Government doing 'all they can' to get Bootle ex serviceman home
The Foreign Office has told Radio City News they're pulling out all the stops to try and help get a former soldier from Bootle home after he was jailed in India.
The Foreign Office has told Radio City News they're pulling out all the stops to try and help get a former soldier from Bootle home after he was jailed in India.
Paul Towers was one of 6 people who were working for a US firm protecting ships in pirate infested seas when Indian authorities seized their vessel.
Despite original charges being quashed, the Supreme Court announced a new trial last year and in January of this year the judge found the men guilty. They were sentenced to five years in Indian prison.
This week, families of the prisoners met with Minister Hugo Swire from Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in Carlisle.
It was their second meeting the families have had with the FCO during the 30 months since the men were arrested.
A peaceful protest was also organised to generate support.
Minister For Asia Hugo Swire said:
“I recognise what an extremely difficult time this is for all those involved. I have previously met with the families in London and we are meeting again in Carlisle on Tuesday as part of our ongoing support to the men and their families" “Our staff in India are in regular contact with the men and are working to make sure their welfare is protected in prison. The appeals process is ongoing and as we have previously stated, we cannot interfere with India’s independent legal system, but we will continue efforts to make sure this case is resolved swiftly. Ministers and our High Commissioner to India will continue to raise this case at the highest levels.”