Write-a-Thon generates dozens of letters for global human rights

By: Amanda Pitts

alpitts@abc6.com

@APittsABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Human rights activists in Rhode Island are using words to help spark global change.

Dozens of people from across the state gathered at the First Unitarian Church of Providence to write letters to world leaders at the 31st annual Write-a-Thon. They’re urging these leaders to free ten prisoners who they say were jailed not for any act of violence, but for speaking their minds.

“Somebody is looking even when you think they’re not. Hopefully some good will come of it,” said Neil Barker of Bristol.

The letters are giving voice to the voiceless, like people like Israa al-Ghomgham of Saudi Arabia, who advocates say, could get the death penalty for participating in a peaceful protest. 

“If they execute her, she will be the first Shia woman to be executed in Saudi Arabia.”

Marcia Leiberman, an advocate at the Write-a-Thon, said the prisoners are all in different situations and are located in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

“Some are being tortured, some are being held in solitary confinement, some are denied medical treatment.”

She said since we have the right to speak out, it’s our duty to do something.

“The rights we have to express our views, to choose our religion, to decide what to read, to walk where we want, these rights are priceless. And we must not forget that.”

The letter-writing campaign is part of a global mission coined as the world’s largest human rights event.

Five million letters were written last year.

(c) WLNE-TV 2018