We're all going on a summer holiday, no more working for a week or two. Fun and laughter on our summer holiday, no more worries for me or you, for a week or two?
Each year, a number of Australian citizens are arrested overseas, the majority for alleged drug-related offences.
Currently, 214 Australian citizens are languishing in prisons around the world. The majority of these having been convicted of drug-related crimes.
In many countries drug-traffickers are presented with the death penalty. If you are caught with 15 grams heroin, or more, it is a mandatory death sentence.
These countries make no legal distinction between 'soft' and 'hard' drugs. Penalties for carrying illegal drugs can be severe, even for offences involving marijuana and alcohol.
Penalties include, the death penalty, life in prison without parole, limb amputation, flogging and even torture.
Being an Australian citizen will not save you from such penalties.
IF YOU ARE UNLUCKY ENOUGH TO FIND YOURSELF ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE LAW IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY --- HERE IS A SAMPLE OF WHAT TO EXPECT
Be prepared to share your cell with a bucket, at least a dozen cockroaches, some lice and a few rats. You will need to become accustomed to the aroma from the bucket (your toilet).
If you conform, prison officials will reward you with a lid for your bucket. If you refuse to conform, you may be legally flogged.
We're going where the sun shines brightly. We're going where the sea is blue. We've seen it in the movies, now let's see if it's true?
Dormitory cells can contain up to 20 prisoners with one large bucket for everyone to share. Contagious diseases, including Hepatitis and HIV are plentiful. The local drinking water contains a natural potent laxative. You are allowed one shower (2-3 minutes max) and clean underpants once a week.
The bed is usually a thin mat on the floor, but do not assume you will get much sleep - those annoying mosquitoes keep buzzing in your ears, and the rats have a bad habit of running over your face throughout the night.
As for the food - you wouldn't feed it to a dog - the cockroaches look more appetizing!
(source - Australians incarcerated in Asian/Middle Eastern prisons)
SENTENCES IMPOSED ON AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS FOR DRUG OFFENCES IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
Malaysia..... Heroin 141.9 grams ... Sentenced to Death - (executed July 07, 1986)
Malaysia ...... Heroin 141 grams.....Sentenced to Death - (executed June 18, 1993)
Thailand ...... Heroin 5.4 kilos.... Death Sentence (commuted to 50 years)
Thailand.......Heroin 190 grams.....Life Sentence (commuted to 25 years)
Thailand.......Heroin 350 grams ... Life Sentence (commuted to 33 years 4 months)
Thailand........Heroin 2.7 kilos.... Life Sentence (50 years)
Indonesia........Hashish 12 kilos.....20 years
Indonesia......Hashish 40 grams.....17 years
Vietnam ......Heroin 888 grams.....Sentenced to Death (commuted to Life without parole)
Vietnam ...... Heroin 300 grams.....Life Sentence (without parole)
Singapore.......Heroin 400 grams....Sentenced to Death Vietnam......Heroin ? grams.....Sentenced to Death
IF YOU ARE ARRESTED OR IMPRISONED OVERSEAS ----WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
If you find yourself arrested or imprisoned, you should IMMEDIATELY ask to be put in touch with the Australian Consul. The Consul will VISIT you as soon as possible after notification of your arrest.
Under the 'Vienna Convention on Consular Relations' which is the generally accepted standard for all countries, a person who has been arrested outside their own country MUST have access to their consular representative. This is international law, and you have the RIGHT to communicate with your Consul, before answering any questions.
In the meantime ....you have the right to refuse to answer questions in all circumstances (except your name and address). Say in answer to all questions --- "At this time I have nothing to say". Do NOT admit guilt. Do NOT sign anything. Do NOT believe anything authorities tell you before your Consul visits you.
In many countries, torture is often used by authorities to extract a confession. If you are assaulted by authorities, it is important that you tell your Consul as soon as they arrive to visit you. Ensure that they record your injuries, the date and the time of the incident. Try to remember the names and contact details of any witnesses to the assault, and the people who saw you immediately before, and immediately after the assault.
Your Consul and consular staff are there to assist you and to help you - they are genuinely interested in your welfare. They are NOT judgmental. They are on YOUR side and you can trust them.
If you wish, you should ask for meetings with your Consul to be in PRIVATE, out of the hearing of prison or police officials.
Your Consul will provide you with general information about the legal system of the country you are being held in. Your Consul will also give you a list of lawyers. Information includes, details on legal aid, prosecution, remand, bail and appeal procedures. This will help you to understand what is happening and you will be made aware of your RIGHTS.
Your Consul will approach local authorities to request that your basic needs are met, and that international humanitarian standards of treatment are respected. They will OBJECT if you are treated less favourably than local citizens arrested for similar offences, or if you are subjected to cruel or degrading treatment.
Your Consul will take up any justified and serious complaint about ill-treatment or discrimination with the police or prison authorities and advise your lawyer on this aspect. You should discuss any problems you may have with your Consul, such as; your financial situation, any health, medical, psychiatric, dental or other problems.
It is the job of the local courts of the country where you have been arrested, to decide on your innocence or guilt.
Your Consul WILL attend your trial in court as an observer. If you are found guilty, your Consul will continue to visit you and to help you, and you should not feel embarrassed in your dealings with your Consul. Arrangements can also be made to help members of your family, to the extent that is possible.
Remember.....If you are arrested in a foreign country, the laws of that country also apply to you. Hence, your Consul cannot get bail for you, cannot get you out of prison, and cannot pay your fines.
Consular officers are located in Australian diplomatic and consular posts abroad. These overseas posts are usually located in capital cities, but there are also some in regional centres.
Everybody has a summer holiday, doing things they always wanted to. So we're going on a summer holiday, to make our dreams come true?
For me and you?
By Gregory Kable, Cliff Richard & ACADP posted 17 November 04
.......AND FINALLY - A 'TIP' FROM ACADP
If you drink and drive - you're a bloody idiot.
If you peddle drugs - you're a bloody fool.
Have a great holiday. Come back safe and soon!
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AUSTRALIAN COALITION AGAINST DEATH PENALTY
© ACADP Incorporated ¨
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The Premier Australian Internet
Resource on Capital Punishment
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Clemency for condemned man
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