Amnesty International has been fighting for freedom of expression since 1961. The world has changed, yet violence and imprisonment continue to be used to silence human rights defenders and those who criticize the powerful. With more than 3.2 million activists and supporters worldwide, we are jamming the faxes of those in power. Together we can deliver a message directly into their hands, speaking out against repression.

Guatemalan human rights defender Norma Cruz, leader of the women’s rights organization Fundación Sobrevivientes, has received repeated death threats because of her work supporting victims of violence against women and calling for those responsible to be prosecuted.

In September 2011, one person was convicted of making death threats against Norma in 2009. However, investigations into the threats she received in 2010 have not advanced. We need to step up the pressure on the Guatemalan authorities to effectively investigate and prosecute those responsible for threatening Norma. A positive result in these cases would create a precedent for future investigations into harassment of human rights defenders, and would be a step in the right direction towards guaranteeing Norma’s safety.

© 2012 Amnesty International