Parents of Briton detained in India appeal for help

The parents of a Briton currently in jail in Rajasthan for alleged drug smuggling have approached Foreign Secretary David Miliband to intervene and ensure that their son gets a speedy trial to prove his innocence and returns home for Christmas.

Updated on: Dec 11, 2009, 11:21:26 IST

PTI | By Prasun Sonwalkar, London

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The parents of a Briton currently in jail in Rajasthan for alleged drug smuggling have approached Foreign Secretary David Miliband to intervene and ensure that their son gets a speedy trial to prove his innocence and returns home for Christmas.

Patrick Malluzo, 32, was arrested in Mumbai in 2004 when he was leaving India. Cannabis was reportedly found in his bag that he had lent to a friend while he was travelling in India.

He has since maintained innocence.

Malluzo was given a 10-year jail sentence, while his appeal has reportedly been adjourned 12 times.

His mother, Teresa Malluzo, 63 said: "All we want is Patrick's case to be heard. We are asking Mr Miliband to help us by making representations to the Indian authorities. I'm asking this as a mum. While everyone is preparing to celebrate Christmas we can't. Our family is incomplete, please help to bring my son home."

Fair Trials International said Malluzzo was wrongly convicted and was allegedly refused an interpreter during the trial in Rajasthan.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Prasun Sonwalkar
Prasun Sonwalkar was Editor (UK & Europe), Hindustan Times. During more than three decades, he held senior positions on the Desk, besides reporting from India’s north-east and other states, including a decade covering politics from New Delhi. He has been reporting from UK and Europe since 1999.Read More

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