Yesterday I attended an NUS function at the Amnesty International HQ in London, it was one of the most enlightening experiences I have ever had. The day kicked off well with introductions and a talk on journalistic ethics, which was fantastic to learn about so I will be passing the information onto the Apex editors. However, it was later on in the afternoon when things began to stir. Kate and I were involved in a Debate on the Freedom of Expression, chaired by Hardeep Singh (Comedian, Author, writer and former BBC Journalist)

 

On the panel sat,

Richard Budden (NUS National Secretary)

Kristyan Benedict (Campaign Manager of Amnesty International UK)

Ko Aung (Former student leader in Burma and part of Free Burma Coalition UK) and Shao Jiang (exiled student leader involved in organising the Tiananmen Square democracy protests in 1989)

 

Now, if any of you have heard of the experiences in Burma or China then you will have seen what hundreds of students’ went through there, but to sit in front of these men and hear them tell their stories of torture and struggle for something we have so openly in the UK completely opened my eyes.

 

After the discussion we were able to interview Hardeep Singh on his views on Freedom of Expression, which again was a fantastic experience so a type up of the interview will be coming soon.

 

Other then that I have been preparing for Welcome week and continuing to work with the other Sabbatical Officers on our plans for the first term.

 

The next time I write a blog will be during a hectic but fantastic period of the term and I am thoroughly looking forward to it. To find out what I am up to in more detail don’t hesitate to view my google calendar and get in touch.