As Iranians Demand Reform, U.S.-based Human Rights Activists Call for Thorough Human Rights Review with Access for Monitors

Human Rights Organizations to Hold Press Conference and Silent Vigil to Support Rights of Iranian Protestors, on February 11

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While thousands of Iranians are expected to protest in defiance of government threats to violently stop the demonstrations, Amnesty International, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, Student World Assembly and Where is My Vote, NY, will convene a press conference and silent vigil in support of the Iranian non-violent protestors.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081014/AILOGO )

Speakers will challenge the global community to press the United Nations Human Rights Council during its Universal Periodic Review of Iran (February 15) to issue a strong report that insists Iran comply with international human rights laws and permit U.N. human rights experts immediate access to the country.

During the vigil, which precedes the press conference, activists will be dressed in black and wearing gags and will condemn the use of detention, torture and execution of nonviolent protestors in Iran.

EVENT:  Press conference and silent vigil for Iranian non-violent protesters

WHEN: Thursday, February 11

Vigil: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Press conference: 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

WHERE: Vigil: Ralph J. Bunche Park, across the street from the United Nations Headquarters, 1st Ave, E 42nd to E 43rd Streets

Press conference: Church Center, 777 UN Plaza

WHO: Larry Cox, Executive Director of Amnesty International-USA

Hadi Ghaemi, Director of International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran

Hamid Dabashi, Iran Expert and Professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Literature,  Columbia University

Fereshteh Ghazi, Iranian journalist and former Prisoner of Conscience

Bitta Mostofi, Human Rights Activist and Lawyer, Where is My Vote-NY

Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.2 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.

SOURCE Amnesty International