Irishwoman seeks Taoiseach’s help in freeing son from Indian prison

AN IRISHWOMAN living in Britain has launched a public appeal to both the British and Irish governments to help in a campaign to have her son released from a prison in India for what she claims is a miscarriage of justice.

Teresa Malluzzo is seeking the help of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and his British counterpart Gordon Brown to raise her case with the Indian authorities.

Patrick Malluzzo, 30, was arrested on January 30, 2004, at Mumbai Airport for smuggling 19kg of cannabis as he was preparing to continue on his backpacking trip to Thailand.

Police in the state of Rajasthan associated Patrick with the crime after the drugs were found in luggage left on a train.

Among the bags was a hold-all belonging to Patrick even though he was not on the train. His family said he asked a friend to look after it while he went off on his travels. Police discovered a photocopy of his passport, however, and brought a prosecution against him on that basis, even though no drugs were found in his own luggage.

Patrick has continuously protested his innocence and said he has no idea who placed the drugs there. But he was convicted of drug smuggling in July 2006 and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Ms Malluzzo (neé Grace) claims her son was not afforded a fair trial, however, and her family are now placing their hopes on mounting a successful appeal against the conviction.

“He had no idea what was going on as the trial was conducted in Hindi, even though his solicitor did speak English,” she said.

Ms Malluzzo has had no direct contact with her son since his arrest in January 2004, apart from a weekly letter.

“The conditions in the prison aren’t great. Patrick’s cell is effectively just a cage and he is not allowed to make phone calls,” she said from her home in Dartford, Essex, yesterday.

The Kilkenny woman, who also has two daughters, said her son was in low spirits and was taking medication to combat depression.

She is more than certain, however, of her son’s innocence. “Everyone who knows Patrick was shocked when they heard he had been charged with a drugs offence.

“We’re looking at having to sell the family home and downsize because of the legal costs.

“We’ve already spent thousands of pounds on the case,” said Ms Malluzzo.

In Ireland, the campaign spearheaded by Ms Malluzzo’s sister, Ann Stuart from Callan, Co Kilkenny, has enlisted the help of local TD and junior minister John McGuinness. They are also hoping to arrange a meeting with the Indian ambassador to Ireland.

“Our life has effectively been placed on hold. You try and live a normal life but it’s not easy and Patrick is always there in our thoughts,” she said.

* People can support the family’s online campaign. Visiting the website www.ipetitions.com/petition/patrickmalluzzo/ for more information.