Hi Tapani,

happy to do that, I will first investigate what are the options and what can be done, discussing with the moroccan friends and locals. I am aware about the political context and sensitivity in the country, and will get more info and feedback anyway.

I saw the latest responses and I think they jumped too quickly to some conclusion. I didn't see any proposal for protest or something similar such occupying the space. I don't think those activists would ask for any bold action or ICANN as organization to take position in the matter. they are cautious and pragmatic, aware of the limits. we will discuss with them anyway about the best options, having their safety in mind.

btw regarding a parallel event, I may respond to that quickly. ADN, the association, was prevented several times from having public meetings so I would assume that option doesn't sound realistic.

Best,

Rafik

2015-12-09 23:11 GMT+09:00 Tapani Tarvainen <[log in to unmask]>:

Hi Niels,

I think this is an excellent idea.

But exactly what and how, that is a difficult question.

Fortunately we have people with local knowledge who can
help us plan this in more detail. I should think Rafik
would be in an ideal position to coordinate this effort,
if his undoubtedly busy schedule allows.

Rafik, what do you think?

Tapani

On Wed, Dec 09, 2015 at 10:56:11AM +0100, Niels ten Oever ([log in to unmask]) wrote:

> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
> Hash: SHA256
>
> Dear all,
>
> I hope this email finds you well. As you all know, the next ICANN
> meeting will be in Marrakesh. Morrocco hasn't got a great track record
> when it comes to human rights, and right now, seven human rights
> defenders are on trial.
>
> I think it would be good if we the NCSG we could give proper attention
> to this case and invite the human rights defenders to our session(s)
> so give them support, shed light on their case and call for the
> protection of freedom of expression in Morrocco.
>
> More information on the seven can be found here:
> https://www.freepressunlimited.org/en/news/these-seven-moroccan-human-ri
> ghts-defenders-are-on-trial
>
> and here:
>
> https://www.freepressunlimited.org/en/news/international-appeal-to-the-m
> oroccan-authorities-to-drop-charges-against-human-rights-defenders
>
> Am eager to hear from you how you think we could support these
> colleagues in distress, how we could visibility for their cases and
> how we could integrate these discussions in our work at ICANN.
>
> Best,
>
> Niels
>
> - --
> Niels ten Oever
> Head of Digital
>
> Article 19
> www.article19.org
>
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