Turkish Article 301

I am not one to keep silent when I see something wrong. So, today, I am writing to ask that you speak out with me on an issue that’s really important.Right now, in Turkey, there is a law called Article 301 that makes it a crime to say or write anything deemed to be “un-Turkish”. Journalists, writers and many others who are vocal are facing trials under this law. In fact this year’s Nobel Prize winner for literature, Orhan Pamuk escaped conviction on a technicality for his mention of the 1 million Armenians living in Turkey who were murdered in the first part of the 20th century.The Turkish Government is not alone in repressing speech. In the Sudan today tens of thousands have been killed and millions more have been driven from their homes. The Sudanese Government will not acknowledge the extent of the tragedy and refuses to protect its own people. Journalists, writers and many others have been jailed for speaking out.I ask that you join me and other Amnesty International members to stand up for free speech. Please send an email to the Turkish government now demanding that they uphold the right to free speech and repeal Article 301 of the penal code. In addition to speaking out against Article 301, I ask that you also take action through Amnesty and demand the protection of the men, women and children in the Sudan.Amnesty’s e-mail actions really do work. In the past 45 years Amnesty has helped not only to release over 45,000 prisoners of conscience but have also helped to both change and abolish unfair laws like Article 301.As a member of Amnesty International, I know I am helping to change the course of history and by taking action, so can you.Thanks for speaking out for human rights!
Peace,Serj Tankian of System of a Down
Co-Founder of Axis of Justice