Channel 4 To Broadcast The 2012 Secret Policeman’s Ball

Amnesty International’s Secret Policeman’s Ball has long been a tradition that brings together brilliant musicians and comedians together in a bid to raise awareness for freedom of expression and to highlight the fates of political prisoners.

[pullquote_right]It’s a brilliant line-up in an iconic venue[/pullquote_right]This years event will broadcast on 4 just a few days after it’s debut at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, March 4, 2012. Talent already confirmed includes Coldplay, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Mumford & Sons, Russell Brand and Reggie Watts.

Also on board are UK and US stars Fred Armisen, Hannibal Buress, David Cross, Noel Fielding, Micky Flanagan, Bill Hader, Rashida Jones, Seth Meyers, Bob Odenkirk, Andy Samberg, Peter Serafinowicz, Sarah Silverman, Statler & Waldorf from Disney’s The Muppets, Jason Sudeikis, Jack Whitehall and Kristen Wii

Justin Gorman, Head of Entertainment at Channel 4 said: “We’re very proud to be working with Amnesty International and to be able to bring the show to UK audiences. It’s a brilliant line-up in an iconic venue.”

Even with over 20 top names already announced, more comedy and music stars will be announced over the coming weeks, as well as the winner of ‘The World’s Shortest Gig’ a competition for an aspiring UK comedian to win a 15 second slot on stage at The Secret Policeman’s Ball.

Amnesty International’s Kerry Moscogiuri said, “We’re extremely excited by the great host of talent who have given up their time to take part in Amnesty’s Secret Policeman’s Ball. We expect this will be a great evening of entertainment that will also succeed in throwing a spotlight on the importance of Amnesty’s work on defending all human rights, and in particular free speech.”

Campaigning for freedom of expression remains a fundamental part of Amnesty’s campaigning work. Last week the organisation called for the release of social media activist Park Jeonggeun from South Korea after he retweeted messages from North Korea’s official government Twitter account.

Meanwhile last year Amnesty campaigned for the release of young poet in Bahrain who was jailed for reading out a poem. Ayat al-Qarmezi was reported to have been beaten while she was in detention and tortured with electric shocks. Following international pressure, including from Amnesty, Ayat was released from prison.

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Tags: Amnesty Gala, Channel 4, Noel Fielding, Peter Serafinowicz, Russell Brand, Sarah Silverman, Secret Policeman's Ball