Amnesty International supporters in Abingdon have played their part in helping secure the release of a 'political' prisoner.

More than 80 letters were written by Abingdon members to the Mexican government in support of General Gallardo. Amnesty said he was imprisoned for the "crime" of suggesting that an ombudsman be appointed to examine bullying in the army.

But after widespread international protests including 35,000 letters from Amnesty International members throughout the world, he was released.

The chairman of Abingdon Amnesty John Killick said: "Many of us routinely send Christmas cards to friends and relatives at this time of the year but greetings cards will be received even more warmly by people all over the world who are in prison unjustly.

"These are prisoners of conscience, men and women who have had the courage to disagree publicly with their governments and who have paid a price."

Mr Killick said in recent years Amnesty had stepped up its campaigns for brave human rights defenders who risked death threats, imprisonment or "disappearance" for what they do and for other innocent people subject to systematic violence.

"Names, addresses and details of 35 selected cases will be available soon in many local churches," he said.