The Broken Rifle

1 December is International Prisoners for Peace Day, and every year War Resisters' International invites supporters to send greetings cards to prisoners. The Honour Roll includes those imprisoned for conscientious objection to military service and for nonviolent action against war preparations.
Each year the day has a focus on a particular region or campaign: this year we highlight political prisoners in Indonesia, East Timor and West Papua.

ARMENIA

For forty years War Resisters' International has publicised the names and stories of prisoners of conscience.

MAGGIE HELWIG

Wilson bin Nurtiyas is a member of the Legislation Committee of the People's Democratic Party (PRD) of Indonesia and coordinator of the Indonesian Solidarity with the Struggle of the Maubere [East Timorese] People. In September 1996, he was arrested following a demonstration in Jakarta. He was eventually sentenced to five years in prison, but was released in July of this year as part of a partial amnesty for political prisoners.

PN: You refused to leave prison. Why?

l Anne Herman

Swedish ploughshares activist Ann-Britt Sternfeldt is currently on remand in Risley women's prison in the north of England, awaiting trial for attempting to disarm one of Britain's Trident submarines (see the October PN). Here she reflects on life in prison.

Ann-Britt Sternfeldt

On 1 December, put aside at least one hour and write at least four cards to prisoners; If possible, invite friends around and make an evening of it -- remember to bring nice cards, pens, photos, and some money for postage; Get your peace group or class or place of worship to organise a card-writing session; Set up a stall in your town centre -- make a mock prison cell to highlight the plight of the prisoners. Sending cards and letters Always send your card in an envelope; Include a return name and address on the envelope

A special thanks to all those who helped in the preparation of this year's Prisoners for Peace. Those who provided names of prisoners included Amnesty International, Tapol, and the Nuclear Resister.

Translations by Dominique Saillard and Gernot Lennert.

Jan Melichar did the layout for the French, German and Castellano versions.