Excellency,

As a resident of the European Union, I am writing to you on the subject of the recent arrest of Daniel Robinson, a British national, who was convicted January 9, 2007 by Indian authorities for crossing the Indo-Tibetan border illegally. Mr. Robinson was fined 25,000 rupees and sentenced to one year imprisonment, which he is currently serving in Haridwar jail.

In view of the information available to me concerning this case, I strongly believe his detention by Indian authorities to be unjust and call for his immediate release. 

May I take the liberty of drawing to your attention certain aspects of this case, which you may or may not be aware: 

Upon entry into India near Mana, Mr. Robinson had already journeyed 3,000 kilometers (1,875 miles) on the infamous Tea Horse Trail.

His entry into India was forced due to drastic changes in weather conditions in the Himalayas, the failing health of his 2 horses and his own poor health.

Mr. Robinson did not evade the authorities, but rather sought their help by walking into the Lapkhal military post near Chamoli.

Mr. Robinson was denied legal assistance until visited by his daughter, nearly 60 days after his arrest and has now already served 3 months of his one year sentence.

Since his imprisonment, Mr. Robinson has been hospitalized twice due to prison conditions, raising serious concerns about his health and well-being.

Quite clearly, Mr. Robinson is not a criminal, but a traveler who mistakenly entered into India without a visa. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes."

I appeal to you to intervene personally in this case to secure the immediate release of Daniel Robinson from detention.

Please accept, sir, the assurance of my highest consideration. 

Yours faithfully,