Sutton Coldfield Amnesty International Group is campaigning for a human rights worker and journalist who has been imprisoned for ten years.

The group has adopted Salidzhon Abdurakhmanov, who is in jail in Uzbekistan, as its latest prisoner of conscience.

Salidzhon was arrested in 2008 and charged with possession of illegal drugs – but his family and supporters believe the charge was fabricated in order to punish him for his work chairing a human rights organisation in Uzbekistan.

Sentenced to ten years imprisonment, Amnesty International state the trial was unfair and are calling for Salidzhon's immediate release and an independent investigation into the conviction.

Sutton Coldfield Amnesty International Group have adopted Salidzhon as their latest prisoner of conscience. The group has formerly campaigned successfully for the release of prisoners of conscience in Burma and Turkmenistan.

Group chairman Andrew Hindle says: “Adopting prisoners of conscience and campaigning for them is at the heart of our activities. Our letters and appeals ensure these people are not forgotten and, by bringing their conditions to the attention of the world, we are able supporting them in their time of need.

“We would urge anyone interested in human rights to attend our group or look at ways of supporting Amnesty International's campaigns through their website www.amnesty.org.uk

The Sutton group meets the second Tuesday of each month (except August) at the Conference Rooms, Holy Trinity RC Church, 69 Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2NU. New members are always welcome to come along and find out more.