Ahmed Mansoor: UAE Activist Selected for 2015 Human Rights Defenders Award
I’m disgusted when I see Americans whining about government tyranny when there are people who are truly suffering & being imprisoned for criticism of their government and desire for greater freedoms, not just trying to score cheap partisan political points.
Ahmed Mansoor was selected by a jury of ten global human rights organizations (see list below). The award is given to Human Rights Defenders who have shown deep commitment and face great personal risk. The aim of the award is to provide protection through international recognition. Strongly supported by the City of Geneva, the Award will be presented on Tuesday 6 October.
Since 2006, Ahmed Mansoor has focused on initiatives concerning freedom of expression, civil and political rights. He successfully campaigned in 2006-2007 to support two people jailed for critical social comments, who were released and the charges dropped. Shortly after, the Prime Minister of UAE issued an order not to jail journalists in relation to their work. Mr Mansoor is one of the few voices within the United Arab Emirates who provides a credible independent assessment of human rights developments. He regularly raises concerns on arbitrary detention, torture, international standards for fair trials, non-independence of the judiciary and domestic laws that violate international law.
He has faced repeated intimidation and harassment, including imprisonment in 2011 after being convicted of “insulting officials” and sentenced to three years in prison, although he was released after eight months. […]
More: Ahmed Mansoor Selected as the 2015 Laureate Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders
Gosh, do you suppose Pamela Geller will be singing this man’s praises? Yeah, me neither because everyone knows she is the one who should have won it for her tireless work. //
Sadly, Mr. Mansoor can’t receive his award in person because the UAE government has revoked his passport, banning him from overseas travel. Here’s his acceptance speech:
I wonder how many Western countries are doing business with the “moderate” UAE thanks to their business-friendly laws, luxurious accommodations, etc.? (There is currently zero federal corporate taxation, though that may change.)