Flame - Issue 2 - 2012

standing with Syria ISSUE 2 / 2012

In this Issue > Refugees: Remember why they flee! > WHY THE WORLD NEEDS A BULLETPROOF ARmS TRADE TREATY > our 2012 human rights defender

guest editorial

“It is time to put human rights above profits.”

The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons contributes to significant violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as crimes under international law.

CONTENTS 3

Refugees: Remember why they flee

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Feature: Standing up with Syrian Solidarity NZ

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The 2012 Human Rights Defender Award

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Q&A with Ema Tagicakibau – An Arms Trade Treaty campaigner

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Take Action

11 Amnesty Briefs

Contact details Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand 68 Grafton Road, Auckland, 1010 P O Box 5300, Wellesley St, Auckland, 1141 0800 AMNESTY (0800 266 378) Chairperson: Helen Shorthouse Executive Director: Grant Bayldon editor: Anita Harvey

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art direction + design: We Love Inc www.weloveinc.com Pass it on When you’ve finished with your copy of Flame please pass it on to someone else so they can learn about Amnesty International and the vital work we do.

This July all the member states of the United Nation will meet to negotiate an Arms Trade Treaty. This will be a critical first step toward controlling this trade which is worth billions.

Complicating these negotiations is the fact that of the top six governments that sell arms, five are permanent members of the UN Security Council.

There will be intense negotiations at the treaty conference.

Much of discussion and compromises will happen in closed rooms where non-governmental organisations like Amnesty International will be excluded. The most controversial issues will likely be resolved in the final hours of the four week negotiation.

For Amnesty International members and staff working to get the strongest, most effective treaty, we will be working in the hall of the United Nations, meeting ministers of foreign affairs, defence and commerce in capitals and taking to the streets to remind governments that the price of illicit trading in arms is profoundly human.

10 Good News

Cover photo: Global Day of Action on Syria in Trafalgar Square, UK. © Amnesty International (Ben Smith)

For nearly a decade, Amnesty International has been at the forefront of a movement to push for binding legal standards that would prohibit the transfer of arms where there is a significant likelihood that they would be used to fuel violations.

This is your FLAME Please let us know if you like it > Have you used the actions? > Have you shared the information with anyone? > What would you like to see more of in future issues?

Send all your comments and suggestions to: Flame Media and Communications Team Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand PO Box 5300, Wellesley St, Auckland 1141 email: theflame@amnesty.org.nz www.amnesty.org.nz WWW.amnesty.ORG.NZ

The continuing conflict in the Great Lakes region, which is centred around the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – is a prime example of the illicit trade in arms flowing to state security forces, state sponsored militias and armed groups.

Civilians are maimed, tortured, raped and killed in this conflict by all of these groups. This is a tragedy that highlights the need for this treaty.

But while the DRC may have been a prime example of the need for an effective Arms Trade Treaty, the more recent developments in the Middle East, and in particular the crimes against humanity being committed in Syria, also highlight the imperative for a treaty. For too long governments have known how repressive and corrupt these governments such as Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain and Libya among others have received arms shipments from supposedly rights respecting countries.

It is time to put human rights above profits and human security above political sponsorship of governments who oppress the people they govern.

Widney Brown Senior Director, International Law and Policy Amnesty International - International Secretariat We were fortunate to have Widney visit us in New Zealand on 10- 13 June.

She spoke at two public speaking engagements and met with various MPs on NZ’s role in the upcoming Arms Trade Treaty negotiations. Read more about the Arms Trade Treaty on page 7.

REFUGEES

A refugee from the Nuba Mountains wanders through the Yida refugee camp at dawn, South Sudan, April 2012 © Pete Muller

Remember why they flee

Inside Yida refugee camp: South Sudan

By Rahwa Adhanom* South Sudan has been independent for less than a year, but the world’s youngest nation knows the drums of war far too well. Fresh violence that escalated over oil has led to a United Nations warning that half of South Sudan is facing food shortages.

For the people, it is abuse and suffering all over again.

Oil fields burn as bombs fall like rain onto civilian populations.

In the midst of these indiscriminate aerial and ground attacks many refugees fear that they are forgotten.

The violence has seen refugees flee into Yida refugee camp before the rainy season starts. Life there is haunted by widespread hunger as humanitarian aid continues to be blocked.

Nuba women wait to have their children examined at a clinic run by an international NGO, Yida refugee camp, South Sudan, April 2012. © Pete Muller

Children carry their family’s belongings as they go to Yida refugee camp. © REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic

Refugees caught in the cross fire ask only that we acknowledge and reach out a lending hand that can accompany them on what is a long and dangerous road to safety and protection.

Efforts at peace may have failed, but war failed them for much longer.

As the refugee and asylum seeker issue has reared its head in New Zealand in recent months, we need to remember our international obligations and we must remember why they flee.

We cannot sit back to see what is left after the rain.

Salam. Kudual.

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*Rahwa is Amnesty’s social networking intern. She was born in the Sudan to Ethiopian parents. Her family arrived in New Zealand under the family reunification scheme.

Read more http://blog.amnesty.org.nz

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feature

Standing up with

syria

Often, as history goes, we pay today for what our predecessors did or didn’t do in the past.

For 14 months now we’ve all watched in horror and disbelief as the violence in Syria has escalated far beyond the point of comprehension.

But how did it reach such a point?

If the world had paid more attention 30 years ago, if the media, governments and the international community had done more, would it be any different?

These are questions that haunt Ali Akil as he’s watched his country fall into conflict, listened to stories of torture and atrocities committed upon its people. His family.

“When I heard that the uprising had started, I was pleased. It was what I had been waiting for after Tunisia and Egypt,” Ali told Flame.

“But I guess that I, along with many others of the younger generation, couldn’t comprehend the atrocities the government was capable of, atrocities that had taken place in the past.”

Ali, along with other members of the small Syrian community in New Zealand, found themselves glued to the news, watching day and night, hour by hour.

“Then, when the atrocities became known, we knew it wasn’t going to be another Egypt or Tunisia, or even another Libya,” Ali said.

“It’s different and it’s going to be a longer struggle.”

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Ali was born in Syria, in Aleppo, where both his parents are from. But he was forced to flee with his family when only a few months old. He hasn’t been back since.

“I still belong to Syria, it’s my homeland, my history, family tradition and I

consider it home,” Ali said.

“But I don’t know Syria; I hope to be able to go there one day.”

His father had already left after escaping prison and imminent execution for peaceful protest, along with 16 others.

The Akils moved to Auckland in 2000 as refugees from the United Arab Emirates after Ali’s father was about to be extradited back to Syria, where he still faced execution.

They were given a choice between the United States or New Zealand and told to choose the US for money or NZ for peace of mind.

“My father, he chose peace of mind,” said Ali. But it is a mindset that has been shaken over the past year. All of their family, except for two uncles are still in Syria, Ali’s young cousins have been imprisoned for speaking out and while they have been released, they now know the reality of torture.

For Ali’s father it’s history repeating. He was one of those who stood against the al-Assad government in the 70’s and 80’s and saw the price of standing up.

“What we’re seeing today is exactly what we saw 30 years ago, except today it’s the entire population standing up,” said Ali. The Akils are among a small group of about 13 Syrian families living in New Zealand. They have all felt the force of the Syrian government, been forced to flee in fear of their lives. They couldn’t just sit back and watch.

They decided to take to the streets, with a demonstration in Aotea Square, Auckland one Saturday.

That one Saturday turned into every Saturday for four months. Their aim was to raise the awareness of ordinary New

Ali Akil and Rebecca Emery get ready to hand over petitions to the Russian Embassy in Wellington in March 2012 © Amnesty International

Zealanders and set Syria on the agenda for the New Zealand government.

Ali says he observed a positive shift in people’s understanding of the Syrian crisis in March this year, as they were joined by Amnesty International Aotearoa NZ to mark the one year anniversary of the uprising with a vigil in Auckland.

People expressed their sympathy to the Syrian people and showed their solidarity.

But as the atrocities continue there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

“We don’t have hope that it will all of a sudden be ok,” Ali admits.

A recent Amnesty report from the city of Idlib tells of a city plagued with executions, shootings and shelling of residential areas. A city where the people live in terror.

“Soldiers came to our home and took my son. Later, as I was peering out of the window I saw soldiers’ line up eight young men standing facing the wall with their hands tied at the back and shoot them. Then they put the bodies in the back of a pick-up truck and left,” one woman told Amnesty.

Along with Ali and Syrian Solidarity NZ we commend the New Zealand government for their outspoken stance on Syria, for their monetary contribution to help Syrian refugees in Turkey and for the commitment of five peace keepers.

However, the focus now needs to be on international partners. The pressure needs to be targeted at Russia a strategic ally of Syria, to use their influence to bring an end to the violence.

As Ali said we must not use our remoteness as an excuse, rather as an advantage.

People are dying, they need our help.

For more information and to support Syrian Solidarity NZ visit http://www.syriansolidarity.org.nz/

“What we’re seeing today is exactly what we saw 30 years ago, except today it’s the entire population standing up.”

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“I still belong to Syria, it’s my homeland, my history, family tradition and I consider it home.

But I don’t know Syria.”

General Business

Keith with his Human Rights Defender medallion designed and made by Christchurch artist Michael Reed. (c) Amnesty International

2012 Human Rights Defender Keith Locke’s commitment to human rights goes without question.

From speaking up on numerous, and often unpopular issues, such as human rights violations in China, Tibet, East Timor, Sri Lanka and the Middle East, to his role as a domestic watchdog in the areas of search and surveillance issues, anti terror and refugee issues, he has always had a genuine dedication to social justice causes.

It’s why all three judges of this year’s Human Rights Defender Award were unanimous in the decision to present the award to Keith.

And it’s why, as we close our 50th birthday celebrations, we at Amnesty are delighted to honour Keith as the 2012 Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand Human Rights Defender.

“When we speak to communities or people here in New Zealand who have also sought our advice and help, Keith’s name is often mentioned as someone who has unfailingly assisted them,” said Deputy Director Rebecca Emery.

“Keith is truly a unique New Zealander who comes from a family that has shown a genuine dedication to social justice causes through generations, and for this reason, it is a pleasure to honour him as a true example of what it means to be a Human Rights Defender.”

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Hungary in 1956, her devastated reaction left an indelible mark on him.

In an interview with TV3’s Firstline presenter Rachel Smalley, he said “I felt that here people’s human rights are being violated, people are being killed and you’ve got to stand up, and I’ve tried to stand up for human rights since then.”

“And it’s not a difficult role in that the people you’re working with are such wonderful people with compassion, dedication, and you are helping to change the world,” said Keith.

“To me it’s the highest award I’ve achieved in my life because it’s from people I respect so much” A simple philosophy which Keith hopes will continue to guide him.

“I said when I stepped down last year, that I was leaving Parliament not politics,” said Keith.

At the award ceremony at the Human Rights Commission in Auckland on 12 May Keith said receiving the award was emotional for him as it is an award from his peers.

“I will be working with the good people of Amnesty on human rights issues for the rest of my life,” said Keith.

“I’m very humbled to receive this award and it will be treasured.”

Other nominees for the 2012 Human Rights Defender Award were Jon Stephenson, Forkorus Yaboisembut, Rosslyn Noonan, Annie Goldson and Rob Hamil, Craig Tuck, Marianne Elliot and Michael Timmins.

The former Greens MP attributes his social awakening to a moment when he was 11 and listening to Radio BBC with his mother as Soviet troops invaded

We look forward to it.

Introducing our New ED It is our great pleasure to welcome Grant Bayldon as the new Executive Director (ED) of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand. Grant joined us in the office on 12 June.

He comes to us from Oxfam New Zealand where he was Operations Director, and previously their Marketing Director. We know he is going to be a valuable addition to the team, leading the organisation as we go forward.

Reflections on the past and projections for the future Members from around the country came together to share in the business of Amnesty International at our Annual Meeting, on Saturday 12 May in Auckland.

Guest speakers included Nicole Bieske from Amnesty’s International Executive Committee (IEC) on what has been happening internationally in the movement and its future direction, and comedienne Michele A’Court who spoke about activism through comedy and her ability to plant a seed of thought in unsuspecting places.

Three new Governance Team members were confirmed - Neil Barr, Auckland, and Catherine Iorns and Chris Howe, Wellington. Helen Shorthouse was reelected as Chair and Elena Wrelton as Vice Chair. Natalie Baird stood down as Vice Chair at the meeting.

Congratulations to Rob Glennie and Greg Crisp, co-coordinators of the Christchurch Regional Team, and the Remuera Group, who received Dove awards for their exemplary volunteer commitment throughout the year. The 2013 Annual Meeting will be held on 4-5 May. Location TBC.

arms trade treaty

Ema Tagicakibau is a wife, mother of four and is working tirelessly for security and disarmament in the Pacific. She is from Fiji but is currently studying for her PhD in Auckland. She will be part of a strong Pacific presence in New York in July and spoke to Flame about her work.

Flame: You are currently researching the connection between gender and militarisation in the Pacific. What influenced your decision to research this issue?

Ema: Through my own experience and that of other women like me who have had to go through the destructive impacts of four military coups and regimes set up through grabbing power by force of violence and arms. I ask myself, “Are women going to just stand idly by and watch these men mess around with our country? Is this the message that our children are going to grow up with - that you can take over a government by force, that you can become the Prime Minister of a country by holding a gun over the heads of its people?” So this is an opportunity for me to understand what is going on in Fiji, to listen to the women in different walks of life and how they are affected by the impact of militarisation in Fiji.

Flame: What impact do arms have on the rights of Pacific women?

Flame: What needs to be done in particular Pacific countries to ensure an effective Arms Trade Treaty (ATT)? Why is an effective ATT important to you?

Ema: Pacific states must work together to ensure a water-tight regional mechanism, proper checks and balances through uniformity of laws to prevent unscrupulous arms manufacturers, dealers or profiteers taking advantage of the loopholes in our laws. They must ensure that no arms producing state sell their arms to a Pacific state without adhering to the higher global principles of an ATT. Supporting a robust ATT is about ensuring the security of all Pacific states, guaranteeing the safety of all its citizens, and realising our vision for the Pacific as a region of peace.

Flame: And what impact would an ATT have on human rights in the Pacific region?

Ema: We all know that the availability of and access to arms is the common factor in all major conflicts in the

region. It is hard to imagine the coups happening in Fiji without soldiers having access to arms. Or the crisis in the Solomon Islands in 2000 where guns were leaked from police armoury to rebel forces, with over 100 deaths and more than a thousand internally displaced. An ATT that is premised on universal principles of human rights must be strongly supported and promoted.

Flame: What role can New Zealand and Pacific governments play to ensure the introduction of an effective ATT? Ema: Both New Zealand and Australia, as respected members of the international community, must continue to promote and support a robust and effective ATT. They both have the resources to continue to engage small Pacific states with limited resources who may assume that an ATT is only for manufacturing states, to get on board and support an ATT that will protect us all in the Pacific.

Time is ticking! We have only weeks until the world’s governments will negotiate the Arms Trade Treaty. Add your name to this historic campaign Take Action Now http://bit.ly/yLfJuG IMAGE: Ema Tagicakibau in Wellington, July 2011. (c) Luke Roughton Oxfam New Zealand

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Ema: Women are not the ones that carry or bear arms but they suffer disproportionately as a result of armed take-over of governments as in Fiji and armed violence in their communities.

When men are killed from gun violence,

they leave behind widows and children who are expected to pick up the pieces and carry on. Women cannot fully exercise their rights or reach their full potential in a climate of fear, intimidation, violence and force.

TAKE ACTION

who

Dhondup wangchen

#1

WHAT

serving a sixyear prison sentence in china for “subversion of state power” BACKGROUND Self-taught Tibetan filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen is serving a six-year prison sentence in China for “subversion of state power” for speaking out about Tibetan human rights through his filmmaking. His documentary film ‘Leaving Fear Behind’ saw him detained on 26 March 2008. He has been beaten, punched in the head, often deprived of food and sleep, and kept tied to a chair.

WHAT CAN YOU DO

PLEASE WRITE Call on authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Dhondup Wangchen from prison and ensure that he is not tortured or otherwise ill-treated while he remains in custody.

Urge them to allow an independent medical assessment and any treatment that he requires.

Call on them to permit regular visits from his family and to write and receive letters from his wife and children.

Urge the authorities to take effective measures to ensure freedom of expression in line with Chinese constitutional guarantees and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Appeal to the President of the People’s Republic of China HU Jintao Guojia Zhuxi The State Council General Office 2 Fuyoujie Xichengqu Beijingshi 100017 People’s Republic of China Fax: +86 10 6238 1025 Email: gov@govonline.cn Salutation: Dear President

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08 © Private

TAKE ACTION

#2

#3 Private ©

who

WHAT

Design: Clinton Francis © Amnesty International

who

prageeth went missing on Eknaligoda January 24, 2010

Abuzar Al Amin

BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND

Prageeth Eknaligoda is a Sri Lankan journalist and political analyst who has been missing for over two years.

His wife was taken into custody when she went to lodge a complaint with the Homagama police on January 25, 2010; she was subsequently released.

Since 2006, at least 14 media workers have been killed in Sri Lanka, with no one held accountable for these murders.

WHAT CAN YOU DO

WHAT

ARRESTED AND UNABLE TO WORK.

The former deputy editor-in-chief of a Sudanese newspaper was convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment for articles that were considered critical of the Government. He has been released on bail but the charges against him have not been dropped and he has not been brought before a court. He is unable to work due to the risk of re-arrest.

WHAT CAN YOU DO

PLEASE WRITE

Call on the authorities to promptly investigate the disappearance of Prageeth Eknaligoda, and bring to justice those responsible. Ask them to investigate the conduct of the police personnel responsible for registering his wife’s complaint.

Request an end to intimidation and violence against journalists in Sri Lanka.

Call on the authorities to immediately and unconditionally drop all charges against him and other journalists, writers and activists who have been charged for peacefully expressing their opinion. Urge them to investigate Abuzar Al Amin’s allegations of torture and ill-treatment in detention, and bring those responsible to justice.

Appeal to Inspector General of Police

Appeal to Minister of Justice

N.K. Illangakoon Inspector General of Police (IGP) New Secretariat Colombo 1 SRI LANKA

Mohamed Bushara Dousa Ministry of Justice PO Box 302 Khartoum SUDAN

Fax: +94 11 2 440440 Email: igp@police.lk Salutation: Dear Inspector General

Fax: +249183770883 Email: info@sudanjudiciary.org Salutation: Dear Minister

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PLEASE WRITE

GOOD NEWS

© Private

The future he wants After weeks of uncertainty, blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng and his family arrived in New York on May 19 to mark the beginning of a new life - a month after escaping house arrest in China. Chen’s rollercoaster ride signalled a real test of the US and Chinese Government’s commitment to respecting human rights.

A self-taught legal activist, Chen is best known for campaigning against forced abortions under China’s one-child policy in the Shandong Province. For more than seven years, he has been either under illegal house arrest or in prison for no

reason other than trying to use the law to protect the legal and human rights of his fellow people.

On April 22, he made a daring escape and sought refuge at the US Embassy in Beijing. Here, he issued a video detailing the shameful violence committed against him and his family; called for accountability, raised concerns about ongoing reprisals against his family and demanded a stop to the intimidation, harassment and detention of his supporters.

Initial reports indicated that Chen and his family would remain in China, with assurances from Chinese officials that he would be allowed to live and work

SINCE THE LAST ISSUE OF FLAME In March, 1,039 people in New Zealand added their signature to our ‘Bandage’ Petition calling for an end to the bloodshed in Syria. In addition, over 800 people donated over $60,000 towards Amnesty International’s work in Syria.

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The International Criminal Court has shown it can be effective: Leader of a Congolese armed group, Thomas Lubanga Dyilo was convicted for using children in armed conflict and former Liberian president, Charles Taylor was found guilty of aiding and abetting war crimes during the Sierra Leone civil war.

freely. However, shortly after hearing about the ill-treatment of his family he requested to leave the country. China pledged that it would allow him to go abroad so he can study.

Chen’s move signals a human rights milestone that many of China’s oppressed lawyers have noted with great interest. But while Chen and his immediate family are safe, Amnesty International continues to remain concerned about his extended family and supporters as well as numerous other human rights defenders in China who remain at risk. Take action here http:// www.amnesty.org.nz/get-involved/takeaction-online

165,000+ people worldwide sent appeals calling on North Korea to close Yodok and all political prison camps.

8,000

years in prison for five Guatemalan men for their role in the massacre of indigenous villagers in 1982.

17 down, 33 to go Connecticut has become the 17th US state to abolish the death penalty – bringing us one step closer to a death penalty free world.

1,409

people in New Zealand added their signature to a global petition of more than 175,000 calling on Shell to Own Up, Pay Up, Clean Up its pollution of the Niger Delta.

amnesty briefs

Simon McKinney © Amnesty International

The Freedom to Laugh The world famous Secret Policeman’s Ball came to New Zealand for the first time EVER on Sunday 6 May! Moustaches were donned and the stellar line up of eight comedians had the crowd of 300 in stitches. Simon McKinney was one of those comedians and he tells Flame about his start in comedy, getting a buzz from doing charity comedy shows and Agnes.

Simon McKinney, New Zealand’s #1 character impressionist discovered he could ‘impersonate’ as a child playing lego and listening to his dad and granddad talk. And it’s fair to say that he’s since earned his #1 title, the fact that the person on the end of the phone could in fact be an old lady, rather than a young male is testament to the fact.

It’s the voice of Agnes, both Simon’s and his audiences’ favourite character.

Who is she? “She’s every lady at every RSA, she’s all my mother’s friends from Dunedin, ladies who are just lovely but have a grim determination about them,” said Simon.

“They can pour a cup of tea, with pearls on and fix a look that is scarier than any Hells Angels member.”

When Simon was asked to be part of the Secret Policeman’s Ball he said he jumped at the chance and was honoured to participate. “I get a massive buzz from doing comedy shows for charities,” he said.

Simon is well aware of how lucky he is to have a job where he can just walk on stage, say whatever he likes, make people laugh and get paid for it.

He has always admired the stories of people in countries where there is a lock down on freedom of expression yet they manage to slip messages in unnoticed, through cartoons and animations.

We were lucky to have Simon as part of our show and will take him up on his offer to bring it back next year and the one after, until everyone in New Zealand knows about how lucky we are to have the level of freedom of expression we do! Check out the photos from the night http://www.facebook.com/AmnestyNZ

Protect the Human Appeal Get involved in our 2012 Protect the Human Appeal.

Formerly Freedom Week, we’ve changed the name to better reflect the work that we do and we need your help.

If you live in Taupo, Upper Hutt, Whanganui, Wairarapa, Invercargill, Thames/Coromandel or Whangarei and think you can help coordinate the fundraising in your area to help Protect the Human, we want to hear from you. We’ll give you as much support as we can and put you in touch with other Amnesty members who you can call on for help. Without you we may not have any fundraising activity in your area this year.

Wherever you are in New Zealand register online now to get involved in this year’s Protect the Human Appeal. www.amnesty.org.nz/ protect-the-human

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He has memories of getting out records from the library of old Secret Policeman’s’ Balls, John Cleese and Rowan Atkinson, and the realisation that comedians can do things for charity.

“For me the freedom to laugh is to laugh without the fear of being judged,” he said.