[INSIDER UPDATE] Victory for a human rights defender in Iran!

Plus: Act now to protect trans rights in the U.S. >> [View in Browser]( Hi {NAME}, We have a lot to do to defend human rights this year. But this month, we have an exciting victory to share with you! Wins like this are fueled by your support as an Amnesty member. I hope this positive news motivates you to keep taking action for human rights throughout the year. WIN: ZAHRA “SAREH” SEDIGHI-HAMADANI RELEASED! [Photo of ZAHRA 'SAREH' SEDIGHI-HAMADANI] We have an exciting and important update about LGBTQI+ activist Zahra Sedighi-Hamadani, known as Sareh. After more than a year behind bars in an Iranian prison, Sareh was released in March! This is a huge victory! Sareh is a gender nonconforming human rights defender who was detained by Iranian authorities and sentenced to death for “corruption on earth.” She was targeted for her real or perceived identity and her support of LGBTQI+ rights on social media. During her time in prison, Sareh was held in prolonged solitary confinement and endured interrogations and verbal abuse by prison guards — actions that violate her human rights. Sareh’s release is a massive win — and it shows that advocacy from Amnesty members like you really does work. We aren’t done advocating for human rights defenders in Iran — there is more work to do. But we invite you to celebrate Sareh’s release as a testament to what we can accomplish together. [HIGHLIGHT: WILL BIDEN UPHOLD HUMAN RIGHTS?]( When he ran for President, Joe Biden said he would “revitalize” the nation’s commitment to advancing human rights. But is his administration living up to that promise? In an op-ed for The Hill, our Executive Director Paul O’Brien looks at the human rights double standards of the Biden administration — and how we can hold them to account. We want you to know one thing for certain: no matter who’s in power, we will continue to call out foreign policies that demand standards from other countries that don’t apply at home in the United States. [READ THE STORY]( [APRIL ACTION AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY]( [End the Death Penalty]( This month, Amnesty members and faith-based groups are working together to end the death penalty for our Interfaith Month of Action. Amnesty International has campaigned for more than 45 years to abolish the death penalty worldwide. Still, more than 40 men remain on federal death row in the U.S. today. [Men like Billie Allen, who was 19 at the time of his crime.]( Despite claims of racial bias and a lack of DNA evidence linking Allen to the crime, no President has taken action to commute his death sentence. To speak out against the cruel and irreversible death penalty, Amnesty members and communities of faith across the country have taken action this month — writing postcards, hosting important conversations, advocating on social media, and more. We encourage you to participate in this month of action and help us bring an end to the death penalty once and for all. [JOIN THE MOVEMENT]( [Are you liking your Amnesty Impact overview? Let us know!]( [Thumbs Up]( [Thumbs Down]( [TAKE ACTION FOR TRANS RIGHTS]( [Image of girl looking at camera]( I’m sure you’ve seen this in the news: attacks on trans people — and their human rights — are increasing at an extremely concerning level. In the first six weeks of 2023, state legislatures introduced more than 300 anti-LGBTQI+ bills. And most of those bills target transgender youth. Trans lives are in danger and we must act now. [Tell your Congressional representatives to immediately pass the Transgender Bill of Rights. Add your name now »]( Not only do these state anti-LGBTQI+ bills chip away at the rights of transgender people, but they encourage violent rhetoric and violent attacks. The Transgender Bill of Rights outlines ways to protect the civil rights of trans people, recognize their right to healthcare and ensure equal access to services. [TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT TRANS RIGHTS]( We have many challenges ahead. I know that can feel daunting — but when we speak out against injustice together as one voice, we are powerful. I hope you can see that strength and power in the victory we shared today from Iran. Protecting human rights is an ongoing challenge, but if we stay focused — and take energy from our wins along the way — we can accomplish great things. 🕯️, Billie Hirsch Senior Director of Online Engagement Amnesty International USA P.S. Looking for a consistent way to defend human rights around the world? [Become a monthly supporter today. A generous group of donors are matching new monthly gifts for an entire year — meaning your donation will go 12x as far.]( [If you begin today, a generous group of Amnesty donors will match the first 12 months of your contribution -- doubling your impact all year. Start donating today!]( And if you’re not in a position to start a monthly donation right now, that’s OK! [Make a one-time contribution to support human rights here.]( [DONATE NOW]( © 2023 Amnesty International USA 311 W 43rd Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10036 | 1-800-AMNESTY Please don't reply to this email. You can send questions to aimember@aiusa.org. We’re so happy you’re here to hear about the most important updates on human rights! If necessary, you can [opt to receive fewer emails]( or [unsubscribe here](. [supporter]