Amnesty International UK Group - Bournemouth , Poole and Christchurch

Amnesty International was founded in 1961 by British lawyer Peter Benenson. He became angry after reading a report about two Portuguese students who had been imprisoned for raising their glasses in a toast to freedom. In response, Benenson published an article called “The Forgotten Prisoners” on the front page of the London Observer newspaper* on May 28, 1961.

The article cast the light of public attention on the situation of a number of people—including a U.S. civil rights leader, a dissident Hungarian cardinal and an Angolan poet. Each of these people were in prison simply for peacefully expressing their beliefs.

Benenson argued that the treatment of these “prisoners of conscience” was wrong, and he called on concerned members of the public to demand their release. The public response was quick, widespread and enthusiastic. Amnesty International was born.

Now, with more than 3 million supporters, activists and volunteers in over 150 countries, and complete independence from government, corporate or national interests, Amnesty International works to protect human rights worldwide.

The Bournemouth and Christchurch Group was formed in 1986; we later expanded to include Poole when their local group folded. Please find more about our history at http://amnestyat50.co.uk/group-history