Libyen

Dear friends, [Blockierte Grafik: http://avaazimages.s3.amazonaws.com/LIBYAproteststhumb.jpg] 

Hundreds of democracy protesters are being massacred by Qaddafi's military in Libya. The UN is in emergency meetings right now and could freeze the regime's assets, impose a no-fly zone, and threaten trials in international courts. Tell the UN to act now
to stop the bloodshed:

Libya's armed forces are using machine guns and fighter jets against pro-democracy protesters -- hundreds have been killed and, without immediate international action, it could spiral into a national bloodbath.

The United Nations Security Council is holding emergency sessions on Libya now. If we can pressure them to agree to a no-fly zone over Libya, an asset freeze on Qaddafi and his generals, targeted sanctions against the regime, and international prosecution of any military officials involved in the crackdown -- this could stop airforce bombings and split Qaddafi's command structure.

We have no time to lose -- the people of Libya are being slaughtered by their own government. Click to send a message directly to all the UN Security Council delegations to stop the violence, and share this with everyone -- let's spur the UN to action with a flood of messages:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/libya_stop_the_crackdown_1/?vl

Colonel Qaddafi has ruled with an iron fist for 42 years with no parliament or constitution. He is the longest-serving dictator in Africa and the Middle East. No foreign press are allowed in Libya, and the government has shut down the internet and mobile phone networks in an attempt to hide the brutal violence. But protesters, who are demanding regime change and basic rights, are reporting that thousands of people are still taking to the streets even though hundreds have been massacred. UN human rights chief Navi Pillay says the government's attacks 'may amount to crimes against humanity'.

Appalled by the atrocities, Libyan diplomats and some army high command have already defected from the regime. If the UN can ramp up the pressure on Qaddafi and his cohorts -- confiscating their riches and threatening them with trials -- those commanding the brutality may reconsider and stop the bloodshed.

The UN Security Council presidency is now held by Brazil, a government with a strong commitment to human rights with whom Avaaz has a strong campaigning reputation. We don't have long to influence the UNSC -- let's flood their inboxes with messages from across the world! Send a message and forward this to friends and family:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/libya_stop_the_crackdown_1/?vl

The people of Libya are being gunned down for demanding freedom, health, education and a decent wage -- basic needs that we all share. Today, as a global community, let's raise our voices from every corner of the world to condemn the shocking massacres, and together take action to end the bloodshed and support the Libyans' rightful call for change.

With hope and determination,

Alice, Ricken, Pascal, Graziela, Rewan and the entire Avaaz team

Sources

UN council to discuss Libya, Al Jazeera
http://english.aljazeera.net/n…/2011221214022682385.html

Choas and bloodshed in Libya
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02…rica/23libya.html?_r=1&hp

Live updates on Libya from the Guardian and the BBC:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worl…upts-gaddafi-live-updates
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12307698

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Wow -- over 17,000 donors, and we've got 15 blackout-breaking satellite internet kits -- some already in Libya and more headed to other countries now! Let's keep going -- donate below! Here's the email:

Dear friends,

[Blockierte Grafik: http://avaaz_images.s3.amazonaws.com/1128_yemeni%20students_3_200x100.png] 

An extraordinary wave of people power is flooding the Middle East, but autocratic regimes are responding with violence -- and Egypt-style internet blackouts. Let's blackout-proof the protests by providing satellite communications technology and support teams to key organisers:

Across the Middle East -- in Bahrain, Libya, Yemen, and more countries every day -- autocratic regimes are trying to crush unprecedented peaceful protests with brutality and blackouts. These countries are poised on the brink between liberation and enormous bloodshed -- and the protesters' ability to reach the eyes of the world could determine the outcomes.

Avaaz is working urgently to "blackout-proof" the protests -- with secure satellite modems and phones, tiny video cameras, and portable radio transmitters, plus expert support teams on the ground -- to enable activists to broadcast live video feeds even during internet and phone blackouts and ensure the oxygen of international attention fuels their courageous movements for change.

The window for us to deliver this help is closing fast, as regimes are moving quickly to choke off borders and internet connections. Small donations from 25,000 of us would fund critical technology and support teams for those who need it most. Let’s chip in to empower those now carrying the destiny of the Middle East in their peaceful hands -- donate now:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/blackout_proof_the_protests_9/?vl

The amazing live-feeds from Cairo’s Tahrir Square vitally sustained public support and broadcast the Mubarak regime's shameless violence against Egyptian demonstrators. As we watched the scenes of protest from around the world, hundreds of thousands of us signed the Avaaz solidarity petition--which was announced on Al Jazeera to ensure Egyptians knew of the world's support. Today, Egyptian protest leaders say that knowing the world was with them helped spur them on and helped stop moments of violence from becoming bloodbaths.

As Egypt's internet blackout deepened, Avaaz and partners worked to send satellite internet equipment to organisers there. Now, Bahrain is scrambling to implement its own internet clampdown -- and we have the chance to provide critical support to ensure the blackout can't succeed. The communications equipment and support teams will help leaders to broadcast locally to organize rallies, communicate with other activists around the region, and provide information to the world if there is a blackout -- providing an essential counterweight to regime propaganda, and a form of protection to demonstrators through increased exposure and prominence.

And if media outlets are kicked out, protesters could keep a livestream of information flowing across the internet. With the needed funds, Avaaz can immediately dispatch equipment and world-class expert teams to the Middle East.

Every day, the protests grow and the crackdowns escalate in violence. Organisers say the next few days are critical to the survival of these democracy movements and that our support is essential. Let’s all donate now and provide tangible solidarity to this inspiring explosion of people power.

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/blackout_proof_the_protests_9/?vl

There are moments in history in which the impossible becomes unavoidable. Like the dissolution of the Soviet Union just before its fall, the changes sweeping the Middle East were unimaginable to most a month ago. But people power has a logic and timeline all its own. While many of us may never step foot in the Middle East, the hopes of its people are interwoven with ours and those of the world. In moments like these, it is inspiring to know that our solidarity, in hope and action, can play a small part in big change.

With determination,

Stephanie, David, Alice, Morgan, Ricken, Rewan, Maria Paz and the rest of the Avaaz team

SOURCES:

Bahrain, Libya and Yemen try to crush protests with violence – The Guardian, 18 February 2011:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worl…a-yemen-protests-violence

Internet use in Bahrain restricted, data shows – New York Times, 18 February 2011:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02…/middleeast/18manama.html

Clashes rock Bahraini capital – Al Jazeera, 17 February 2011:
http://english.aljazeera.net/n…2/201121714223324820.html

Crackdown against Protests Continues as Yemen Boils – Yemen Post, 16 February, 2011:
http://yemenpost.net/Detail123456789.aspx?ID=3&SubID=3145

Algerian founding father urges reform – BBC News, 17 February, 2011:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12490088

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Support the Avaaz community! We're entirely funded by donations and receive no money from governments or corporations. Our dedicated team ensures even the smallest contributions go a long way -- donate here.