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On 19 February, Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai received several death threats that she believes to be a response to her calls for an end to the political unrest and violence that has upset Kenya since the country's disputed presidential elections in December 2007.
One of the messages read, "Because of opposing the government at all times, Professor Wangari Maathai, we have decided to look for your head very soon. Chunga maisha yako (Take care of your life)."
Today, in the following statement released to the media, the Nobel Women's Initiative condemned the threats and urged authorities to protect Dr. Maathai and other human rights defenders working for peace and reconciliation in Kenya.
Photo: Wangari Maathai overlooking areas reforested by The Green Belt Movement. Courtesy of Mia MacDonald.
Nobel Women's Initiative Decries Wangari Maathai Death Threats
Today, 5 women Nobel Peace Laureates condemned death threats against their sister Nobel Laureate Kenyan environmental and civil rights activist, Wangari Maathai. The Laureates urged authorities to do everything possible to protect Dr. Maathai and the many other human rights activists who are working to bring peace to the region.
On February 19th, Dr. Maathai received three deaths threats via text message after publicly criticizing members of the ruling Party of National Unity. The Kenyan authorities have announced they are conducting an investigation into the threats.
The threats against Maathai occurred against a backdrop of ongoing violence in
Kenya in the aftermath of December 27, 2007 National elections. Over 1000 people have died in the violence and women and children have been targeted with sexual violence. The Nobel Women's Initiative issued a statement on January 4, 2008, urging an end to violent bloodshed in
Kenya, and continues to call for peace and support to the international mediation team.
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The Nobel Women's Initiative was founded in 2006 by sister Nobel Peace Laureates Jody Williams, Shirin Ebadi, Wangari Maathai, Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Betty Williams and Mairead Corrigan Maguire. The organization works to create peace with justice and equality around the world through campaigns that focus on gender, human rights, and disarmament.
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