Parkdale (Toronto) supporters
It’s Day 48 for Tarek and John in detention. Consular staff and a doctor were able to visit them yesterday, and we learned that John & Tarek have decided to end their hunger strike after 17 days.
After the extension of John & Tarek’s detention on Sunday, media outlets continue to report this story widely, including ABC News, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, and Democracy Now, and CBC Radio’s The Current.
Support continues to pour in. This week, Ontario MPP Jagmeet Singh called for John & Tarek’s release in a statement in the Ontario Legislature (watch video of his statement here). London (Ontario) Mayor Joe Fontana has expressed his concern publicly and called on the Canadian government to assist in their case. Ontario professors and librarians have called for “immediate, strong and decisive action” to free Tarek and John. And the British Medical Association have expressed support and written letters of concern.
On Friday, Toronto hosts Nuit Blanche (an annual free all-night art festival that regularly attracts over 1 million visitors) – and we’re going to be there. Organizer Justin Podur will be speaking at Forever Friday: The Era of Activism at Toronto’s City Hall. As well, our Tumblr “Portrait Petition” will be hosting photo-booths at 3 locations (Toronto City Hall, 401 Richmond and the Gladstone Hotel), with projections of our petition portraits.
We’ve had many, many people ask how they can help John & Tarek. Stay tuned for news of our future projects, but until then – here are 5 THINGS IN 5 MINUTES you and your friends & family can do.
5 THINGS IN 5 MINUTES FOR JOHN & TAREK
1. SHARE (or sign) our petition (relatives! friends! neighbours! strangers! Let’s get this up to 150,000!)
2. HOST A PARTY! Invite your pals over for a “Tarek and John” party for letter signing, petition signing, or Portrait Petition sharing
3. DOWNLOAD a letter and send it (no stamps needed to PM Harper!)
4. TAKE A PHOTO for our Portrait Petition
5. TWEET your support – just copy & paste this message: 147,000+ people support John Greyson & Tarek Loubani’s fight for freedom. Join us! Visit http://tarekandjohn.com/ to learn more
