FROM Amnesty International:
"...recent reports of torture and ill-treatment of Jehovah’s Witnesses while in custody of [Russian]law enforcement officials. At least 40 people, including minors, were arrested during raids of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ homes in Surgut on 15 February."
"Amnesty International has examined evidence and carried out interviews with several persons who claim they were subjected to torture and other ill-treatment while in custody to extract “confessions” of participation in an “extremist organization”. Some victims reported threats of rape."
"Jehovah’s Witnesses Sergei Loginov, Artur Severinchik and Yevgeniy Fedin remain remanded in custody and are at serious risk of further torture and other ill-treatment. They are prisoners of conscience, detained solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of religion."
"Write a letter in your own words...to a Russian Government official.
You can also email, fax, call or Tweet them.
Yuriy Yakovlevich Chaika
Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation
Prosecutor General’s Office
ul. B. Dmitrovka, d.15a
125993 Moscow GSP- 3
Russian Federation
Fax: +7 495 987 58 41; +7 495 692 17 25
Electronic form in Russian: https://bit.ly/2HxUenq
Twitter: @GenprocAmbassador Anatoly Antonov
Embassy of the Russian Federation
2650 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington DC 20007
Phone: 1 202 298 5700 I Fax: 1 202 298 5735
Email: rusembusa@mid.ru
Twitter: @RusEmbUSA
EXAMPLE OF EMAIL OR LETTER:
"Salutation: Dear Ambassador
"Dear Chairman of the Investigative Committee,
I am writing to express my utmost concern following recent reports of torture and ill-treatment of Jehovah’s Witnesses while in custody of law enforcement officials. At least 40 people, including minors, were arrested during raids of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ homes in Surgut on 15 February.
Amnesty International has examined evidence and carried out interviews with several persons who claim they were subjected to torture and other ill-treatment while in custody to extract “confessions” of participation in an “extremist organization”. Some victims reported threats of rape.
Jehovah’s Witnesses Sergei Loginov, Artur Severinchik and Yevgeniy Fedin remain remanded in custody and are at serious risk of further torture and other ill-treatment. They are prisoners of conscience, detained solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of religion.
I therefore urge you to immediately and unconditionally release Sergei Loginov, Artur Severinchik and Yevgeniy Fedin; and ensure that they are protected from torture and other ill-treatment, that allegations of torture and other ill-treatment against Sergei Loginov, Artur Severinchik and Yevgeniy Fedin, and other Jehovah’s Witnesses, are promptly, effectively and impartially investigated, and all responsible brought to justice.
Yours sincerely,
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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CONTACT US: uan@aiusa.org
See more at https://www.amnestyusa.org/take-action/urgent-action-network/
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Stand up for the oppressed, imprisoned,abused, and impoverished,
Daniel Wilcox
