My mother was arrested in Sao Paulo in 2003. Two weeks ago the judge released her early from her four year sentunce. She is a South African citizan but he will not let her leave the country and come home. I am in a desperate situation to get help with this, she cannot work there. I dont understand why they want her to stay.If anyone can give me information on how to go about getting her deported or just to come back to South Africa plase contact me.

Thanks
Germaine

Germaine,

Is your government aware of the situation? Has the South African Embassy in Sao Paulo been made aware of your Mom's situation?

When I was arrested and convicted in the U.S., though I was an American citizen for years my parents immediately notified the German Embassy and they followed everything to insure that the U.S. - which is a classic violator of International Law and treaties - followed the the requirements to the letter, this standard practice, my roomy in prison is a British citizen and they followed her case like hawks, and since she comes from a titled family they even have someone coming down to check on her welfare monthly.

In an arrest situation of a foreign national, the embassy of that persons country is to be notified immediately, that is required - but not always done. And though they may be aware of the situation they may have taken the attitude we have not been official notified therefore we shall not act, that is done at times too.

Check with your mom to see if she has had any contact with her embassy in the last four years. If not, I would contact you Minister of Foreign Affairs and see if they can do anything, sometimes they cannot do anything, other times they can. There are other avenues as well, however, you should check with a Solicitor to see what can be done.

Patti

Dear Patti

Thank you for your info. I will try contact them.

God bless,
Germaine Penfold

Germaine,

Please keep me updated on your Mom's situation. I hope and pray all turns out well for you and your Mom. By the way, Sunday is Mother's Day in the States, if you speak to her wish her Happy Mother's Day from one Mom to another.

God Bless,

Patti

Anyone have an update on this, she hasn't been on since 5-10. Barb

Anyone have an update on this, she hasn't been on since 5-10. Barb

Barb, I have been wondering too. I hope all is well!

Germaine, I hope all is well and Mom is now home, though I do know personally how slowly the wheels of international diplomacy can turn.

Patti

I am going to be honest (and I know this is an old post that was moved here), if her mother is on probation, I dont think they will let her leave until her probation is completed, and it also depends on the crime. With the way things are going here in SA, sometimes they wont even let their own citizens back into the country.