Housmans Blog

Prisoners for Peace day, 1st December

1st December marks ‘Prisoners for Peace’ day. For more than 50 years, War Resisters’ International has used this opportunity to make known the names and stories of those imprisoned for their actions for peace. Some are conscientious objectors, detained for their refusal to join the military. Others have taken nonviolent direct actions to disrupt preparations for war.

This day is also a chance for you to demonstrate your support. We invite you to put aside some time on December 1st, and send cards that express your solidarity. You might want to gather a group of friends and write together.

Sergeiy Sandler, a conscientious objector in Israel, was imprisoned for this refusal to undertake military service.

“As one who once was on WRI’s Prisoner for Peace list, I can testify to the importance of the scores of support messages I received from people all over the world. They lifted my spirit when I was behind bars”, he said.

One person you could contact is Lee Young-chan, who is detained in South Korea. Lee Young-chan is a Jesuit Priest and campaigner against the construction of a naval base on the Island of Jeju. He was arrested on October 24 on charges of obstruction of business, whilst protesting against the arrest of another peace activist, and remains in custody.

Or, you could write to is Kimberly Rivera, a conscientious objector in the USA. Kimberly served with the US Army in Iraq before developing a conscientious objection. She went absent without leave between deployments in 2007, travelling to Canada with her husband and children, where they claimed refugee status. This was refused, and she returned to the U.S. on 20th September 2012. She she was immediately taken into military custody, where she remains.

Kim has four children. She is likely to be court-martialled for desertion and jailed for between two to five years.

In writing your cards, think about what you would like to receive if you were in prison – maybe include photos, or drawing, telling them about your life, and what you are doing to stop war. Include your name and address, but don’t expect a reply – this may not be possible.

The list of those who are currently in prison is available here: www.wri-irg.org/inprison. Not all prisons have addresses listed, but many do, so keep scrolling thorough the list till you find those that do.