Your Excellency the Honorable President of India,

I’m a leading equestrian journalists in the United States, and want to respectfully draw your attention to a pressing matter involving a situation with Daniel Robinson, a British national in Indian custody: Case #867-06 filed under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act.

Mr. Robinson was making an amazing long ride horseback of 3,000 km retracing the ancient trans-Himalayan Tea Horse Caravan Road from southwestern China to Hhasa, Tibet.  I have reported on numerous long rides for several national equestrian publications in the U. S., and have followed this man’s journey and personal tenacity with great interest.  It is an effort deserving of a medal, and one certainly considered historical by many around the world.

In an unfortunate but understandable turn of events, Mr. Robinson clearly used sound judgment to save his life, and the lives of his horses by detouring from his intended route, but in so doing admittedly entered India without a visa.  Personally ill, and with his two horses in critical condition, he left his intended route with its impossible weather conditions, which took him across the border into India to find refuge from the elements and medical care.  He voluntarily made contact with officials in the area at the first opportunity.  It is universally understood that no threat to Indian security should be tolerated.  However, it is clear in this case after an investigation into the matter, that this ill British equine adventurer and the meager provisions packed on his horses posed no threat to that security.

Mr. Robinson is facing a sentence of as many as ten years in prison.  I would like to petition for mercy in this case, and ask for a more judicious sentence—one fitting the simple visa offence that was committed.  I hope I may report to the many equine enthusiasts that have found inspiration in Mr. Robinson’s long journey horseback along an ancient route, that he has been reunited with his horses and allowed his freedom, and not subjected to a harsh, if not cruel and unusual, punishment for such an offense.

Respectfully,

Tom Moates

Floyd, Virginia, USA