Statement by the families of the two 16 year-old British nationals arrested in Ghana

July 13 2007

The families of Yaseman Vatansever and Yetunde Diya have made the following brief statement. They will not be making any further comment on this matter and direct all media enquiries to Fair Trials Abroad.

“The families have been distressed at the arrests of Yaseman and Yetunde, and the accompanying media attention, which has been overwhelming.

“We ask that the media leave us in peace so that we can focus on supporting the girls and ensuring they receive the best legal advice and representation.

“We also ask that the media refrain from further attempts to contact or interview the girls, as this can only compromise their chances of a fair trial.

“Yetunde and Yaseman are two vulnerable young girls. Had they been arrested in the UK, they would not have been subjected to this intense public attention. The families have confidence in the Ghanaian justice system and in the lawyer representing them and ask that the privacy of all concerned be respected so they may prepare their defence.