AMNESTY International’s East Devon Group is seeking members.

The group backs Amnesty’s drive for the international protection of human rights and the release of those imprisoned because of their beliefs, colour, religion or ethnic origin.

Members have been writing in support of Pablo Pacheco Avila, a Cuban journalist arrested in 2003 and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment during a crackdown on the dissident movement in the country. On Tuesday, July 13, he was one of six Cuban journalists released. Group member Maureen Sinha said such human rights victories showed why people should get involved with Amnesty.

Petitions relating to cases such as Mr Avila’s can be signed outside the Unitarian Church, in All Saints’ Road on July 31. The next meeting is on September 16 at 7.30pm at Twyford House, Coburg Road, Sidmouth.