AI WEIWEI by EUGENE SONG

The world is speaking out (with artists in the front lines), against the detention and punishment of Ai Weiwei for doing what artists must do every day everywhere: telling the truth. Architect, designer, artist, citizen, he has been challenging the government of China on its censorship policies, as well as its overall disregard for human … Read more

GILAD SHALIT by Cannaday Chapman

Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier, was seized by Hamas in June, 2009 and dragged, wounded, into Gaza where he has languished ever since.  International voices have called out for his release. Negotiations for a prisoner exchange by Israel and the Gaza leadership are apparently stuck. Cannaday Chapman: “When making this piece I wanted to emphasize … Read more

TROY DAVIS by Terry Brodner

Troy  Davis  was sentenced  to death in 1991 for the shooting of an off duty police officer.  His repeated appeals have been denied.  Three new witnesses have recanted their testimonies and were ignored by Judge Moore. Troy Davis is now facing execution within the next few weeks. Text and image by Terry Brodner

ROMA REFUGEES art and text by Lisa Reist

 

Although widely reported upon last summer, not much has been said recently of the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptians who have been deported to be repatriated in Kosovo. Shortly following their independence from Serbia, Kosovo buckled under international pressure to accept Roma and other minority populations from various Western European countries. However, Kosovo does not have the infrastructure to support these peoples. According to the BBC, currently “unemployment stands at over 40%, with almost half the population below the poverty line and last December’s general election – the first since independence – was marred by serious fraud.”

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THE CASE OF THOMAS HAYNESWORTH

The case of Thomas Haynesworth, incarcerated by the criminal system of Virginia for 27 years for crimes he probably didn’t commit, is coming to the world’s attention.  This Washington Post editorial tells the story.  It is a reminder of our broken system and where attention must be paid.  Support Haynesworth HERE.

The Washington Post, Feb.13:

THOMAS HAYNESWORTH has spent the past 27 years behind bars for crimes he probably did not commit.

Mr. Haynesworth was 18 years old and had a clean record when he was charged in Richmond in 1984 with raping or assaulting four women. He pleaded not guilty to all charges but was convicted in three of the four cases and sentenced to some 70 years in prison.

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