Ehsan Ali and other leading members of the Awami Action Committee in the Pakistan-administered region of Gilgit Baltistan have been arrested once again, an action condemned by both Genocide Watch and Amnesty International.
[image ID: A monochromatic image of an elderly pakistani man with his hands raised, and the words FREE EHSAN ALI framing him. /end image ID]
The AAC-GB has fought tirelessly on behalf of ordinary people for over a decade, campaigning for democratic rights, for the maintenance of subsidies on essential goods like wheat flour and for the provision of basic health and education facilities for the people of the region.
Help us fight for their release! Free Ehsan Ali! Hands off the AAC!
[image ID: Ehsan Ali is pictured, wearing a puffer coat, his cap, and a Revolutionary Communist Party pin. He's holding a microphone in one hand with his other raised in passion as he gives a speech. /end image ID]
Ehsan Ali, who continues to suffer the severe medical repercussions of the dire conditions of his imprisonment, has been moved from hospital back into a jail cell. The doctors, despite opposing this measure, report being pressured to allow this to happen, despite the significant threat it poses to his life.
Ehsan Ali and other leaders of the AAC were also arrested last year, and were tortured and humiliated for many months. They were released after a huge solidarity campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, and across the world, led by the comrades of the RCI. This forced the ruling class of Pakistan to release these leaders. We must garner support for them again, their lives are dependent on it.
One doctor, a supporter of the Awami Action Committee, having resisted this scandalous move that imperils Ehsan Ali’s life, has now been transferred to a hospital in a far off district, no doubt as punishment from the authorities.
As we have said before, the intention of the Pakistani state is to allow Ehsan Ali to die in jail. This decision to move him back into a cell, risks dramatically hastening that process, and must be opposed as firmly as possible.
We once again call on all our supporters to redouble your efforts! Spread this campaign, sign the petition, and join us for the international day of action on 4 June.
Ehsan Ali’s life depends on our efforts! Because of the way tumblr works, please check the notes for ALL the links for all ways to spread, share, and sign the petition.