[Intl-tobacco] Take Action: Stop Criminal Investigation of Tobacco Control Advocate! (RUSSIA)

[Robert Weissman]

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            TAKE ACTION:
Stop Criminal Investigation Against Leader
     of "For a Tobacco-Free Ryazan"
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Dear Global "Tobacco-Activists",

Tatiana Andreeva of ADIC-Ukraine has brought an urgent matter to our
attention. In the city of Ryazan (Russian Federation), a group called
"For a Tobacco-Free Ryazan" was launched earlier this year. The group
recently addressed the executives of local advertising agencies and
invited them to stop advertising tobacco. In response, the executives
have accused the leader of the group, Mr. Yuriy Zelenkevich, of
threatening their business, and have launched a criminal investigation
against him. A local lawyer believes the investigation's real purpose is
to pressure the new group into stopping its campaign.

TAKE ACTION: ADIC-Ukraine and Essential Action have set up an online
email campaign targeting the Ryazan city administration, oblast
administration, city council, and regional parliament. Please click on
the link below and write a few sentences urging them to put an end to
the criminal investigation!

     http://petition.globalink.org/view.php?code=ryazan

Talking points to guide you:

* The criminal investigation against Mr. Yuriy Zelenkevish should be
stopped immediately!
* The activities of "For a Tobacco-Free Ryazan" have international
support
* Tobacco advertising is a tool used to spread the tobacco epidemic
* Tobacco advertising is already banned in many countries around the
world, and a recent international health treaty mandates a total ban
* This issue should be addressed at the level of local/national
authorities and parliament -- not through the criminal justice system!
* A sentence or two about your organization or personal interest in
tobacco control

For more information about about "For a Tobacco-Free Ryazan" go to:
http://contact.tobinfo.org/2003/07/ryazan/

Let us show Ryazan officials that Mr. Zelenkevish has the strong support
of people around the world!

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Global Partnerships for Tobacco Control
Essential Action
P.O. Box 19405
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: +1 202-387-8030
Fax: +1 202-234-5176
Email: tobacco@essential.org
http://www.essentialaction.org/tobacco