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In memory of
Rendi Thomas
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Background
The Cold War was in full swing, authoritarian governments were far more common and political prisoners were much more likely to be tortured, I helped my friend in South Korea write letters on behalf of prisoners of conscience in other countries. This was one of the major activities that AI groups around the world did. The activities did not seem like they would be helpful: I could not imagine that the prison officials and political leaders would care about letters from ordinary folk in some other country.
However, the letter campaigns do indeed seemed to have helped in several ways. Prisoners themselves say that when they do find out that someone is writing on their behalf, it really helped them not lose faith - especially if they actually got to see the letter. If the prison officials and other officials keep on getting letters, they do act a little bit more cautiously and are more likely to be careful not to let the prisoner get hurt or die. Even the most insulated governments have some people who care about their international PR and the officials do not enjoy the nagging and bad press.
In short, the things that AI does may not seem that big of a deal, but every once in a while they may help one person not lose hope, and one government official be a little less cruel. It could make a big difference Contribute to Amnesty International of the USA
However, the letter campaigns do indeed seemed to have helped in several ways. Prisoners themselves say that when they do find out that someone is writing on their behalf, it really helped them not lose faith - especially if they actually got to see the letter. If the prison officials and other officials keep on getting letters, they do act a little bit more cautiously and are more likely to be careful not to let the prisoner get hurt or die. Even the most insulated governments have some people who care about their international PR and the officials do not enjoy the nagging and bad press.
In short, the things that AI does may not seem that big of a deal, but every once in a while they may help one person not lose hope, and one government official be a little less cruel. It could make a big difference Contribute to Amnesty International of the USA
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Created with love by
Timothy Thomas (Rendi's brother).
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