Shoalhaven Group of Amnesty International is delighted with the release of the book Candle in the Dark . The book resulted from an Australia wide literary competition conducted by the Shaolhaven Group. The 57 short stories and poems which make up "Candle in the Dark" were deemed to be the highlights of hundreds of entries received. They display a huge variety of styles, subject matter, moods and settings.
Each poem or story relates in some way to the theme "candle in the dark", but interpretations are very wide indeed. A number have a human rights theme but the comon thread is the interplay of the light and dark aspects of life, and, in many cases the ultimate triumph of love, hope and the human spirit over diversity.
Candle in the Dark is an intriguing and often moving reading experience, showcasing Australian writing talent.
The book is priced at only $14.95 and is available at Dymocks Nowra, The Terrace Bookshop Kiama and Kangaroo Valley Newsagency.
For more information on the activities of Shoalhaven Group of Amnesty International contact Libby Turnoch 044 -651357
Amnesty International members around the world are currently appealing to
the Turkish government for the immediate and unconditional release of Osman
Murat Ulke from prison.
Osman was detained in Izmir on October 7, 1996. A year after he publicly burned his conscription papers and declared as a pacifist he would "never, ever, conduct military service in any way".
For that action Osman has been sentenced to 11 months imprisonment. Further trials pending may leave him facing 18 years in prison for charges such as " using the trick of claiming the right to conscientious objection in order to avoid military service" this charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment in Turkey.
The Universal declarartion of Human Rights statesindividuals have the right to refuse military service as part of their right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. In Turkey, however, the system of conscription has no provision for conscientious objections.(Osman is one of many in Turkey)
You don't have to be a member of Amnesty to join the appeal for Osman Murat Ulke's release. Write a courteous letter to the Turkish Deputy Prime Minister requesting Osman's release and ask that her Government introduce legislation to recognise the right to conscientious objection and provide an alternative to military service.
Send to: Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Mrs Tansu Ciller
Office of the Prime Minister
Basbakanlik
Turkey. Fax0011-903124191547