How can political representatives help?

• They may be able to give you non-legal advice about your case and who else might support you;
• Speak to a government minister, diplomatic official or a foreign counterpart about your case;
• Write letters on your behalf to government officials, foreign government departments or judges;
• Raise the issues involved in your case for political debate, through parliamentary questions or in parliamentary committees;
• Help to highlight the issues involved in the local or national media.

If your case involves an EU member state or raises a European legal issue, your representative at the European Parliament (or MEP) might be able to help. MEPs can offer similar help to national politicians, but at the European level. They can approach the MEP for the country of arrest, or raise issues with the European Commission about EU law.

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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