On April 1 in London, Amnesty International will release its latest 'Countdown' report before the Olympic Games begin on August 8. These regular reports compare China's actual human rights situation to the promises made in 2001 and beyond when they bid to host and were granted the 2008 Olympic Games. Our reports address the areas of; death penalty, human rights defenders, unfair trials / torture along with media and internet repression.

The April 2007 report found that China had made some improvements but that, alarmingly, there had been an increase in crackdowns against those speaking out and defending human rights. We also exposed some human rights abuses directly related to the Olympic Games.

The latest report will be launched at 9am EST Australia on April 2 and will provide an update on these important issues and the cases of individual human rights defenders who have been persecuted for speaking out and defending for human rights.

In areas where China has made improvements we will welcome these, in areas where abuses are still occurring or even increasing we will continue to apply pressure. Members and supporters can help and actively support in calling for the freedom, fair trial and humane treatment of these individuals.

The report can be found here after 9am Wednesday 2 April 2008.