Yesterday it was announced that for the first time Amnesty International's world-renowned Secret Policeman's Ball will be hosted in the United States. The event - a star-studded, legendary night of comedy and music - will take place on March 4, 2012 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

This historic event is a spectacular evening of original comedy, multiplatinum, award-winning musical performers and collaborations, never-before-seen sketches, stand-up and guest appearances, all written around and in support of free speech. An audience of more than 6,000 people will gather at Radio City Music Hall to experience a special night filled with original performances from some of the world's most popular entertainers including: Coldplay, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Mumford & Sons, Russell Brand, Reggie Watts and many more.

"I used to think humor was a luxury, but at the last election Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert taught me it was a necessity," said John Cleese. "The Secret Policeman's Ball was  - and is  - a coming together of the very best comedy talent of any generation to celebrate their art, remind audiences how important free speech is, and highlight just how much vital work Amnesty International does to protect it. I implore you to support it."

"We are so happy to be involved with the 2012 Secret Policeman's Ball," said Chris Martin of Coldplay. "We have followed and supported Amnesty International - and the amazing work they do around the world in the field of human rights – for years, and it is a pleasure to be asked to contribute to such an inspiring event."

Beginning in 1976, the Secret Policeman's Ball pioneered cause-focused benefit concerts that bring together star-power and world leaders to raise awareness about critically important global issues. The Secret Policeman's Ball has featured legendary artists and entertainers who both share world-renowned talent and a dedication to changing the world.

"Secret Policeman's Ball has a long and hilariously off-color history of using comic genius to fight for free speech and human rights around the world," said Lily Sobhani, Executive Producer of the Secret Policeman's Ball. "We are thrilled that the leading lights of comedy and music are coming together to bring the Secret Policeman's Ball to the United States for the first time."

"Entertainers have used political cartoons, protest songs and straight-out skewering of politicians and leaders to challenge virtually every government's failure to uphold fundamental rights," said Suzanne Nossel, Amnesty International USA's new Executive Director. "We are thrilled that some of the most creative political humorists of our time will perform when Amnesty International hosts the first Secret Policeman's Ball in the United States. And on March 4, those of us who can make fun of our government and walk away in safety will dedicate the program to those who cannot."

Amnesty International is thrilled to present the Secret Policeman's Ball, being produced by Amnesty International; world leading producer of global events Control Room; and leading independent creative agency, Mother.

American Express(r) cardmembers only, get your tickets this Wednesday, January 25 at 10am ET through Sunday, January 29 at 10pm ET before the general public on Monday, January 30 at 10am ET. For tickets call 800-745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com.

To find out more visit www.facebook.com/secretpoliceman where you can win tickets from Monday 30th January, and follow the Secret Policeman on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/secretpoliceman.

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About Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 3 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom and dignity are denied.

About The Secret Policeman's Ball

The Secret Policeman's Ball is a world famous comedy event, which celebrates freedom of expression with the very best within the arts and entertainment industry. Established in 1976, the Secret Policeman's Ball used anarchic humor to raise funds for the fight against human rights abuses. Returning to mark Amnesty International's 50th anniversary, the Secret Policeman's Ball this year is set to be bigger than ever as some of the world's best comedians and musicians team up for an evening of original, cutting edge entertainment.

About Free Speech

The Secret Policeman's Ball celebrates free speech – one of the first rights to be stifled by state authorities, which seek to repress its citizens. Free speech is a basic human right denied to thousands of people around the world. The Secret Policeman's Ball aims to celebrate this right through comedy and music.

About Control Room

Founded by Emmy-award winning producer Kevin Wall and headed by company president and executive producer Aaron Grosky, Control Room is the world's leading producer of massive global events leveraging unparalleled expertise to deliver once-in-a-life time entertainment experiences to audiences around the world.  Through a combination of expertise – event production, television production, media architecture design, artist and celebrity relationships, sponsorship development, and creative vision – Control Room evolves events into cultural phenomena.

Control Room is an end-to-end solution for brands, artists, broadcasters and sponsors committed to connecting global audiences with compelling entertainment.  The company has built long-standing business relationships and successfully navigated the complexities of culture, government, and production in countries in every region of the world.  Since 2005, Control Room has illustrated a history of measurable results through a comprehensive body of work including more than 100 live events ranging from single-artist concerts to worldwide movements.