This is the letter of support that I have sent to Amnesty International regarding the recent controversy over its report on the use of civilian facilities by the Ukrainian army in its war against the Russian invader.
Regarding the recent controversy arising from your organization's latest report on the use of schools, hospitals and other civilian buildings for military activities by the Ukrainian army, I would like to show you my full support as a partner for many years.
Violations of international law or war must be exposed whoever is guilty and here Amnesty International has an impeccable work throughout the decades. And in the case of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, this must continue to be the case, regardless of whether it is Russian or Ukrainian troops that violate the human rights of the civilian population.
That is why I am deeply saddened that after the strong (and unfair) criticism received by the report (whose data are completely unquestionable) Amnesty International has "deeply regretted the pain and anger" of its publication. The truth and proven facts (especially in this era plagued with manipulation and "fake news") must always come to light and be defended firmly and even proudly, even if they make many uncomfortable.
And what seems completely inadmissible to me is that Oksana Pokalchuk, the director of the Ukrainian section, has had to resign for having exposed a truth that "offends" the creators of the (falsified) opinion that the Ukrainians, for the simple fact of resisting the criminal Russian invasion are almost like immaculate angels and must be treated as untouchable for all purposes, regardless of their mistakes or even their crimes.
I believe that this resignation tarnishes Amnesty International's long history of independence based on rigor, and what is worse, it may set a dangerous precedent of submission, because the big "media" conglomerates and governments, all of whom own a often manipulated world public opinion now know that their organization can be coerced, one of the few remaining bastions of independence in this polarized world plagued by propaganda, not information.
For all these reasons, I encourage you to resume (more firmly if possible) your well-earned prestige of professionalism, honesty and independence in the search for the truth and the defense of human rights and not allow yourself to be pressured in any way in your always difficult mission. For my part, I will continue to support them as a partner and I will continue to recommend them to my family, social and cyber circles as I have always done.
Best regards
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