THE AGM of Taunton Amnesty International took place this month, there was an overview from all officers and the chairman reported a very good year where the group has grown both in number, enthusiasm and commitment. The monthly action was six letters going to Government officials in countries worldwide, calling for them to take action to prevent violence against women.

The Death Penalty campaign continued with eleven letters going to a variety of countries, calling for the death penalty on named individuals to be abolished. The Terror, Security and Human Rights campaign focused this month on the CIA Secret Detention Facilities where thirty-nine people - some have been detained for at least five years - are believed to be held in US custody and their whereabouts remain unknown. A letter was sent calling for an end to their detention and to have their whereabouts published and then allow their release. Zimbabwe campaign was led by a letter to Barclays Bank, asking them to explain their actions in Zimbabwe, where by lending money to the Government there, is helping prop up the regime. The Burma campaign heard the sad news that Aung San Suu Kyi has had her house arrest extended for another year.

The chairman of the group plans to undertake a personal house arrest for a day as a gesture of support. The evening concluded with a report on the experiences of six members who recently travelled to London to visit Amnesty International UK Headquarters. They had a tour of the office, heard about forthcoming campaigns, and took part in an activity to make a banner of goodwill for Delara Darabi, an Iranian citizen, who has been given the death penalty for an alleged crime that occurred when she was 17. Iran have agreed not to execute child offenders, and new evidence has come to light which could prove the innocence of Delara. It's hoped this action which is being replicated by local groups around the country, will encourage the authorities in Iran to review her case. The next meeting is on Tuesday July 10 at Silver Street Baptist Church Taunton. All Amnesty members, supporters and those who want to find out more are very welcome.