Amnesty sponsors concert to raise funds

To raise money for Amnesty International's campaign to strop torture, the IU chapter is sponsoring a free concert 7 p.m. Saturday at Collins Center's Cheshire Cafe. Some of the featured bands include Indiana Trip Factory, Level 9, Manik, Maleeq and the Milwaukee Playboys.\nAlthough admission is free, a $4 donation is suggested.\nOrganizers said they hope the event will increase public awareness of Amnesty's anti-torture campaign. According to the organization's Web site, www.aiusa.org, torture occurs most often in custody, and most torturers are police officers. The Amnesty site states police officers tend to support "tough methods" against certain groups in society, such as the homeless, drug addicts and thieves. But the organization argues on its site that even criminals have human rights. The Web site also says Amnesty hopes that, through this campaign, tools of torture will be eliminated.\nFreshman Dan McDowell, one of the event's organizers, is new to Amnesty International.\n"I just became involved with Amnesty International at IU this semester, and it's clear that a lot can be done by this organization," he said.\nHe said the campus can benefit from this event in more than one way.\n"I'm hoping that this concert will benefit this campus in two ways. First of all, raising money will help Amnesty's efforts to bring a speaker in support of our anti-torture campaign," he said. "The concert will also give students the chance to hear some good local music at a low price and will give them the opportunity to learn more about Amnesty."\nCollins resident Nora Flaherty, a freshman, said she is enthusiastic about the concert. \n"I think the Collins community is very supportive of organizations like Amnesty, and it sounds like a lot of fun," she said.\nFreshman Julie Clauser, another student in charge of the concert, has worked closely with Amnesty since high school. She said she hopes the concert will persuade people to become more involved in not only Amnesty International, but also in other worthwhile organizations.\n"People need to be more aware of what's going on in the world," she said.\nFor more information about Amnesty International, visit the IU chapter's Web site at \nwww.indiana.edu/~amnesty.