In July, filmmaker Sayed Rahim Saidi was released in Afghanistan after 11 months in jail. Sayed, who worked for over two decades with Afghanistan National TV, had been detained along with his son in 2024 by the Taliban. His son was soon released, but Sayed was accused of spreading propaganda against the Taliban, a charge based on his past films, as well as a film he was planning to make about the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education. Amnesty International issued an Urgent Action appeal following Sayed’s detention and raised the profile of his case around the world. Sayed was kept in solitary confinement for months. He was denied access to a lawyer and endured serious illness without adequate healthcare. In December 2024, Sayed was subjected to an unfair trial. Brought before a judge with his hands and legs chained and forced to confess, he was unjustly sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.
ISSUES & COUNTRIES
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Amnesty International is a human rights organization and global movement of more than 10 million people in over 150 countries and territories who campaign for human rights. We are independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion and are funded by individuals like you. We believe acting in solidarity and compassion with people everywhere can change our world for the better.
PODCAST
Listen to Rights Back at You
We introduce you to fascinating people who are making change unstoppable. Hear powerful stories of resistance and solidarity and learn more about how you can take action now for human rights. This series connects the dots and passes the mic to people building a better future now. Together, we unravel the Canada you think you know and challenge the systems that hold back human rights.
