Canadian prisons are country clubs compared with some prisons outside Canada. Once in trouble with the law in a foreign country Canadians look to their government for help. But, the Canadian Government is limited in how they can assist Canadians imprisoned in other countries. Upon review of the Foreign Affairs brochures at http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/imprisoned_abroad-en.asp you will note that they cannot recommend a specific lawyer, nor can the government seek preferential treatment or try to exempt the accused from due process of the local law. It is understandable that Canadian representatives must avoid any actions that could cause even a minor crisis between the two countries. That being said we do not face the same obstacles. We are able to locate the right lawyer for the case and take whatever steps are necessary to see that every opportunity for release from custody is analyzed and considered. We address these cases on a globally, including frequent dialogue with the Canadian and imprisoning governments, foreign lawyers, family and/or friends of the accused person as well as people who have dealt with the imprisoning government’s judicial system such as former diplomats, professors and foreign aid workers. We incorporate anyone who can be of assistance to help us achieve our ultimate goal of freedom from the oppression of a foreign jail.
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