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Amnesty International

"Amnesty International works to improve human rights through the actions of ordinary people around the world. We have a record of real achievement. Prisoners of conscience are released. Death sentences are commuted. Torturers are brought to justice. Governments are persuaded to change their laws and practices.

Sometimes our solidarity keeps hope alive. Hope is a precious weapon for prisoners battling to survive, relatives trying to obtain justice or human rights defenders bravely continuing their work despite danger and isolation.

The people we have been trying to help often let us know that our pressure has had some effect and led to improvements. Some of their stories are told here. They show that, however bleak the situation, the actions of Amnesty International's members and supporters can make a difference."
 

Amnesty International:  Good news stories:

Mexico: General Gallardo

On 7 February 2002 General Gallardo, a prisoner of conscience detained for over eight years, was released after President Fox ordered that his sentence be reduced to time served. He was detained in 1993 after criticizing human rights violations by the Mexican armed forces and for proposing the creation of a military human rights ombudsman to investigate such abuses.

In 1994 Amnesty International adopted General Gallardo as a prisoner of conscience.  Amnesty members have campaigned for his release over many years and it is this on going pressure on the authorities that has contributed to secure his release. General Gallardo 's family have expressed their gratitude for all our help:

"We are all very happy that our father has been released and we are profoundly grateful to Amnesty International. Without your support my father's release would not have been possible."