor will not allow this.

Gender apartheid and the male guardianship system of Saudi Arabia is a violation of women’s human rights and international law. As long as the U.S. and Saudi governments consider Nathalie and her children’s case a private affair, they will not deploy all efforts to ensure their safety and bring them home to Canada. During this time, Nathalie’s condition continues to deteriorate as the abuse worsens.

On June 26th and 27th, representatives of the Saudi government will participate in the G-20 summit in Toronto to discuss the economy. In June 2009 Obama stated in his speech in Cairo: «But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose.
These are not just American ideas; they are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere.» We call on President Obama to defend human rights by demanding that any foreign nationals held captive in Saudi Arabia be allowed to exit the country.

This protest is to declare to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Government that Americans are demanding Nathalie Morin and her children, as well as any foreign nationals held captive, be returned to their countries immediately, that they respect the human rights of women and children and ensure the safety of Nathalie Morin and the safety of her children.

Location: 601 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20037

We will not abandon Nathalie and her children to an undeserved fate

Information: www.nathaliemorin.org E-mail: soutiennathaliemorin@gmail.com

Contact Information for MPV:

Ani Zonneveld – MPV-USA (national organization) ani@mpvusa.org 323-842-2869
Fatima Thompson – MPV-DC (local chapter) thompson.fatima@gmail.com 703-901-0720

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