Defend the Defenders: Freedom and Justice

Introduction to the Campaign

Welcome to the Justice for All International / Justice pour Tous Internationale (www.JPTi.ch) crowdfunding campaign. I am Sharof Azizov, Executive Director of JPTi, a Geneva-based not-for-profit organization committed to defending human rights defenders, political dissidents, and journalists worldwide. Our mission is to combat injustice and protect fundamental freedoms through legal representation and advocacy. With the growing number of cases globally, we urgently need your support to expand our capacity to continue this vital work.

Actively Defending Assange, Murray, Medhurst and Peterson

We were actively involved in presenting cases of persecution against individuals such as Julian Assange, who endured nearly 14 years of arbitrary detention. JPTi was the only NGO to bring Assange’s case to the attention of the UN Human Rights Committee during its 140th Session, where the UK’s implementation of the ICCPR was reviewed. His case highlights the global misuse of national security laws to suppress journalism and free speech.

Similarly, Craig Murray, a former UK ambassador and human rights advocate, continues to face legal challenges under counter-terrorism legislation. His case exemplifies the misuse of state security laws to target peaceful political activism. We have been actively advocating for Craig at UN forums, including our most recent intervention at the UN Human Rights Council's 57th session (HRC57) on 13 September 2024, where we highlighted his persecution under the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000. We also organized a side event during HRC57 to further amplify his case, ensuring that his voice is heard on the international stage. In parallel, we are advocating for Richard Medhurst, an independent journalist, who similarly faces intimidation and legal harassment under counter-terrorism legislation for his outspoken journalism on sensitive geopolitical issues. Both Craig Murray and Richard Medhurst’s cases were central to our submissions at HRC57, where we emphasized the broader pattern of using state security legislation, including counter-terrorism laws, to suppress critical journalism and peaceful activism.

In Estonia, we represent Aivo Peterson, a political dissident advocating for peace and minority rights. Peterson has been unjustly targeted with absurd charges for his non-violent activism in support of Estonia’s Russian-speaking minority. His prolonged detention and secretive trial underscore the political repression faced by dissidents in Europe. At HRC57, we also spotlighted Aivo's case, organizing a side event in conjunction with the plenary meeting to bring international attention to the growing repression in Estonia.

We need your help to continue working on Craig Murray, Richard Medhurst and Aivo Peterson’s cases. Your donation will directly support their legal defense and allow us to advocate for them at international bodies, such as the United Nations, where we will continue to fight for their release and expose the injustices they have faced.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/justice-pour-tous-internationale_press-release-and-complaint-aivo-peterson-activity-7224669004320124929-Le8p?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Why This Campaign Matters

As more journalists, dissidents, and activists like Craig Murray, Richard Medhurst and Aivo Peterson are targeted under the pretext of national security, JPTi’s work becomes even more crucial. The misuse of state security laws to silence dissent is a global issue that threatens freedom of expression and human rights. Your support enables us to provide free international legal services to these individuals and bring their cases to international platforms.

How Funds Will Be Used

Join Us in Defending Human Rights

Your contribution will help JPTi expand its capacity to handle more cases and continue offering free legal representation to individuals like Craig Murray, Richard Medhurst and Aivo Peterson. Your support is critical to ensuring that their rights are defended and that justice prevails.

Our Gratitude

We deeply appreciate your generosity and commitment to defending human rights. Together, we can expand JPTi’s capacity to fight for freedom, justice, and human dignity for all. Thank you for standing with us.