Financial Support for Imprisoned Objectors

The Prisoners of Conscience Appeal Fund in London exists to give money to nonviolent prisoners of conscience. The funds are intended as personal support for the prisoner or prisoner's family. The POC Fund tends to operate by the same criteria as Amnesty International, stressing that prisoners must not have advocated violence. So far this year it has made two grants via WRI: one for the family of Turkish Cypriot objector Salih Askeroǧul and the other for Aytek Özel's legal expenses. It would like to hear of other imprisoned conscientious objectors or war resisters seeking asylum who need this kind of personal support.

"Relief can only be granted to an individual or their family via a reputable organisation" and, in the case of conscientious objectors, there is no organisation more reputable than WRI! The POC Fund has therefore approached the WRI office to help in identifying objectors who need financial support as a result of their objection.

If you know of anyone in this position, please contact Howard Clark, WRI, 5 Caledonian Rd, London N1 9DX, England, tel: +44 71 278 4040, fax +44 71 278 0444