GTA Amnesty International Newsletter – August 2021

GREAT NEWS: After two years in ICE detention, Maura is free!After a campaign to free Maura, a 41-year-old transgender woman originally from Nicaragua, generated thousands of emails — including at least 3,000 Urgent Actions from Canada — to the ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) San Diego Field Office, the agency has finally released her. Maura was detained for over 800 days in a facility accused of medical neglect and failing to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks.  Following her release, Maura said:“I am so, so happy. I still can’t believe it. I thought I wasn’t going to get out of that place, I thought I wasn’t going to get out of that hell. I thought I was alone in this world. I thought it wasn’t worth it to keep fighting. And then I realized that there were people around the world, who I didn’t even know, very good people who have been very supportive. They supported me by sending me letters, they gave me moral support. I am very happy for all that, very grateful.”Huge thanks to all of you for your tireless campaign for Maura’s freedom!  Join the Gender Rights Specialized Team for a Letter Writing event in support of LGBTQIA2S+ human rights defendersThe AI Canada (ES) Gender Rights Specialized Team is organizing a Letter Writing event in support of LGBTQIA2S+ human rights defenders. LGBTQIA2S+ activists continue to face incredible danger for challenging homophobic laws and norms. Join us in advocating for 4 activists who are currently persecuted for defending their right to freely express their gender identities. We will be writing to authorities in their countries and showcasing our Pride social media campaign and videos from the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Please register here and share widely with your networks! WHEN: Join us on Tuesday August 3rd at 8pm EST for an evening of letter writing and activism!  Justice for Indigenous Children: Online Letter WritingJoin us on Sunday, August 8th at 7:30pm EST for an online letter writing event to demand justice for Indigenous children! There will be Indigenous speakers sharing their perspectives and leading discussions on intergenerational trauma and how to be a better ally. Please register here to get your zoom link for the event.When: Sunday August 8th, 7:30pm EST  The event is facilitated by members of the National Organizers Program of AI Canada (ES).