Reprieve (organisation)

Reprieve is a legal action charity, founded in 1999 by British human rights lawyer Clive Stafford Smith. The organisation provides free legal and investigative support to prisoners facing execution and those held in extreme detention, focusing on cases where fair trial standards and due process have been demonstrably violated.

Reprieve's work is primarily focused on defending individuals affected by the "war on terror," including those detained at Guantanamo Bay, those facing the death penalty in the United States, and those impacted by drone strikes. The organisation employs lawyers, investigators, and campaigners who work to expose abuses of power, challenge unlawful detention, and secure the release of their clients.

Reprieve operates internationally, with offices in the UK and the US. It relies on donations and grants to fund its operations. Its work has involved extensive legal challenges, media advocacy, and public awareness campaigns. The organisation often works with pro bono lawyers and other human rights organizations to achieve its objectives.

Reprieve's stated mission is to fight for justice and human rights, advocating for the abolition of the death penalty and the closure of Guantanamo Bay. They also aim to challenge the use of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. The organisation's work often involves representing individuals who have been abandoned by governments or lack access to effective legal representation.