Consular support

Statement from Minister Bob Carr in relation to the matter of Prisoner X, Mr Ben Zygier, with some answers to the questions previously raised in this blog.

Thoughtlines with Bob Carr

The report examines:

• DFAT’s knowledge of Mr Zygier’s detention and death; and how and when that information was received;
• Government handling of consular aspects of this case; and
• lessons learned and recommendations for future improvement in consular services.

The report also raises questions regarding the nature of Australian consular responsibilities for dual nationals, and the use of Australian passports by dual nationals working for the government of their other country of nationality.

1. the individual’s legal rights would be respected and,
2. he had legal representation of his own choosing;
3. the individual’s family members had been notified of his arrest and detention; and
4. he was not being mistreated.

The report finds:

• Mr Zygier was granted regular access to a lawyer and more than 50 visits by family members, while in detention in 2010.
• There was no request from Mr Zygier, his…

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200 Australians Overseas And In Prison – ABC Interview w/ Martin Hodgson

200 Australians Overseas And In Prison

26/02/2013 , 11:00 AM by Jen Hunt

 

We know how much Australians love to travel but if you were overseas and, for whatever reason, ended up on the wrong side of the law and behind bars….then Martin Hodgson from Kalaru is someone you would want to know.

For more than 10 years, Martin has been closely involved with the work of Foreign Prisoner Support Service, also known as Save-A-Life, a volunteer organisation which advocates on behalf of those Australians in prison overseas as well as campaigning against the death penalty.

Unlike the high profile case of Schapelle Corby, very few of us have heard of the tragic circumstances of Rachel Diaz. Martin shares her story as well as taking issue with the Australian Federal Police’s practice of letting known drug mules leave the country. You can also hear Martin’s suggestions for staying safe while travelling abroad.

http://blogs.abc.net.au/files/martin-hodgson.mp3 – Click to listen