The wife of a Mumbai resident detained in Spain for alleged terror links since January 19 is desperately trying to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to request him to seek the release of her husband who she claims is innocent.
"My husband is innocent and I want to meet the prime minister to seek his help," Farida told IANS over telephone from Mumbai.
Roshan Jamal Khan, 50, is the only Indian among the 10 people arrested for allegedly planning an Islamist suicide terror attack on Barcelona's public transport system. A Barcelona judge had ordered their "unconditional imprisonment".
Originally, 14 people were arrested. Four of them, including another Indian Sarfrosh Ali, were later released.
Farida came to know about the arrest after she was unable to contact her husband for a long time.
"We have been trying to meet Manomhan Singh to put forward our case but we need an appointment for that," Farida said.
A mother of six, she has already met Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. "He has assured me of every possible help," she said.
Farida's resolve to fight for husband's release has strengthened after speaking to him Monday. It was the first time he had been allowed to telephone his family since his arrest.
{{/usCountry}}Farida's resolve to fight for husband's release has strengthened after speaking to him Monday. It was the first time he had been allowed to telephone his family since his arrest.
{{/usCountry}}"During the four minute phone call he inquired about our children. He said he was innocent and was not facing any problems. But he was made to sign on some blank papers," Farida said.
Roshan's brother Mehboob Khan said: "We have been writing to the ministry of external affairs, the ministry of overseas Indian affairs and the Prime Minister's Office to permit us to go there to get him out of prison."
According to him, Roshan went to Spain in September 2007 to trade in olive oil.