Back To Childhood Party Photos
February 28, 2008 in events, photos by Rob Hallam
Photos from the Back To Childhood Party.
Monthly Archives: February 2008
by Rob Hallam 
by Rob Hallam Back To Childhood Party
February 28, 2008 in events by Rob Hallam
Thanks to everyone who came to our ‘Back To Childhood’ party yesterday which was aimed at raising awareness of child soldiers. It was a fun night. There were many interesting and original costumes on display – the winner of the competition was Buzz Lightyear for effort and originality. Special mention to the two Indiana Joneses. It was great to see the effort people put into their costumes, and it gave the party a very fun atmosphere. We had a correct guess at how many sweeties were in the jar (611), and the raffle gave out six prizes. We hope the winners enjoy them.
Thanks to Rachel and everyone who organised the party, helped out, asked friends to come along, or even minded the door. Your work is appreciated.
We have two other big events coming up in the next week or two: we are having a sleep-out in front of the Wolfson Medical Building (to raise awareness of refugees); and a ceilidh, both of which we are doing in association with S.T.A.R. Watch this space for more information on both of these events.
by Rob Hallam Pakistan Blocks YouTube
February 25, 2008 in news by Rob Hallam
YouTube access has been blocked in Pakistan for hosting material offensive to Islam.
Its telecommunications authority ordered internet service providers to block the site until further notice. Reports said the content included Danish cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad that have outraged many. However, one report said a trailer for a forthcoming film by Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders, which portrays Islam in a negative light, was behind the ban.
Wahaj-us-Siraj, convener of the Association of Pakistan Internet Service Providers said:
“They asked us to ban it immediately… and the order says the ban will continue until further notice.”
Unfortunately, the method the ISPs used to block access to YouTube was said to affect users outside Pakistan, leading to a near worldwide outage.
Thanks to the BBC for the reports.
by Rob Hallam Moroccan Jailed For Spoof Facebook Profile
February 25, 2008 in news by Rob Hallam
From the BBC, Fouad Mourtada has been jailed for 3 years and fined $1300 for creating a fake profile in the name of a Prince in the Royal Family.
In his defence, he said he admired the prince, and that the Facebook entry was just intended to be a bit of fun. A website supporting him published a letter addressed to the prince apologising for the incident. The letter, reportedly penned by Mr Mourtada’s family, requested clemency.
According to the website, he told family members who visited him in jail that he had been blindfolded and beaten unconscious at the time of his arrest.
“Fouad Mourtada, like thousands of people who create fake profiles of well-known personalities or celebrities on Facebook, has in no way acted in a willingness to cause nuisance to Your Highness, for whom he has always shown the greatest of respect.”
Earlier this week some Moroccan bloggers went “on strike“, suspending their regular blog entries for 24 hours in protest at Mr Mourtada’s detention.
by Emma GU Amnesty Committee Meeting 21/2/08 – Minutes
February 24, 2008 in main by Emma
Click here:
Read the rest of this entry →
by sinead UK apology over rendition flights
February 21, 2008 in main by sinead
Somehow don’t think that these are the onlyÂÂ 2 that happened on British territory…
ÂÂ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7256587.stm
ÂÂ However, it’s good to hear an admisison of guilt of some sort from the government.
by Rob Hallam Man Held In Dubai Faces 4 Years Imprisonment
February 21, 2008 in information, news by Rob Hallam
A Hampstead businessman is being held in Dubai without charge over alleged drug offences. Cat Le-Huy, who is head of technology at Big Brother creator Endemol, was arrested as he arrived in Dubai on January 26. (source)
Having being transferred to prison after being held in the airport jail, authorities in Dubai said they found traces (0.03g) of hashish in a bag belonging to Cat Le-Huy, and are considering charging him with possession of an illegal substance. (more here)
This news comes less than a month after a man was imprisoned for 4 years for possession of 0.003g of hashish after a roll-up cigarette was found stuck to the bottom of his shoe. Cases like these are covered and helped by FairTrials.
by Emma GU Amnesty Committee Meeting 14/2/08 – Minutes
February 18, 2008 in main by Emma
Click to read minutes:
by Rob Hallam Get These MPs To Vote Against Extending Detention
February 15, 2008 in actions, information, We Like by Rob Hallam
We’ve previously discussed the decision on whether or not to extend the current 28-day detention-without-charge limit. Now, Sunny over at Liberal Conspiracy has put together a list (linked below) of Labour MPs who abstained or voted against the previous proposal to extend it to 90 days. MPs are listed by office address and constituency.
I would urge everyone to take the time to write a short email saying why you are against extending detention – and the 10 reasons laid out in a previous discussion are a good place to start. Let’s make sure they’re told!
by Rob Hallam Decision To Free Five May Help Scot’s Appeal
February 14, 2008 in information, news by Rob Hallam
From The Scotsman:
A Scottish student jailed for terrorism-related offences last year hopes a Court of Appeal decision in England may help to free him. Five men jailed for similar crimes walked free yesterday. Lord Chief Justice Lord Phillips, sitting with two other judges, quashed their convictions and ordered their release.
The ruling will be studied by lawyers planning an appeal against the conviction of Mohammed Atif Siddique, a Scottish student jailed for eight years for possessing and distributing terrorism-related materials on the internet.
Last night, Aamer Anwar, Siddique’s lawyer, said he would be meeting Imran Khan, the solicitor who represents the five freed men, within weeks. “This decision will be scrutinised by us to see if there are any implications,” Mr Anwar said.
As I commented previously, downloading such material should not be a crime. If there is an act of violence being planned, that can be prosecuted as the equivalent of “Conspiracy to commit X“.
Aamer Anwar is a human rights lawyer and a current candidate for the Rectorship of the University of Glasgow. He is expected to come and speak to the GU Amnesty International society next Tuesday at 6PM. He is facing charges of contempt of court for his defence of Siddique, which has lead to campaign to defend him.