FLD times its campaign in support of persecuted rights defenders to Sochi Olympics

The international organization "Front Line Defenders" (FLD) launched its campaign in order to attract the world's attention to the problem of persecuted human rights defenders on the same day with the start of the 22^nd Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. The list of such rights defenders comprises 12 people, including those from the regions of the Russian Southern Federal District (SFD) and North-Caucasian Federal District (NCFD), and from the countries of Southern Caucasus.

"While the world's attention is focused on outstanding talents and commitment of athletes, who came from different countries of the world to compete in Sochi, the FLD is going, during these Winter Games, to draw public attention to other heroes – the human rights defenders who, putting their lives at risk and hardships, strain efforts to protect the fundamental freedoms of others," Mary Lawlor, the executive director of the FLD, said at the launch of the campaign.

The FLD calls on the public to support the 12 activists and demand from local authorities to respect the work of human rights defenders.

Those who wish to support the FLD's campaign should sign the petition posted on its website.