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Dear wonderful friends giving us so much support and help.
As you can imagine life has not been easy for me, my family and Mary. Since 26 October 2006, the day I heard of Daniel's arrest, we have suffered much anguish, frustration and anger.
I had expected that once aware of Daniel's distressing case the Foreign Office would take every action possible to ensure he received justice and as early a release from prison as possible. It came as a great shock to me, and I suspect others too, to learn that, when British Nationals get into difficulty in India, the action the FO can take is very limited and it is very much left to relatives, friends, Lone Riders' Guild and sympathisers to get them out of trouble. In Daniel's case it was they who found out that he had been sick and in hospital twice with acute pneumonia, a kidney infection and bronchitis, they who engaged legal aid, they who got extra food, blankets and a walking stick to him in prison, they who pressed to speed the trial procedure via the media in both the UK and India, and the MP for Cheltenham, Mr Martin Horwood, who sought the support of the Indian High Commision in London, and NOT the Foreign Office.
As Daniel's mother, I have over the last 5 months had many sleepless nights knowing that Daniel was having to endure appalling prison conditions and serious health problems, and that our letters and parcels were not reaching him. It has been extremely difficult for me, as I was specifically advised, to keep a low profile (to avoid prejudicing my son's case). I felt like a lioness unable to growl and protect her vulnerable cub. I too have been behind bars.
The freedan website has been a revelation to me. The world is a very troubled place. Many people are suffering. I feel very honoured that you have all opened your hearts to a lone, sick man who was forced to cross a forbidden border to seek help for himself and his beloved horses.
God bless you all.
Angelina Robinson
Footnote: Daniel became a Fellow of The Royal Geographical Society on the 8 March 2007. I pray that he will be able to attend the New Members Event in London on the 23 April 2007.
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