This case sheet expresses Amnesty International’s belief that Irene Fernandez has been targeted for her legitimate work as a human rights defender. If she is jailed, Irene Fernandez will be considered by the organization as a prisoner of conscience. She was arrested in 1996 and charged with ‘maliciously publishing false news’, was found guilty on 16 October 2003 and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. She is free on bail pending an appeal.
