Louis Blom-Cooper: Amnesty International mourns loss of man integral to its founding

We pay tribute to a brilliant lawyer, an important ally in defending human rights and a man who was integral to Amnesty International’s founding.

In 1961 when British lawyer Peter Benenson first conceived the idea of an organization that campaigned on behalf of political prisoners, it was Louis Blom-Cooper that he turned to first. Thanks largely to Louis’ enthusiasm for the concept – as well as his media contacts book – the idea ended up as an article in The Observer newspaper a short time later. The ‘Forgotten Prisoners’ piece effectively launched Amnesty International and its unique brand of campaigning.

Everyone at the organization, both past and present, owes Louis Blom-Cooper an enormous debt of gratitude. We pass on our deepest condolences to his friends and family.