How can I get help from my political representative?

• You (or a trusted friend or relative) should begin by writing to the political representative. Enclose a clear written outline of all the important information about your case. Keep it brief, factual and accurate. Say what kind of help you want, and what you are aiming to achieve.
   
• After sending this letter, a friend or family member at home should try to arrange a meeting. In the UK, MPs hold regular meetings called ‘surgeries’ in their constituencies. These are an opportunity for local people to meet individually with them and appointments can be made to attend these. Before the meeting, make sure all the court documents and other official papers are organised in date order and bring them to the meeting with a clear written summary.

This is not a substitute for legal advice and, because every case is different and legal systems around the world vary so much, we cannot guarantee that the answers will be applicable to your own case. For advice about your own situation, you should talk to a lawyer qualified in the jurisdiction where you are being prosecuted.

The information contained in this document is provided for information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice, nor does it constitute legal advice. Whilst we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, Fair Trials International makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or applicability to individual cases of the information contained in this leaflet. Any reliance you place on such material is therefore strictly at your own risk. Fair Trials International disclaims any liability to the fullest extent permissible by law for any loss or damage of any kind arising from the use of the information provided.

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