Families of ex-soliders in Indian prison to meet with Foreign Office
The family of a North East ex-soldier, currently in jail in India, are meeting with a Foreign Office minister.
The family of a Catterick ex-soldier imprisoned in India are meeting with a Foreign Office minister today.
Nick Simpson, from Catterick, was working for a US firm protecting ships in pirate-infested seas with five other British men, including Ashington's Nick Dunn, 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.
Today, families of the prisoners will meet with Minister Hugo Swire from Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in Carlisle.
This will be the second meeting the families have had with the FCO during the 30 months since the men were arrested.
A peaceful protest has also been organised to generate support.
Lisa Dunn, Nick’s sister, said:
“It really is important that we have this meeting with the Foreign Office. The men deserve answers to why they’re allowed to be in this positions that they’re in now.
“We’re going to be frustrated, angry, upset. There’s going to be so many emotions within that meeting and it’s going to be a very draining day but hopefully we’re going to get a lot from it.
- “I am not leaving that room until I get answers I need and that Nick and the men deserve.”*
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. I am grateful to Rory Stewart MP for his assistance in arranging this meeting.
- *
“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.”