Wednesday April 24, 7 p.m. at the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Avenue, Evanston, Illinois.

Human rights activist, former Chilean political prisoner, and torture survivor Mario Venegas will speak following a showing of "And After the Torture," a film about the consequences of repression in Chile.

The film follows the experience of a woman whose daughter was tortured and son-in-law "disappeared" during the military dictatorship headed by General Pinochet. "And After the Torture" also shows the healing process of the relatives of people who were killed or "disappeared" in a small town in southern Chile. A representative of Chicago's Kovler Center for the Treatment of Survivors of Torture will join us for this program.

This program is the third of a four-part series presented by Amnesty International Group 50 of Evanston / Rogers Park (Illinois) exploring the myths and realities of torture in the contemporary world. Amnesty International is presenting these events as part of a campaign to stop the contemporary use of torture, which has been documented in more than 150 countries.

Torture may not be the most pleasant subject to confront, but at a time when our media are reporting on public figures contemplating the sanctioned use of torture by the U.S. government, we owe it to ourselves to learn more and address this issue with accurate information.

All programs will include opportunities for questions and public discussion. The video presentations are appropriate for teenage and older audiences; graphic violence is not depicted.

This event will be held in the large community meeting room on the first floor of the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Avenue i Evanston. The library is close to the Davis el stop and there are several city operated parking lots, a garage, and on-street parking nearby.

Amnesty International is composed of over a million members worldwide working to protect and promote human rights. It is supported solely by donations from individuals and non- governmental institutions.

Local Group 50 of Amnesty International meets on the first Monday of every month at 7:15 p.m. in Parkes Hall, room 204, at Sheridan Road and Chicago Avenue in Evanston. Upcoming regular meeting dates fall on April 1, May 6, June 3, and July 1 this year. For more information, call Dan at 773-338-6020.