Sir - This year while I’m writing my Christmas cards, I will also be adding to my list a person I’ve never met or even spoken to. That person is Liu Ping from China who Amnesty International is taking action for because she is currently in prison for her work with the New Citizens Movement, a peaceful network of activists (many of whom have been harassed or detained) who simply aim to promote government transparency, help the weak and expose corruption.

Letters of solidarity can make a real difference to people imprisoned or at risk for exercising their human rights. It reminds them they are not alone, and by showing the authorities that the world knows what’s going on, it can help to secure a prisoner's release, stop the harassment or change an unjust law.

I would encourage all readers to get involved Amnesty’s Write for Rights campaign this Christmas. Just visit www.amnesty.org.uk/write and you’ll find all the information you need to get started or come along and join our letter writing session upstairs at Number 8, High St. Pershore at 2.30pm on Wednesday 26th November.

Dr Felix Borchardt

Pershore Amnesty Group