The Isle of Man’s Amnesty International group is taking part in this year’s global ’Write for Rights’ campaign.

For nearly 25 years, people in the Isle of Man have been sending cards to individuals around the world who are suffering human rights abuses.

A spokesman for the group said: ’A message of solidarity shows them that they are not alone and the millions of cards that are sent can force authorities to address human rights violations, cruelty and injustice. They show presidents, judges, police chiefs and prison governors that the world is watching.

’Worldwide, nearly five million cards were sent last year and there have already been positive outcomes in seven out of the 12 cases. Four have been freed, governments have changed legislation, restrictions have been lifted and the safety and security of others has been guaranteed. All this resulting from people just taking a few minutes to write a short message!

’Unfortunately there has been no change with Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe - for whom we wrote the most cards at last year’s Isle of Man events. She is the British/Iranian charity worker who was sentenced to five years in prison on unspecified "national security- related charges" in 2016 and whose current situation has been made even more uncertain by the recent careless remarks of the UK Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson.’

There are three venues for our public card-signing sessions this year. They are:

Today (Friday) from noon till 3pm and tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am to 3pm at Shakti Man, Ramsey.

Saturday, November 25, 10am to 3pm, in the Atrium cafe on the ground floor of Tower House, Douglas.

Saturday, December 16, 10am to 3pm, in the foyer of Castletown Civic Centre.

The eight the group has chosen to support are:

1. Azza Soliman - Egypt - a women’s rights lawyer facing imprisonment.

2. The Istanbul 10 - Turkey - the Amnesty staff just released from prison but still facing trial along with hundreds of other campaigners, lawyers and journalists.

3. Shackelia Jackson - Jamaica - who is seeking justice for her brother who was unlawfully killed by a policeman.

4. Issa Amro and Faridal Atrash - Israel/Palestine - peaceful campaigners facing trial in an Israel military court.

5. Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam - Sudan - an award-winning activist and engineering professor repeatedly targeted by the Sudanese authorities and who remains in danger.

6. Tadjadine Mahamet Babouri - Chad - tortured and imprisoned for criticising government’s ’mismanagement’ of public funds.

7. Rodrigo Mundaca - Chile - campaigner for water rights who was attacked and is facing legal threats.

8. Clovis Razafimalala - Madagascar - campaigner against illegal trade in rosewood and other natural resources. Was in prison, now under suspended sentence.

There is information about all the individuals in this year’s campaign on the Amnesty UK website.

For more details about the Isle of Man campaign contact [email protected] or phone 334109.