Reprieve is an organisation of courageous and committed human rights defenders. Founded in 1999 by British human rights lawyer Clive Stafford Smith, it provides free legal and investigative support to some of the world’s most vulnerable people: those facing execution, and those victimised by states’ abusive counter-terror policies – rendition, torture, extrajudicial imprisonment and extrajudicial killing. Based in London, Reprieve is currently working on behalf of over 100 people facing the death penalty in 17 countries, and 7 men imprisoned in Guantánamo Bay and is also leading the fight against US-led missile drone strikes in Pakistan and Yemen. Reprieve lawyers and investigators are supported by a community of people from all around the world, connected by a belief in human rights and justice who, together, fight for the victims of extreme human rights abuses with a combination of public pressure and legal action. The talk will present an overview of the diverse work of Reprieve with a focus on targeted killing and drones and particularly in the legal aspects of this largely concealed violence.
6.45pm (doors open 6.30).