1961May, 28
Peter Benenson's article The Forgotten Prisoners is published in several internationally read newspapers. This will later be thought of as the founding of the human rights organization Amnesty International.
Peter Benenson (born Peter James Henry Solomon; 31 July 1921 – 25 February 2005) was a British lawyer, human rights activist and the founder of human rights group Amnesty International (AI). He refused all honours for most of his life, but in his 80s, largely to please his family, he accepted the Pride of Britain Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2001.
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Events on 1961
- 8Jan
Charles de Gaulle
In France a referendum supports Charles de Gaulle's policies in Algeria. - 16Apr
Fidel Castro
In a nationally broadcast speech, Cuban leader Fidel Castro declares that he is a Marxist-Leninist and that Cuba is going to adopt Communism. - 1May
Fidel Castro
The Prime Minister of Cuba, Fidel Castro, proclaims Cuba a socialist nation and abolishes elections. - 25Jul
NATO
In a speech John F. Kennedy emphasizes that any attack on Berlin is an attack on NATO. - 10Aug
Agent Orange
First use in Vietnam War of the Agent Orange by the U.S. Army.