There will be a vigil calling for the release of Harmeet Sooden, the Canadian/Kiwi peace worker taken hostage in Iraq, at 18:00 on Monday night in Aotea Square, Auckland. Here's what one of Harmeet's friends has to say about him in the latest GPJA newsletter:
We have to do everything we can to show the world and the captors what amazing men these four are. Harmeet is the kindest, most compassionate, humble and gentle soul I have ever met. I often find myself in situations wishing I could be more like him. Everything he does is for someone else less fortunate than himself. The fact that these four innocent men are in such grave danger is terrifying and hugely unfair. Their friends and family are beside themselves with worry and grief, and not having any power to do anything to ease the situation is incredibly frustrating. Please bring everyone you know to the vigil this Monday evening at Aotea Square at 6pm. I cannot stress the importance of this enough.
Harmeet has spent his life standing up for those in need; it's time we returned the favour. It may not do much good, but it certainly won't do any harm either.
It seems that these people have a rather low oppinion of the west. I seriously doubt a protest in support of him would help - it could possibly harm or be ignored.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand the efforts to get sunni organizations in iraq to ask for his freedom are probably more likely to be sucessful (As a side note I expect that process involves some sort of bribary and kicking up a fuss probably makes it a litle more expensive).