5 November 2008

TAKE ACTION! HELP KEEP A MOROCCAN STUDENT OUT OF JAIL


On 29 September, Moroccan schoolboy Yassine Bellassal was sentenced to 18 months in prison - one for each year of his life - for writing the motto "God, my homeland and Barça" on the blackboard in his classroom, reports the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI). He modified the motto "God, my homeland and the King", the national motto of Morocco, to show his enthusiasm for the Spanish football team Barça.

Last week, he was released from prison conditionally, and the court in Marrakesh will now issue a decision in the case on 12 November after an appeals court hearing, say local activists. He could still be sent back to jail to complete his sentence.

Sign the petition at: http://www.HelpYassine.comand visit the Facebook group at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=29480439569
(5 November 2008)



INTERNATIONAL: BEIRUT TO HOST WAN'S THIRD ANNUAL ARAB FREE PRESS FORUM 5 November 2008 SRI LANKA: SRI LANKA'S PRESS FREEDOM SITUATION WORSENING, SAYS MISSION 5 November 2008 INTERNATIONAL: TAKE ACTION! DEFEND EUROPEANS' RIGHT TO ACCESS INFORMATION 5 November 2008 BANGLADESH: IFEX MEMBERS WELCOME RIGHT TO INFORMATION LAW 5 November 2008 TANZANIA: MEDIA MARCH FOR PRESS FREEDOM 5 November 2008 SYRIA: IFEX MEMBERS CONDEMN 30-MONTH PRISON SENTENCE FOR ACTIVISTS 5 November 2008 INTERNATIONAL: TECH GIANTS PROMISE TO DEFEND FREE EXPRESSION ONLINE 5 November 2008

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