WASHINGTON - June 23 - In light of post-election turmoil in Iran, Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) will hold a rally in support of the Iranian people's right to peaceful protest and freedom of speech on Friday, June 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Columbus Circle in New York City's Central Park. The rally will also condemn incidents of violence against peaceful demonstrators and the continued detention of prisoners of conscience and human rights activists.  

The event, co-sponsored by Student World Assembly, will feature remarks by AIUSA executive director Larry Cox and author/journalist Chris Hedges.  The public is encouraged to join in a show of solidarity with Iranians demanding that their voices be heard.

The contested Iranian elections of June 12th have unleashed a wave of peaceful protests across the country, including a succession of enormous rallies in Tehran attended by hundreds of thousands of Iranians from all walks of life.  In response, Iranian officials and pro-government militia have used violence against the protesters.

EVENT:         NYC Rally to Protest Post-Election Violence in Iran
DATE:         Friday, June 26, 2009
TIME:                6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
LOCATION:         Columbus Circle in Central Park Merchant's Gate: West 59^th St. New York City