Amnesty Anniversary gets Stamp of Approval

Former death row prisoners Sunny Jacobs and Peter Pringle unveiled a new 55c stamp celebrating 50 years of Amnesty International at the GPO today.  

“Something as simple and as powerful as writing a letter can help save a life," they said, encouraging people to take action to end the death penalty. "It can give hope to the forgotten prisoners, men and women held in jails and torture chambers around the world."

Sunny Jacobs spent 17 years on death row in the United States before her conviction was overturned and she was released in 1992.  Peter Pringle is one of the last people to be sentenced to death in Ireland. Convicted in 1980, his sentence was commuted by President Hillery to 40 years in prison before his conviction was overturned and he was released in 1995.

The stamp and first day cover were designed by Irish designers, Zinc Design and feature the Amnesty International logo comprising barbed wire, representing oppression, and a burning candle evoking hope.  They may be viewed and purchased online and at the GPO, Dublin, main Post Offices and by phone at (01) 7057400.

A simple idea

Colm O’Gorman, executive director of Amnesty International Ireland said:  “Amnesty International started with a very simple idea, writing letters in support of prisoners of conscience and people at risk of execution. These letters have saved lives, freed prisoners of conscience and protected innocent victims of torture. This makes it especially appropriate to mark 50 years of Amnesty International with a commemorative stamp and we’re delighted to have worked together with An Post on this project.

“For our anniversary year we’re urging people to help make Europe a death penalty free zone. Belarus is the last European country that carries out executions and by sending a letter today you can help stamp out the death penalty.”

Find out more about Amnesty International's first 50 years.