Hannah Brock, the new WRI worker writes: 1 December marks ‘Prisoners for Peace’ day.
For more than 50 years, War Resisters’ International has used this opportunity to make known the names and stories of those imprisoned for their actions for peace.
Some are conscientious objectors, detained for their refusal to join the military. Others have taken nonviolent direct actions to disrupt preparations for war.
This day is a chance for you to demonstrate your support.
Write a letter
We invite you to put aside some time on 1 December, and send cards that express your solidarity. You might want to gather a group together and write together.
Sergeiy Sandler, a conscientious objector in Israel, was imprisoned for this refusal to undertake military service.
‘As one who once was on WRI’s Prisoner for Peace list, I can testify to the importance of the scores of support messages I received from people all over the world. They lifted my spirit when I was behind bars’, he said.
Lee Young-Chan
One person you could contact is Lee Young-chan, who is detained in South Korea.
Lee Young-chan is a campaigner against the construction of a naval base on the island of Jeju. He was arrested on 24 October on charges of obstruction of business, while protesting against the arrest of another peace activist, and remains in custody.
Kimberly Rivera
Or, you could write to Kimberly Rivera, a conscientious objector in the USA.
Kimberly served with the US army in Iraq before developing a conscientious objection.
She went absent without leave between deployments in 2007, travelling to Canada with her husband and children, where they claimed refugee status. This was refused, and she returned to the US on 20 September. She was immediately taken into military custody, where she remains.
Kim has four children. She is likely to be court-martialled for desertion and jailed for between two to five years.
Writing to prisoners
In writing your cards, think about what you would like to receive if you were in prison – maybe include photos, or drawings, telling them about your life, and what you are doing to stop war.
Include your name and address, but don’t expect a reply – this may not be possible.
The list of those who are currently in prison is available here: www.wri-irg.org/inprison