The Amnesty International Mid-Devon Group has received good news.

Human rights journalist Eskinder Nega, who was been imprisoned in Ethiopia for the last seven years as part of an 18-year sentence, has been released.

John Eschle, of the Halberton-based group, said: ‘Eskinder can now join his wife and child in Canada.

‘We’ve been campaigning on his behalf for some time and are delighted at the news.

‘His ‘crime’ was to use his world-renowned journalistic skills to advocate basic human rights in his home country.

‘His imprisonment has involved extremely inhumane conditions and treatment.’

The Mid-Devon campaigners have also celebrated an executive of Amnesty International in Turkey proudly displaying a card from well-wishers in the group prior to his court hearing.