AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL WEB TEXT

13 April 2007 AI Index: EUR 49/005/207 (Public)

Make Some Noise for freedom of expression in Belarus

You are 25. Your country recently gained independence from the USSR. You organise a demonstration to mark the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. You get sentenced to 14 days imprisonment for "organizing an unsanctioned meeting".

Enjoy your freedom. Go to a gig maybe? No dancing allowed, that's because bands can only play state-owned music-halls. That is, if they get permission to play at all in the first place.

You want things to change. You fool! Get arrested again, this time for "organizing or participating in an activity of an unregistered non-governmental organization".

Welcome to Zmitser Dashkevich's life. Welcome to Belarus.

Make Some Noise stands in solidarity with all prisoners of conscience who are detained for the legitimate and peaceful expression of their views. The voice of freedom may have been silenced, but we still have our hands, right? If we can't sing it, we will craft it: join the 10,000 origami crane birds challenge and flood the Belarus Government with the flappy little things. Make Some Noise will collect pictures of your cranes in the process.

Time to get down to work, rock'n'fold forever!

Check out the action (http://noise.amnesty.org/belarus)

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Exclusive track from R.E.M.

Make Some Noise is thrilled to have legendary band R.E.M. on board. With Bill Berry back on the drums for the recording, "Dream #9" gets the star treatment. Don't miss out and download it now!

-->listen

Canadian smorgasbord!

From rap to pop via post-grunge, K-Os, Audrey de Montigny, Barenaked Ladies, David Usher, Dobacaracol, Finger Eleven, Les Trois Accords, Waking Eyes, Canada representz on Make Some Noise! Check out their sound right here!

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