Colwyn Bay Amnesty protests in solidarity with plight of Tehran prisoners

Colwyn Bay Amnesty marked the 60th anniversary of the organisation with the protest in Queens Gardens on Wednesday, May 26. They set out to raise awareness of the plight of human rights lawyer Eren Keskin and dual British-Iranian nationals Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Ahoosheh Ashoori.

Campaigners could be seen holding placards stating "Free Nazanin" and "We stand with you", as well as information about the history of Amnesty International.

Amnesty supporters mark Amnesty's 60 anniversary by showing solidarity with human rights lawyer Eren Keskin and British-Iranian dual nationals Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori.

The local branch, set up by Geoff Jell and wife Ivy in 1977, has met continuously over the last 45 years. Activities led by the group in recent years have included a visit from the Zimbabwe Association choir, an election hustings at Rydal Penrhos School, human rights workshops with primary schools, an exhibition of musical and literary work by refugees and work with Haven of Light to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking at Holyhead Port and across North Wales.

Maggie Towse, chair of Colwyn Bay Amnesty, said: “Anniversaries give us an opportunity to take stock: to review our achievements but also the things that haven’t gone so well. In Amnesty’s 60 years it has had some remarkable successes. Prisoners of conscience have been released, individuals have been protected, the number of countries using the death penalty has fallen and we have an international Arms Trade Treaty. But there is still much to be done.

Maggie Towse, Chair of Colwyn Bay Amnesty Group standing in solidarity with Turkish human rights lawyer Eren Keskin and British-Iranian nationals Nazanin Zaghari Ractcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori

“There is much to do but Amnesty has the power of its seven million supporters across the world who continue to speak ‘truth to power’ and are dedicated to the realisation of human rights for all.”

In 2011, Reverend Jell welcomed Monty Python star Terry Jones to Queens Gardens where Terry planted a tree to commemorate Amnesty’s 50th year.

Over the last 60 years, Amnesty International campaigns have saved prisoners from torture or death by investigating and raising awareness of abuses, as well as educating and mobilising public opinion. In 1977 it received a Nobel Peace Prize for its work to defend human dignity against torture.

It aims to ensure that all citizens of the world are governed according to Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments.

For more information visit the Colwyn Bay Amnesty website.