LATEST UPDATE

20 October 2008
October 2008 Update

Craig Alden Update 22              October  2008


Aberto:    On 1 July   -   6 years after he was imprisoned - Craig was finally granted his long overdue ‘Aberto’ status but not before an application for compliance was lodged in the Federal Court.   There were many conditions imposed - the main ones being that he has to sign in monthly at Planaltina Court, a curfew from 7pm to 7am,  and he has to ask the Court for permission to travel anywhere outside of the immediate Judicial area.  Craig’s lawyer applied for an extension of the curfew till 9pm as Craig has been earning a little by giving English lessons and the majority of his students either work or are in college so need lessons in the evening.  An application was also made for travel on Public Holidays. These applications were approved but only after my visit had ended.

Eyelegal:         This Brazilian Human Rights group are still pursuing their unheard but denied HC in the STF.  In September - the STF website showed that it had been passed by the allocated Judge to the President of the STF.  It was then passed back to yet another Judge who also denied it without consideration.  Eyelegal are to submit a further 'Agravo'. If that fails the only option is to try to get it heard in the International Court. 

Retraction Statements Hearing:

As you know - we won the right in the Supreme Court for this hearing in September 2007 and it was finally scheduled for 1 pm on Wed. Sept. 17. However soon after 10 am Craig's lawyer had a phone call from the court to say that the hearing had been cancelled due to an "administrative error".   Craig's lawyer decided that we should all proceed to the court to protest!
 
We all duly arrived at the appointed time but of course the hearing didn't happen. We were there all afternoon and our lawyer made a terrific fuss and was told that the case should have been scheduled for a Tuesday or Thursday! Eventually they called for the judge (he had left the court to move house!)  and the case was re-scheduled for the next day. The witnesses had taken the day off work to attend and needed certified confirmation that they had attended according to their summons and proof for their employers that they were needed again the next day - otherwise they risked losing their jobs and/or pay.

The 'Eyelegal' lawyers - who had flown from Recife ( a five hour flight!) to support the witnesses (since our lawyer could not act for both them and Craig) had to change their Thursday schedule, book a hotel and change their return flights.  None of us had had anything but a drink of water since breakfast and by the time we had done all this Craig had to return to his lodging to comply with his curfew.

So at 9.30 on Thurs. we once again assembled at the court.  I could not understand what was being said but from what I gather from others  and from closely observing the body language and listening to the tone and manner of speech - I concluded that the judge could not exactly be described as 'neutral' or 'objective'. He was clearly annoyed and apparently started by saying that he was being greatly inconvenienced by this hearing as he was in the process of moving house.  He shouted in a very threatening way at a couple of the witnesses telling them they could go to jail.  I would say that they were clearly intimidated and made to feel very uncomfortable. Our lawyer objected on several points but was silenced. Afterwards the lawyer told me that he thought he had got enough to go forward and apply for Criminal Revision and that three of the witnesses gave particularly excellent and clear testimony. There was no stenographer. The judge dictated his account of each witness 'interview' to a clerk and everyone concerned had to sign it. Craig’s lawyer objected to the Judges wording several times but was mostly overruled.
 
No-one was given a copy of any of the signed documents !

We will only know if it was really a success when it moves on a stage - but general opinion is that it went as well as things can in a Planaltina court and in this case in particular!

 
Other Matters:       
Shortly after his ’Aberto’ was granted,  Craig's son John had an accident.  He was run over by a motor-cycle on his way home from school and was dragged along and suffered burns. He was allowed home after a few days and had to attend hospital daily for treatment. Craig of course was not allowed to travel to see him (they live outside the Judicial area) and the lawyer advised that given the court track record on delaying/not looking at such requests there was little point in pursuing such a course of action.  I am pleased to say that John is now fit and well although he has some scars!  We had a lovely family day when Craig and his friends threw a surprise birthday party for me which John and Marli attended. 

Craig was summonsed for a traffic offence.  When he looked at the details it stated that this alleged offence had occurred when he was ‘in prison’! He collected copies of his ‘sign in’ record and ‘appealed’ the summons.  He has just found out that his appeal has been denied despite the evidence from the court and prison !

Craig still cycles and walks daily.  He had two little dogs for company but was saddened when one was run over by another motorbike.   He is in demand for his English conversation lessons.

Writing to Craig:         Many of you have asked me about writing to him now that he is no longer in the prison.  Craig and I have discussed this and decided that although he loved getting and was much encouraged by all your letters - it may not be such a good idea now - as he feels he needs to keep a fairly low profile and not draw attention to himself - which receiving such a huge amount of mail would do.  We are very grateful to everyone who wrote and hope that you understand this new situation.  At the prison - as well as giving Craig encouragement - it also served the purpose of letting the authorities know that the international community was watching.  All your efforts did this admirably on both counts and we are extremely grateful.  Any communications I receive (preferably by email)  are always passed on to Craig. 

If you change email address  and would like to continue receiving these updates please be sure to notify me of the change.  I had a quite a few ‘undelivered’ notifications on the last couple of mailings. 

March Update:        I have to apologise to everyone for not sending out an update since March.  I am also aware that many people (although I cannot identify you all) did not receive the March Update.  I have had long-running computer and Internet problems which have caused me much hassle and lost data but hopefully the gremlins have now been expunged!  The March Update explained much of the legal situation behind what is reported here.  If you did not receive it and would like a copy - let me know and I will send one. 

Thank you all for the lovely messages you sent on hearing of Craig’s Aberto.  You are such lovely,  caring folks.   Your continuing support means so much.


Maureen Alden                        

15 October  2008



www.freecraigalden.com         Mp60alden@aol.com

26 June 2008
CRIAG IS RELEASED ON PAROLE - THE FIGHT CONTINUES

CRAIG IS RELEASED ON PAROLE

After a six year battle Craig Alden is finally free from prison on parole.  Craig's lawyer won the right to parole in this case last year through a habeas corpus action in the Supreme Court but the local authorities delayed until today, when in the presence of a consular officer from the British Embassy, the legal secretary of the court granted Craig full parole.

This is not the end of the fight because parole is neither freedom or justice.  The next step in this complicated case takes place in September 2008 when the local courts have to recall all of the original prosecution witnesses who now wish to retract their original statements.  These 'alleged victims' are willing to stand up in court and retract their original statements accusing Craig of neglect and abuse, even going so far as to say they were forced or coerced by the local prosecutor into making false accusations against Craig.

We want to thank all of you who took up the call to action in the recent weeks because in the end we believe the attendance of the British consular official ensured that the hearing was not delayed further.  Craig won the right to be released on parole in 2007 but it has taken almost 10 months to get the local authorities in Planaltina court to act upon an order for his release issued by the State Court. It is important therefore that we maintain the focus on this case so that the revision hearings take place next September and the local authorities do not get away with delaying justice in this case.

We appreciate your support at this time and over the past six years.  Please do contact us if you have any ideas of how to advance the fight for justice.

Many thanks
Maureen Alden   mp60alden@hotmail.co.uk         
Simon Trundle    trundle@grendon.co.uk                tel: 07850 786710

13 June 2008
Plea For Urgent Help

Please Help! 

We are appealing to all our supporters to help raise awareness of a critical hearing that is due to take place on the 26th June in the local court in Planaltina.  

Craig's lawyer has fought a long and arduous battle with the complex legal system in Brazil and has achieved some measure of success.  In 2006, Craig won the right to progress to 'Aberto' status which effectively means that he can live outside of prison and only has to comply with a regular Police check.  Craig's progression date was calculated as September 2007. 

Since September 2007 Craig's lawyer has batttled with the local authorities in Planaltina to agree a date for the necessary progression hearing.  In order to get the local authorities to address this issue Craig's lawyer has had to mount numerous legal appeals through the State and National courts.  Despite these successful appeals, the local courts in Planaltina have delayed acting on the instructions of the higher courts.  We have now reached the point where the local courts have to agree to a hearing for Craig to progress to Aberto status. 

By right Craig is overdue progression to the Aberto regime by more than 8 months.  He has had to endure 8 months additional imprisonment when by now he should be freed.  In the past 8 months Craig has suffered chest infections and other illnesses caused by the damp and unhygienic conditions in his prison holding cell.

The local court in Planaltina recognises that it has to act on the instruction of the upper court and they could have chosen to complete the necessary documents and release Craig within a matter of a few hours. 

Instead the local court have set Craig's review date for the 26th June 2008.  The fear is, if this hearing is delayed for even one day then the courtseffectively shut down for two months and Craig will have to remain in prison throughout the Summer.  This is double injustice bearing in mind that Craig should have been released last September.  When the courts reconvene in September the local authorities can claim a backlog of cases as a further excuse for delaying Craig's progression hearing.

We need your help and we need it now!

The only way the local court will be forced to progress Craig to Aberto status on the 26th June is if they believe that there is judicial and administrative oversight present on the day.  To achieve this protective oversight we need to call on help from many different sources. 

We need the support of the British Embassy in Brasilia both before and during the hearing on the 26th June.  We need the Ambasador to write in advance of the hearing to the local and national authorities expressing an interest in the settlement of the aberto process on the 26th June.  We need a representative of the embassy to be present at the hearing to observe that due process is complied with.  We will not achieve this assistance unless we put pressure on the Foreign Office in London who instruct the embassy how to act at times like this. 

You can help:  Time is short and so we ask you to please write/email immediately to your local Member of Parliament, to the Prime Minister Gordon Brown, to the UK Foreign Secretary David Milliband and any other contact you might have in the government and media.  Many of the ministers have email contact via their web site and this is perhaps the quickest way of contacting them.  Details are given below of the Brazilian embassy contacts in London.

Embassy of Brazil     32 Green Street     London     W1K 7AT
T : 020 73999000    F : 020 73999100     info@brazil.org.uk
Monday to Friday, from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm.

Ambassador
CARLOS AUGUSTO R. SANTOS-NEVES       

Ruy Pacheco de Azevedo Amaral
Minister Counsellor for Administration, Culture and Press

Clotilde Simigaglia
Minister's Secretary
020 73999254
clotilde@brazil.org.uk

Beatriz Duarte
Ministers' Secretary
020 73999252
beatriz@brazil.org.uk

You can find additional contacts on the Brazil embassy web site.

Contacts for the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary are as follows  [cut and paste the web address into your browser]:

mail PM  Gordon Brown

http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page821.asp
 
Email Foreign Secretary at the FCO
 
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/feedback

We appreciate your support at this time and over the past six years.  Please do contact us if you have any ideas of how to advance the fight for justice.

Many thanks
Maureen Alden   mp60alden@hotmail.co.uk         
Simon Trundle    trundle@grendon.co.uk                tel: 07850 786710

10 June 2008
Appeals Process Update

Appeals Process Continues

Craig's case continues to attract attention from all over the world with new people signing up to the web site and sending through messages of support.  The legal process continues albeit at a slow pace.

Craig is officially overdue by several months his release to 'Aberto' status which means that he should be free from prison on complete parole with only having to sign in with the Police on a regular basis to confirm that he is still in the area.  This release is not justice in any form but is a right due to Craig which was secured in a habeas corpus in 2006. 

Unfortunately there does not appear to be any sense of urgency in the local judiciary to release Craig from the Semi-Aberto regime he is currently on.  The Semi-Aberto regime means that Craig is released from prison in the morning to return each evening to be locked into a holding cell.  Craig has complied with this regime for the past year despite many personal traumas which other prisoners would use as an excuse for not returning to prison.  Craig was very upset when his son John was knocked down by a motorbike and had to be taken to hospital for surgery.  Because of the conditions of the Semi-Aberto process, Craig was unable to undertake the long journey to be with his son because there was no way he could have made it back to prison on time in the evening and if he is marked absent then the local authorities can use this to withdraw his Semi-Aberto status and imprison him again.  John is recovering from his injuries, broken bones and burns, and should be fully mended in a month or so.

Craig finds it very difficult to accept the injustice that he has suffered and he continues to ask his supporters to write to the British and Brazilian governments to ask for an investigation into his imprisonment.

There is light at the end of the tunnel:

Craig's lawyer has won the right for the original witnesses against Craig to be interviewed in court.  This court action could take place as early as September 2008 however based on the evidence of previous court processes the local authorities could delay this crucial hearing by several months or even years. 

It is necessary therefore for us to keep up the fight for justice and we appeal to our supporters to keep this case active by writing to our local MP in the United Kingdom asking for the Foreign Secretary to maintain interest in this case.  If you are an overseas supporter you can write to your local Brazilian embassy registering your disatifaction at the way in which Brazil has failed to act in this obvious case of injustice.

Please contact Maureen Alden (mp60alden@aol.com) or Simon Trundle (trundle@grendon.co.uk) for additional information if necessary.

19 January 2008
A Pact Of Silence

Craig Alden Update                     January 2008

The following article appeared in the Brasilia newspaper Correios Brasiliense this morning  (19th January 2008) alleging a conspiracy between the British Foreign Office and the Brazilian Government whereby Craig's case will be dropped by the UK if Brazil stops pushing the Jean Charles de Menezes case with London.   If the following article is true about such a deal then Craig is being abandoned by his government for political expediency.

We are calling for an immediate investigation into the allegations and action from the British Foreign Office to protect Craig who feels very exposed in Planaltina if his accusers feel there is no longer any protection offered by being a British citizen:
 
The original article is included below and here is a first draft translation from Craig:

A PACT OF SILENCE written by Claudio Dantas Sequeira with a photo of Craig Alden alongside Jean Charles de Menezes
 
The  Brazilian and  United Kingdom diplomats have counted their losses and  decided to establish a pact of silence around two problems of  judicial origin: the murder of  Brazilian electrician Jean Charles  de Menezes, in the  london undergound in 2005, and the conviction of British teacher Craig Eliot Alden, accused of abusing minors in the Abrigo Warboys of Planaltina, in 2000 [sic 2002]. The two cases have populated the headlines of the world press, mobilizing the diplomatic apparatus from both countries as means of political pressure  to seek justice. "they don't bother us more with the case of Charles Menezes and we put Craig Alden in the  (bottom) drawer", a British diplomat reveals. 
The decision to abandon Craig Alden was expressed by  the Foreign Office at the End of 2007 in a letter to the Englishman's mother obtained by the CORREIO (this paper). "I imagine that you  may feel disappointed that we will not be submitting ourselves in  any  more representation in favor of Craig but I hope that you understand that we cannot interfere in the judicial system of other countries, just as other countries  cannot interfere in our judicial system" wrote Neil Hulbert, from the section of Latin America of the British Chancellery. While evident flaws accumulate in the process against  the Englishman, nobody was made responsible for the murder of the Brazilian.
In December 2007,  the STF [Brazilian Supreme Court] rejected request of Habeus Corpus petitioned by ONG Eyelegal.  This organization alleges flaws in the process against Alden...
 
 UM PACTO DE SILENCIO, Correios Brasiliense 19 jan pagina 22.
 
 As diplomacias do Brasil e do Reino Unido fizeram as contas e decidirem firmar um pacto de  silencio em torno de dois problemas de fundo judicial:o assasinato do eletrecista brasileiro Jean Charles de Menezes, no metro de londres, em 2005, e a condenacao do professor ingles Craig Eliot Alden, acusado de abusar de menores no Abrigo Warboys de Planaltina , em 2000.. os dois casos povoarem as manchettes da imprensa mundial, mobilizando o aparato diplomatico de ambos os paises como meio de pressao politica para se buscar justica. "eles nao nos amolam mais com o caso de Charles de Menezes e nos engavetamos o Craig Alden", sintetiza um diplomata Britanico. 
A decisao de abandonar Craig Alden foi externada pelo Foreign Office no Final de 2007, em carta a mnae do ingles, obtida pelo Correio. "Imagino que voce se sinta desapontada por nos nao submetermos mais nenhuma representacao em favor de Craig mas espero que entenda que nao podemos interferir no processo judicial de outros paises, assim como outros paises nao podem interferir em nossos processos judiciais" escreveu HNeil Hulbert, da secao de America Latina da Chancelaria britanica. Enquanto se acumularem as falhas no processo contra o ingles, ninguem foi responsabilizado pelo assasinato do brasileiro" 
em dezembro, o STF indeferiu pedido de Habeus Corpus liberatorio impetrado pela ONG Eyelegal. A organizacao alega falhas no processo contra Alden...

The Alden family and supporters of the Free Craig Alden campaign are calling for an urgent meeting with the British Foreign secretary to discuss the statements made in the Brazilian press and to petition the FO to raise the question of a fair trial for Craig Alden who has never had an opportunity to present his defense in a court.

Further Information

Contact Maureen Alden [[+44 1487 824257 or +44  7812 445928]  or  Simon Trundle [+44 1933 664224 or +44 7850 786710] for additional information on this case.

18 November 2007
Update November 2007

Update November 2007

At the beginning of November - Simon Trundle and myself once again travelled to Brasilia - this time having only four full days to achieve our agenda. 

Legal Matters:      Shortly after I wrote the September update we heard that the HC in the STJ was successful. This judgement forces the High Court in Goiania to judge the HC (lodged approx. 18 mths ago!)  seeking that evidence from a key witness be heard.   It was initially refused on the grounds that an HC was the wrong format. However when Craig’s lawyer resubmitted the same as an appeal (this submission had originally started out as an ACAO in Planaltina), they did not judge that either!  An ACAO is a  'petition to record evidence'!
   
Craig was in Court to hear the judgement and to his surprise - his lawyer
announced to the ‘Ministers’ that the new Judge in Planaltina had approved the ‘ACAOs’  to hear all the other  victims and witnesses. It seems Gustavo's visits to both courts had had the desired effect. Craig’s lawyer states that this clearly demonstrates the discrimination of the previous Judge and Promotora. 
   
As usual in Brazil there is a ‘side story’ to this!  Craig was only at the hearing as an observer but had trouble getting into the court because he was not wearing a suit - although he was wearing a shirt and tie.  An American friend who accompanied him - dressed in track suit bottoms and t-shirt  - had no such problem!  After he “humbled himself” (Craig’s words) they produced a rather too large suit for him to change into! They progressed to the next floor where he was stopped again because he had not got ‘proper’ shoes on.  Eventually he was told to hide his feet under the seats!  Just as the session was about to start - some 40 students entered - wearing jeans, various t-shirts, hats and a variety of footwear including flip flops!

Some good news: While in a second meeting with Craig’s lawyer we heard that the HC in Goiania had been heard.  A little more investigation revealed that it had been judged in Craig’s favour.  This means that all the witnesses could now be called to support their written statements to the Judge in Planaltina.  This procedure will not examine anything to do with the original ‘trial’.  It is only for the Judge to verify the statements and lodge them as evidence in the Goiania Court.  The Promotora and Craig’s lawyer will be present and it will be in open court.  We have asked the British Embassy to ensure that they have a representative present to observe proceedings.  We await dates but once the statements are accepted as evidence - Criminal Revision can be filed.   Once it gets to that stage - the Planaltina Court, it’s Judges and Promotors, play no further part in the case.   However, we have been warned that CR can take up to two years.

Unfortunately -  Gustavo has confirmed that the 'original' Promatora has returned to Planaltina.  This may be temporary so we hope that another Promator may be appointed to hear the criminal cases before Craig’s case is called - but it is still a huge worry as she will have seen the statements made by the witnesses and could further intimidate them and then they may not turn up at the court.  They are all so vulnerable.  Gustavo will not speak to or meet these witnesses before the Court hearing - for fear of being accused of 'interfering' with the witnesses as Craig's previous lawyer was.

The case for 'Aberto'  (full parole) is also being prepared.  It seems the previous application was refused.  This time it will be based on time spent in prison and semi-aberto (day time parole). Even this is not simple. There is a 'formula' in the law books but different courts/states observe different practices and in Craig's case there is an added complication because the court recorded incorrect dates of imprisonment thereby effectively lengthening the sentence! Also there is a query re the 'reduced sentence' length given in the Goiania appeal, with regard to Craig having been sentenced for an offence he was never charged with!  Because of the STJ ruling granting Craig ‘semi-aberto’ -  ‘aberto’ should be automatic on application, but there could still be delays and ‘conditions’ imposed.

We had a meeting at the British Embassy and we once again raised the issues of communication and the CNJ submission.  We have now had the CNJ documents translated.  We are somewhat annoyed that our lawyer spent a good deal of time and energy preparing the evidence to be submitted to the CNJ only to have the Embassy lawyers advise against attaching it to the submission,  and the judgement seemingly denied because of lack of provision of evidence!!  Also we feel that the wording of the submission leaves a lot to be desired - in effect - seeming to provide the means of denial.  Craig’s lawyer is also less than happy with the submission and outcome.  We once again asked that the Embassy consider a further submission and it was agreed that the Embassy would convene a meeting with their lawyers (who prepared the submission) Craig’s lawyer and themselves to talk it all through.

Other News:        Craig’s daytime base is on the edge of a ’favella’.  It is fairly spacious and has the basic needs to be able to  survive - mostly donated by friends, salvaged, or bought second hand.  He has two small dogs for company and a visiting cat which seems to like the company of the dogs! He gives English lessons to a couple of people which earns him a little pocket money.   
    
We also visited the ’Abrigo’ which appears to be well cared for.  The French Monk who runs it as a rehabilitation centre for drug-addicts was not there - so we were unable to corroborate rumours that it is about to be sold.  We also visited the local nun's orphanage where four of the younger children from the Abrigo now live.  We were pleased to see them well and happy.
   
Our last day was spent with Marli and John.  It was good to see them.  John has grown so much and is the image of his dad - looks, mannerisms, even his walk! 
Christmas cards:  I have been asked about sending to Craig - so here is the address - but please do not enclose  money or send packages.
   Craig Alden
   Cadeia Publica
   Planaltina de Goias
   73750 - 000     Brazil
Last recommended posting date for airmail cards to South America is 7th Dec. 

Craig asked me to pass on his best wishes and thanks to all his friends and supporters.  He really appreciates all the letters and gifts and apologises for not being able to acknowledge them all.  Many people have asked me if Craig has email access.  He does,  but only uses it for essential contact with lawyer and family.  Any news is passed on to him when I write.  I do appreciate the contact with you all and am so grateful for all your support. 

We wish you all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.

Maureen Alden                             17 November 2007

www.freecraigalden.com         Mp60alden@aol.com

18 September 2007
Craig Alden Update September 2007

Here is the latest news on Craig Alden as reported by his mother Maureen Alden on the 18th September 2007.

Legal  Matters
After some frustrating delays and misunderstandings - formal representation by the British Embassy was finally made to the President of the National Council of Justice [CNJ] -  together with a letter from the British Ambassador on the 17 May 07, requesting that measures be taken to address the apparent arbitrary discrimination against Craig by the court in Planaltina.  This body is supposedly independent of both Government and Judiciary.  Craig’s lawyer had supplied details of all requests to this court which had not been judged but had been effectively ’denied’ by time defaults.   Craig’s lawyer asserts that the right to produce evidence is an ‘absolute right’ not a litigious procedure and that by ‘denial’ the Judge is not only discriminating against Craig but bending the law to do so.  

Moreover the denial to allow Craig to work on Saturdays (at the request of his employer),  to do a study course,  to have visiting leave to see his family (specifically following a doctor’s report suggesting that Craig’s son was being affected by the separation),  and for the return of his personal possessions and documents - including his Birth and Marriage certificates and British driving licence - is expressly against his earned right in the Supreme Court for progression to ‘Semi-Aberto’ status and expressly against the law. 

The Embassy inform me that in a formal reply it states - “ the CNJ does not accept that requests made to the judge that have subsequently been denied,  characterise any form of ‘persecution’. The CNJ does not consider that the request demonstrates sufficient evidence for the allegations to fall under the responsibilities of the CNJ.”  Apparently the Embassy lawyers advised against attaching the ‘evidence’ supplied by Craig’s lawyer !

I have requested the Embassy translation of these documents (which must be done for the FCO) but so far nothing has been forthcoming - so I only have Craig’s reaction to the document in a letter to the Embassy.  He maintains that the CNJ has chosen to misunderstand the representation.  Our complaint was that the submissions to the court are not being heard and by failing to ‘judge’ the submissions they are ‘denied’ by default.   By the court failing to hear the applications - Craig's lawyer is prevented from moving the issues to appeal thus preventing Craig's case from moving forward.   The Brazilian Government and the FCO have continually urged us to pursue Criminal Revision but this is impossible without these preliminary hearings. 

I have asked that the Embassy meet with Craig’s Lawyer and that the Embassy now consider an appeal to the CNJ or alternatively submit a further representation - simply stating that the court is failing to hear the applications and thus preventing Craig's case from moving forward.

Craig’s Lawyer tells me that there is a new Judge in Planaltina and that he has had a meeting with him re all the circumstances of Craig’s case.  He has also had a meeting with a member of the STJ regarding the delay to the HC to force the lower court to reverse a denial of a submission to hear the retraction of a key defence witness.  Apparently one reason for denial was that there was only one retraction.  This is no longer the case as all the key witnesses have made retraction statements which have been filed at the court and other people ‘mentioned’ (hearsay) in the ‘trial’ have come forward and want to be heard.  Both meetings were apparently positive in tone but…. I’m not holding my breath!!

Other News
Accommodation:  Craig had to stop using the flat of his friends in Brasilia after neighbours complained to the landlord  - we suspect mainly on the basis of Craig arriving on a motorcycle and using a secure parking space allocated to the flat.  This of course has raised many more problems for him, not least financial.  He took a small ‘apartment’ in a satellite town but had to leave there when the landlord ‘discovered’ who he was and asked him to leave.  He now has a place on the edge of a ‘rough’ area which suits him and is quite near some other friends.  This move also meant that he did not have access to a land line phone and easy internet access and he misses being able to use his friend’s bike to cycle every day.
Work:   Craig has provided logistical support to a road racing cycling team but they need him to accompany them on the weekend events.   Applications have been made to the court for permissions on various occasions but have not been heard.  He has been trying to get a job translating but needs a certificate and the court have denied him the right to attend the classes to obtain this - despite the fact that he was accepted on the course and the fees paid.  He has applied for various other jobs but as soon as they know his story nothing is forthcoming. 
General:   Craig continues to do many miles on his motorcycle and has had quite a few ‘hairy’ moments - the latest being when a tyre burst at 70 km/ph in the middle of a five lane highway.  He managed to safely steer it to the side and continue until he got to a garage for a repair.  However it has  enabled him the freedom to visit old friends and deliver things for his lawyer. 
A prominent Brazilian newspaper has recently shown considerable interest in Craig’s case although no article has yet been forthcoming so we can but hope that they will investigate thoroughly. 

It is now over five years since this saga began and the way things are - it looks as though it will be a long haul yet.  I am constantly amazed at Craig’s resilience despite the constant hope/disappointment cycle.  I think much of this is down to the wonderful support he has received and continues to get in many ways from so many people.  I can only - once again - thank you all. 

Maureen Alden                             18 September 2007

www.freecraigalden.com                 Mp60alden@aol.com

17 June 2007
Update May 2007

Craig Alden Update 18             May 2007

Legal matters
In the last update I reported a possibly significant ruling in the Plenario that it was unconstitutional and contrary to the San Jose Pact that a prisoner be absent (as Craig was) when witnesses were giving evidence.  Craig’s lawyer informs us that this case is entirely different and the ruling will have no bearing on Craig’s case.  I must confess I don’t understand why!  We are still waiting for all the other filed actions to be heard and the lawyer continues to work on filing further applications for the re-hearing of witnesses in preparation for Criminal Revision.

Several ex-members of staff from the Abrigo are back in touch with Craig and have given him information which he has passed on to his lawyer.  During Craig’s ’trial’ one boy cried when his ‘statement’ was read to the court and shouted out that none of it was true.  Shortly after that he disappeared and we feared for his safety - then Craig heard rumours that he was dead.  It turns out that the death was that of his father - and the boy - now a young man - has been found and has lodged a deposition with Craig’s lawyer.  This is great news - and would be even better - if we could get a judgement for the witnesses to be reheard! 

Five years ago, Craig lodged a complaint with the State Bench of lawyers regarding the conduct of his first lawyer and the state lawyer who was appointed by the court to act for him (despite Craig’s objections because she was involved in his quarrel with the local authorities).  He felt (as we all do) that the actions of the early lawyers contributed greatly to his unfair ’trial’, and feels that if he could prove this it would help in his future defence.   He was recently summoned to appear before the bench and was given 2 days leave from prison to attend.  Predictably - he lost the case - it was judged “without grounds”.  Since the complaint was prepared by the third problem lawyer  - Craig intends to appeal and prepare it himself.  He also intends to lodge a complaint about this third lawyer.  It will be interesting to see the judgement on that because her behaviour is commented on by the judge and recorded in the court documents of the ‘trial.’
Because he was granted 2 days leave and because the hearing was nearer to where they live - Craig was able to use the remainder of this time to see Marli and John.

On my last visit to Brazil in November, I wrote to the British Ambassador requesting that the government lodge a protest with the Brazilian National Council of Justice regarding the breach of Craig’s rights under the constitution and in law, to have witnesses heard,  and also about the withholding of his documents and other personal belongings.  This body is independent and non-judicial.  The Embassy assure me that they view discrimination against a British citizen very seriously and I have just had confirmation that the Embassy will lodge an official representation in the next few days.   Craig’s lawyer feels that a protest from the British Government could move things forward and maybe help in obtaining Criminal Revision.  We live in hope.  
After much negotiation we signed a new contract with the current lawyer.  This was because the lawyers felt that their work load had been far greater that they had originally anticipated.  In the middle of these negotiations Craig’s lawyer moved to a new firm - taking Craig’s case with him.  We hope this new contract will take us through to a successful conclusion to the case!

Other News
Website:   Apologies to anyone who couldn’t access the Website a few weeks ago.  It got ‘hi-jacked’ and was full of advertising material which was nothing to do with us I can assure you.  Apparently there are things called ‘spiders’ that trawl the web looking for sites to latch on to.  Thanks to those who sorted it out for us. 

Pope Benedict XVI:     The Pope is in Sao Paulo as I write this.  I have not as yet had a reply to my letter but Fair Trials Abroad had a reply which stated that regrettably the Vatican could not become involved in the judicial system of another state but that the Pope would include Craig in his prayers for global peace, justice and reconciliation. 

Craig:   It is a year since Craig had his first taste of ‘semi-freedom’ and two of the friends from the UK who were there to share it with him are again in Brazil. Craig met them at the airport and they had lunch together.  Craig is still cycling many km and is also doing some running.  He finds it alleviates the stress and lifts his spirits when he gets low because his life has no real structure due to the restrictions imposed and everything in the judicial process being so slow, frustrating and negative.   He has been able to visit old friends and trace lost ones.  He is apparently keeping healthy although his weight fluctuates weekly and he is still suffering effects of the hunger strike.  He still receives many letters and is very grateful for them and I thank you all on his behalf. 

Craig’s Birthday:   Every time I ask for cards to be sent to Craig - we get a terrific response and Craig’s birthday is nearly here again - May 26.  The address is
Craig Alden.  
Cadeia Publica,   Sela Especial,
Planaltina de Goias
73750 -000
BRAZIL

Many thanks to everyone for the concern shown for Craig also for your queries, generosity and continued support.

Maureen Alden
11 May 2007

www.freecraigalden.com                 Mp60alden@aol.com
 

Simon Trundle
trundle@grendon.co.uk

10 March 2007
LETTER FROM CRAIG ALDEN - March 2007

LETTER FROM CRAIG ALDEN 
March 2007
Dear everybody,

Finally I am getting around to giving you a bit of news from here In Brasil.

Firstly the good news!  The Brazilian newspaper investigation of my case concluded that I was innocent.  The reporter traced down my alleged victims and they all retracted their original statements saying they were forced to lie or else be thrown out onto the streets.  I am waiting for the Brazilian Government to take notice of this investigation and I am appealing to the courts for a retrial.

It doesn’t seem real that February is already over. Time never went this quickly when I was behind bars!  I spent News years in Anapolis with John and Marli [wife and son] but didn’t feel very festive. I came away on new years day to cycle the central avenue here in Brasilia and swallow the reality that three nights leave from jail had already come to an end. John was pleased to have his dad play videogames with him over new years.   On 13th Jan I passed my motorbike test whilst 26 people failed the course before me at 7.40am!  I didn’t hesitate in driving back to jail that night, where my bike was locked in the safety of the entrance area. John has already enjoyed a spin with me here in Brasilia.

A  very big Thank you  to all  friends and family who helped me pay for the driving school, and  have been  helping me  pay for safety gear such as the trousers, jacket, helmet, boots, waterproofs, trunk etc. I am well protected if I ever need to be.  It is a relief not to be on those buses all the time.

For those of you who met Pastor Joao’s widow, Leonice, she was seriously injured in a bus accident a couple of weeks ago. She has broken hips and legs, but remains full of happy energy that she is incredible. I have been able to pop in and see her on my way back to Planaltina.

In the mornings at least I do not travel alone. The oldest of all the orphanage boys, Charles works here in Brasilia and travels with me, contributing to the petrol with his bus passes that he sells.

In terms of cell phones, I had a bad start to the year. I lost my original cell on 7th Jan, and just had my new one stolen from me in the past few days.  My numbers now stay the same as (005561) 84873774 and 84965828, though the latter will become my permanent number once technical difficulties over the theft are resolved.

Back at the prison things are quiet. I only spend a few nocturnal hours there anyway, apart from Sundays when I sleep until release hour anyway. I can still count on support from the guards who now want me to arrive at 8.45pm so that nobody sees where I place the bike. I still make juice for them at night and every now and again offer a packet of biscuits. They themselves are starting to lighten their attitudes eating delivery pizzas and hamburgers. (I think that I provoked this as they got too used to eating something at night, and then I left!). 
I get on really well with them which is why I get hassle from other prisoners. I am however released earlier than any other prisoner, and arrive when the others are locked away, and the rules tightened concerning absences late last year so the chances of me meeting other prisoners is slim.

Thanks also for some 270 Christmas cards. Thanks but Sorry for all those that never got here.  Many were lost in the post.  Everybody asks me how long I shall be on this day release system. The truth is nobody knows. The prison director says that I will be paroled again in January 2008. A human rights group suggests may 2008, whilst my lawyer says 2009!   I have now been complying with the day release regime without faltering for eight months next week, and am the only day release prisoner to have this track record. The others are getting punished for their absences now. Anybody with two consecutive absences gets locked up for 5 days, and severe absentees get locked up for good. The applied rules are tough on those who were laid back in the system. I do not feel the effects of course because I have been regular since the very outcome.

Well, I suppose that is as much as I have to say for today, love to you all hoping that 2007 has got off to an excellent start for you all.

Love to hear from you.
Craig

01 September 2006
Craig reports on life in Brazil - August 2006

Dear Friends, 31 st Aug 2006

The saga continues.

On 21st June I was taken ill with the pneumonia. I stayed away from the prison because the prison told me to. The prosecutor asked for me to be locked up again for it. After written declarations from the prison director it would appear that I may be out of danger, but I will only know after the judges next ruling on my case which I hope will be soon.
The prosecutor alledges that as I have my own cell, (ha ha), that I could have spent the 10 days ill locked up in the cell recovering from pneumonia. She forgets that the law already  says that I should not be paying my semi aberto in the same place as closed prisoners – and wants me to recover from pneumonia amongst them.

It rained last week and I slept in a wet bed, surrounded by water whilst more rainwater poured down the walls. When it is not rain it is dust and soot and cat pee
..and the prosecuter alledges that I could have spent 10 days there recovering from pneumonia! The alternatives were the guard room – not a good idea for a prisoner, a dusty and dirty strip search room, or the dirty corridor. The bedding was the same though I was offered an absent prisoners bedding without consent!( and refused)

I now have a sheet of plastic over my bed to stop it getting wet.
I fear returning to that place to find that there may be a judicial command not to let me out again.
I am still awaiting judicial authority to visit John. My mother in law spent the weekend in a critical condition in hospital, and I need authority to visit her.
I am still awaiting judicial decision as to whether I get some of my personal belongings back.
I am still waiting for Criminal Revision proceedings to be judged in higher courts.
Still waiting
.

I found myself a college technical course in Translation and Interpreting. I sat the entrance tests and PASSED, after 20 years of not studying maths, and having never studied Portuguese. I now have to wait for the judges permission because it is at night here in Brasilia. Then I have to worry about the costs of it all. Step by step beaurocracy.

Clint and Jena are getting married in October, so I am also having to look for somewhere to stay. It will be good for me to step into the world, but I shall miss the trouble free shelter I have had since 12th may, and I have no idea yet as to how to sustain myself out there.

It is approaching 4 months that I have been out here. I still haven’t seen a dentist, nor checked myself over with a doctor after the hunger strike, nor had those long swims I still desire. These things are expensive and are not very simple here in Brasil. If any of you who have friends here, know of a house beside the lake from which they will let me swim I would be most grateful. The public accesses are just so polluted and shallow.

I go cycling at the park at least once a day. Sometimes I clock up 60km a day, and then walk some 15 on top of that. I have to keep quiet when I hear people complaining about packed busses, stenches, open bus windows. I just think to myself that they don’t know how fortunate they are. I often get on packed buses whilst others wait for the next bus in long lines. Crazy – the bus they get on is going to be just as packed!

So, off I go to the park once more, and when I get back I have time for a shower and getting on my bus.

I must do as I am told. I am still very much a prisoner who is certainly not allowed to get ill at all, even though the conditions provoke illness. I just have to stay quiet. I live under the threat that any complaint of any nature might get me regressed back to closed prison regime. My lawyer will tell you  that this is impossible unless I do something wrong like drink in a bar, go to a prostitute house, commit a crime, mark an absence.But Planaltina has its own laws, and gets support from the higher courts, and thus writes national laws as we have seen before.
The other semi aberto prisoners mark absences all the time and present doctors certificates for dental treatment and bad tums, but they don’t get penalized. Others have marked absences with absolutely no justification whatsoever, for up to a year even, and just simply returned to the regime with no call of attention.
But I am British so the law actually applies to me, and not to them!

All for now, until next month or as soon as I have some new news.
Love to you all
Craig

23 March 2006
Latest News Update March 2006

Craig  Alden Update     -       March 2006

The New Year started quietly for Craig and the campaign,  but has geared up in the last month with everything happening at once!

Craig
As you all know - very little happens in Brazil from Christmas to Carnival and most of the courts in particular are closed until early March.  Craig was very frustrated that nothing more positive - with regard to diplomatic action - had happened following his hunger strike.  He assures me that the 43 days without food has had little long term effect on him and with a careful diet he soon got back to normal and regained his weight loss.  I will be glad to see this for myself on my next visit which is now being planned. 

Craig had in excess of 150 Christmas cards and several parcels - one of which was a Christmas cake - he is very grateful to you all for these and the many letters and messages which he regularly receives.  Marly and John spent Christmas Eve with him and Jena,  Christmas Day.  We tried phoning but could not get through so had to be content to speak to him later in the week.

Legal procedures
In the last update I reported that the latest Habeas Corpus had been denied.  This is not strictly true (apologies but I do find all this very confusing!). It was expected to be heard as long ago as Oct but since the Judge scheduled to hear it retired at Christmas - it was apparently re-allocated to his successor. This HC was to seek a retrial and progressive regime.  With each court application, the Attorney General's office gives an 'opinion' which in the majority of cases the Judge will adhere to.  In this case it has indicated denial of retrial - therefore the lawyers are expecting that application to fail - but was favourable to ‘progressive regime’. We have now heard that at a recent test case - it was ruled that all convicted persons can now serve part of their sentence in an open or semi-open regime.  Craig’s lawyers therefore immediately applied for Craig’s release (since he has served enough of his sentence to qualify) but although we initially thought this would be a speedy process Craig seems to think this latest application has been joined to the previous one (HC) and they will be heard together. Nothing is ever simple in Brazil!

‘Progressive regime’ is our equivalent of parole with a difference!  I do not know exactly how it works but apparently initially the prisoner is released into the local community during the day - returning to the prison at night. It then progresses in stages - with conditions attached by the court.  I have serious concerns about this for Craig.  He could well be at risk being ‘free’ in a community which could prove hostile given the circumstances and animosity of the local authorities and in which he has no family or ’home’ to go to - since everything he had was at the Abrigo and seized by same authorities.

The very last option through the courts is Criminal Revision.  According to the Brazilian Government
 “ criminal revision can be undertaken when new evidence arises, when the previous verdict was in contravention of the law, or when evidence used in the previous proceedings was based on false documents.  A C.R. is not undertaken for the purpose of repeating the discussion of evidence produced in the course of previous criminal proceedings”. 

Nothing is straightforward in Brazil and 'new evidence' is that deemed "not to have been available at the time".  Since everything in this case is 'deemed to have been available at the time' and the original retraction letters were not permitted as evidence - new retraction statements have been made and signed in the proper procedural way and Craig’s lawyer has submitted one to the Planaltina Court.  He states "what we are trying to do is to re-hear the witnesses in the first degree (Planaltina) Court .... This has been denied and an HC filed in the Goias state court (2nd degree) to appeal this denial" . If this HC fails it will go on to the 3rd degree and then 4th degree courts in Brasilia.   This is a preliminary process to establish what evidence - if indeed any - will be accepted for Criminal Revision.  This could take years! As I understand things - even if we eventually had a successful outcome to Criminal Revision - this will only change the sentence - which seems to indicate that the conviction will stand,  and by then, Craig will probably have served the sentence! 

Diplomatic activity
Our persistence in our request that the For.Sec. or Lord Triesman speak in person to the Braz. Foreign Minister finally led to this happening on Jan 20
Unfortunately - once again - the response was negative.  At this point I received a letter from the FCO saying there was little more that they could do but await the outcome of the various legal procedures in train.  I immediately requested a meeting with Lord Triesman.  Sabine Zanker from Fair Trials Abroad accompanied me.  I had very carefully prepared my arguments and Sabine’s experience proved invaluable.  The result was that Lord Triesman assured me that he would not abandon Craig and would continue to pursue the case.   

Publicity
One very positive thing that happened as a result of Craig’s hunger strike was the media attention in Brazil.  He was interviewed by TV and Newspapers and one journalist began tracing the children and staff and others mentioned in the court documents.  Those he has found have denied that Craig hurt them in any way and have stated variously that they were scared into or forced into signing statements - many of them not knowing what they were signing.  He has published two long articles and a third is due to be published soon. 

The mass letter writing campaign we had to try to activate the British press worked to a point.  Craig and I were contacted by a number of journalists who told us that their editors had asked them to look into the case because of the number of letters received.  They all filed stories but none were printed!  The Telegraph published a short piece after Christmas which reported that Craig had accused the Foreign Office of betraying him.  This upset all at the FCO and Lord Triesman wrote a letter denying this - which was published in the letters page.  I was quite pleased with the wording of this reaction as I felt that the Brazilians - who undoubtedly monitor the press- would have seen that the FCO was ready to state in public their disappointment that the Brazilians had rejected Presidential Expulsion requested by the British Government.

The Cambridge Evening News campaign and petition site has generated a lot of interest and some very good comments.  The petition was handed in to the Brazilian Embassy at our latest demos. The CEN has approved its reporter, Cameron, and a cameraman visiting Brazil to follow up the story.  Very unusual I would have thought for a local paper - although Cameron did have quite a ‘scoop’ at Wednesday’s demo. (see below) 

State Visit of President Lula da Silva 7 - 9 March 2006
We had two very successful demonstrations despite getting drenched and frozen ! Tuesday couldn't have been a worse day! About 150 folk braved the weather and made a terrific noise and the President actually leant forward in the car to look at us ! We were joined by two Brazilians who told us they had left Brazil because of the dreadful treatment they had experienced. We were filmed and interviewed by BBC News but unfortunately it only went out locally. Apparently on Wed.am. the prison Governor went into Craig with a state paper and said 'look you are famous!' He seems delighted with the publicity for his prison.

On Wednesday a handful of our supporters staged a small protest at the Barbican and report that Lula smiled and acknowledged them. We also staged a small (on police instructions) but extremely noisy demo opposite the Brazilian Ambassador's residence where the President was expected for Lunch. We were just arriving and greeting each other when the residence doors opened and they sent out coffee for us! Very nice coffee too! Polystyrene cups but milk in silver jugs! We handed in the CEN petition and a personal letter from myself to the President. I was assured that the President would receive it. He couldn't fail to see and hear us as we were in very close proximity. We kept up the din intermittently throughout the lunch and as people began to leave and it was obvious that preparations were being made for him to go to his next engagement - a Portuguese speaker repeatedly appealed (on a loudhailer) to the President to come and speak to Craig's mother. 

When he emerged with his entourage he stood on the pavement directly opposite me and smiled and gave a little acknowledgement then he indicated by pointing, that someone was coming over to us. Imagine my surprise when Senhora da Silva emerged from between the cars with the interpreter, state visit official photographer and Peter Collecott, our Ambassador in Brasilia.

She hugged me and told me that as a mother she could feel my pain. Then said that they could do nothing to help because they had been told that Craig did not wish to return to the UK. I told her that he did want to return to the UK but not as a prisoner. He wanted to clear his name. She asked me if she could talk to him and I said I would be delighted for her to do so. She then said that the official photographer was taking photos of our meeting and that a photo would be selected by her husband to go to Craig to prove she had spoken to me. She was holding my hands all this time and then hugged me again. She again said she would speak to Craig to see what he wanted and what could be done.
Those around me tell me that she actually said that she would visit him but it all happened so quickly and unexpectedly that I can quite believe that I didn't take it all in! I can hardly believe that she would be allowed to go to Planaltina but strange things happen in Brazil!

Of course I realise that she has no political influence and that the President is only as powerful as his senate and legislature allow him to be but that was a very significant and very public gesture on his behalf - I thought. He stood watching the whole encounter (I'm told) and then waved when he got into the limo. to depart - a little late, I think, for his meeting with John Prescott! Very Brazilian!
The FCO told me that until now they had not been certain that the President was aware of the case.   Well he sure is now !!

Unfortunately for us, the media - except for the CEN - had departed - but we have already had a request from a Brazilian journalist for a write up and photos which I hope Simon is following up. If we can get this reported in Brazil it may just soften attitudes.

Wristbands

Simon's latest scheme - freecraigalden.com wristbands.  They are dark blue with white lettering.    He is promoting them to gain publicity, fund the website and other expenses.     Available for
donations of Minimum £1 + stamped addressed envelope from
Simon Trundle - 15 Manor Road, Grendon, Northants, NN7 1JF
Cheques payable to New Life Church Trust

Thanks
Once again my heartfelt thanks to all our loyal supporters for your prayers, letter writing, demonstrating, spreading the awareness of Craig’s plight.  However you have helped - believe me  - we couldn’t do it all without you.  Just knowing you are all there helps to keep us going.

With all good wishes
Maureen Alden
12 March 2006

www.freecraigalden.com

13 January 2006
Photographs

Latest photograph of Craig day 36 of hunger strike in December 2005.  Craig ended his hunger strike on day 43 after receiving an emotional appeal from his son.

15 December 2005
Craig Agrees To End His Hunger Strike After Appeal From His Son

Craig has stopped his hunger strike after 42 days after receiving a plea from his 10 year old son John.  Craig received a letter from John while he was in Planaltina hospital receiving emergency rehydration treatment and in the letter John stated that "I want a daddy. I want a live daddy in prison, please eat some food".  Craig having refused all other approaches agreed to start taking food again and is now on a recovery program starting with thin soup and progressing on to solid food.  

On the same day that Craig agreed to his son's appeal to stop the protest Craig learned that the Brazilian courts system is due to close from 22nd December until early March 2006 and therefore he is condemned to serving at least three more months before a judge can hear any appeal.  

Craig's case has received some very positive reporting in the Brazilian newspapers with one reporter tracking down the alleged victims and recording their retraction statements where they say they were forced to lie by the local Prosecutor and are very sorry for hurting Craig and destroying the work he had set up at the Abrigo home.

Craig is bitterly disappointed by the way he has been let down by the British Foreign Office particularly after receiving promises that Lord Triesman would contact the Brazilian authorities in person to raise the question of Craig's unlawful imprisonment and lack of a fair trial.  Despite promises to the contrary, Lord Triesman did not contact the Brazilian government and in fact the British Foreign Office closed for the Christmas break without even contacting Craig’s family and updating them on his case.  The Foreign Office have been reticent to become involved in Craig's case despite having received independent legal advice that Craig is innocent and has not had the benefit of a fair trial.

Craig's supporters group in the UK are attempting to bring the British Foreign Office and the Brazilian Government to the International Court of Human Rights in Strasburg on the grounds that the British Government has failed to protect the human rights of a British Citizen and the Brazilian Government has manifestly refused to address the breach of human rights in the original trial process where Craig was not allowed to have a defense statement read out in court because of an administration error by his original lawyer who forgot to sign a court document stating that Craig intended to present a defense against the charges made against him by the local Prosecutor.

The Free Craig Alden campaign will have to continue into 2006 and protests are being arranged at the Brazilian Embassy in London and also at Downing Street and the Foreign Office.  Supporters are asked to continue to write to Lord Triesman at the Foreign Office in London and also to Tony Blair and their local MP.  Craig will lose hope  without a concerted campaign by his supporters in the UK- 

We ask supporters to continue to support the on-line petition and have your friends sign it as well so we can keep the pressure going on this case for Craig.  
Please note there are separate submit buttons for the PETITION and the MESSAGE to Craig. Please submit both if you can. Thank you. Please sign the petition NOW.

Please also write to your local MP and to the British Foreign Office and to the Brazilian Embassy at the addresses below: 

Contact details: 

Ambassador José Mauricio de Figueiredo BUSTANI 
Brazilian Embassy London 
32 Green Street 
London 
W1K 7AT
Tel: +44 (0)20 7399-9000 
Fax: +44 (0)20 7399-9100 
Web: www.brazil.org.uk

Email: info@brazil.org.uk

Lord Triesman
Foreign Office 
Whitehall 
London


Prime Minister Tony Blair
10 Downing Street
Whitehall
London
 

COPY AND PASTE THE FOLLOWING TEXT INTO YOUR LETTER TO THE BRAZILIAN AMBASSADOR:

I am writing to express my disappointment that Brazil has refused to consider releasing Craig Alden, a British citizen wrongly imprisoned in Planaltina de Goias in Brazil. Furthermore, that the Brazilian Justice Minister has ignored the multiple breaches of due legal process and human rights that have been identified in this case by an independent and internationally recognised Queen's Counsel from the United Kingdom. 
It is not sufficient that Brazil rejects the appeal made by the Foreign Secretary Jack Straw for the return of Craig Alden to the UK without responding in detail to each of the illegalities and human rights breaches in this case. I therefore request that the Brazilian government review their decision on this matter and release Craig Alden under a Presidential Expulsion Order and at the same time reply in detail to each of the serious breaches of human rights and law that have been identified in this case.The Brazilian Government are apparently refusing to comply with a request from the British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw to release a British Citizen unjustly imprisoned in Brazil - although an official written response has still not been received. The family of Craig Alden have been informed that Brazil will not return Craig Alden to the UK on the basis that he has a Brazilian dependent [son] - his son has dual nationality so is also a British Citizen. The Brazilian Justice Minister says their decision is not open to discussion. Brazil have as yet ignored responding to the multiple breaches of human rights and legal incompetence already identified in Craig's case.

13 November 2005
Craig is on Hunger Strike

Craig is continuing on his hunger strike [started on 1st November] and is determined he will not take solid food until he sees positive action in his case from his government. He is taking liquids at present but is threatening to stop drinking if he does not see progress in his case. Craig asked that 'prime minister Tony Blair call President Lula da Silva and request in person a retrial for me or my return to my family as I am innocent and unjustly imprisoned in Brazil'. Craig has also recently learned that 6 children previously cared for at the Abrigo Warboys home that he ran before his arrest have been killed on the streets and so he sees his protest as a means of achieving justice for these victims as much as for himself.

13 November 2005
Protest Day 7th November 2005

The protest at Downing Street and at the Brazilian embassy was attended by more than 100 people who came from all over the country.  A petition was handed in at both locations accompanied by a letter from Maureen Alden appealing to Prime Minister Tony Blair and President Lula da Silva to release Craig based on the legal reviews of his case which have concluded that he is an innocent man unjustly imprisoned in Brazil. 

01 September 2005
Brazil Rejects Appeal For Release Of Craig

The Brazilian Government are apparently refusing to comply with a request from the British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw to release a British Citizen unjustly imprisoned in Brazil - although an official written response has still not been received. The family of Craig Alden have been informed that Brazil will not return Craig Alden to the UK on the basis that he has a Brazilian dependent [son] - his son has dual nationality so is also a British Citizen. The Brazilian Justice Minister says their decision is not open to discussion. Brazil have as yet ignored responding to the multiple breaches of human rights and legal incompetence already identified in Craig's case.

The family of Craig Alden are distraught at this decision having had to fight for more than 2 1/2 years before the UK Foreign Office acted by providing an independent Queen' s Counsel to review the case. The QC found that Craig was illegally imprisoned and denied his right to a fair trial where in the QC' s opinion he could have proven himself innocent.

The Foreign Office have been incompetent in the way in which they have handled this case even to the point where the report from the independent QC was withheld from the Foreign Secretary for over 4 months. Over the past 3 years the FO have advised against media coverage of this case because of the fear that the Brazilian Government might become upset! The Alden family now see that the media blackout has not helped and they are to tell their story

The Alden family blames the FCO for not acting sooner in this case of obvious injustice which would have avoided the current breakdown in UK-Brazilian relations over the London shooting. The Foreign Office have also compounded the situation by issuing an incorrect press statement implying that Craig was guilty and wanted to return home to a nicer prison. The Alden family is demanding an immediate retraction of this incorrect and damaging statement and public confirmation from the Foreign Office that the true facts in the case are that the appeal to Brazil was for the return of a British citizen unjustly imprisoned and denied basic Human Rights in Brazil.

01 July 2005
No way forward with legal process

It has sadly become evident through the way that the legal appeal process is conducted in Brazil, that Craig is unlikely ever to receive redress through the Brazilian legal system. The new focus for the campaign is therefore to achieve Craig's release and return to the UK by requesting a Presidential expulsion order.

The British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw wrote in April 2005 to the Brazilian Foreign Minister requesting that the Brazilian Government review the case of Craig Alden a British Citizen imprisoned in Brazil and backing his request for a Presidential expulsion order, so that Craig may be returned to his family in the UK.

The Foreign Secretary acted in response to the findings of an eminent UK Queen's Counsel. These findings are set out in two independent legal reviews which state amongst other things 'that the conviction of Craig Alden is completely unsafe and that a grave miscarriage of justice has been done' and 'There are grave breaches of basic human rights in relation to the basic requirements of a fair trial. Craig Alden was not given a fair trial by any internationally recognised standards'.

The Queen's Counsel initially formed his opinion based on his review of the court papers relating to this case. So concerned was he regarding the breaches of human rights and lack of right to a fair trial that he subsequently travelled to Brazil to interview Craig in his cell and talk to his Brazilian Lawyers.

Despite the evidence presented to the Brazilian Government in the independent legal reviews, the Brazilian Government have so far not responded to the Expulsion request nor to the Foreign Secretary's letter. It is feared that Brazil will deny the request and as media enquiries grow we may be forced to take the publicity path to help gain Craig's release from this unlawful imprisonment. The BBC have expressed interest in Craig's case and have asked to see copies of the documentation.

Every supporter is asked to write on a regular basis to the UK Foreign Secretary The Right Honourable Jack Straw at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London and to the Brazilian Ambassador [see details below] asking for the release and return of Craig Alden to the United Kingdom.

In the interim Craig continues to fear for his life. Please write to him via the email link on this website. It is important that we maintain contact with Craig and help to show the local authorities in Planaltina that he is not forgotten.

We ask supporters to continue to support the on-line petition and have your friends sign it as well so we can keep the pressure going on this case for Craig.

01 September 2004
Latest News

Efforts are continuing to seek the release of Craig Alden from unlawful imprisonment in Brazil and every supporter is asked to write on a regular basis to the UK Foreign Secretary The Right Honourable Jack Straw and to the Brazilian Ambassador [see details below] asking that they fight on behalf of the Alden family to gain the release of Craig Alden as he has been imprisoned without a defence or fair trial.

Craig's health is not good at present as he is suffering from stomach upsets and is therefore losing weight as well as suffering headaches. Craig continues to fear for his life and he asks for you to write to him via the email link on this website as this is what is keeping him going. It is important that we maintain contact with Craig and help to show the local authorities in Planaltina that he is not forgotten.

Please write again to Jack Straw and the Brazilian authorities even if you have written in the past as we must keep this case in the headlines if we are to achieve his release

01 April 2004
Latest News

1: Brazilian Foreign Ministry Issue Response Which Contains Incorrect Statements and Inaccuracies Which Could Damage Craig's Case. FOLLOW THIS LINK

2: Right To Further Appeal Denied

The latest appeals to the STF and STJ have been stopped from proceeding by the Goiania state judiciary because they do not consider them 'necessary' . In effect this means that the appeal process is terminated at present and Craig' s case will go forward to the Criminal Revision stage. This is bad news in that the state court has denied Craig' s right to appeal further. If an appeal is filed against this decision it could delay the process by up to another 2 years, if not filed it might bring forward the Criminal Revision.
The justice system in Brazil allows appeals on points of law to the State Court and the Supreme Court both of which have debated the legalities of Craig' s case and refused to dissolve the charges against him. All appeals have been strictly on points of law - no review or presentation of evidence in his case.
The Brazilian appeals system is slow and laborious with appeals having to be filed in the lower court before being taken to the Supreme Court. The Criminal Revision process, where all evidence both for the prosecution and the defence is reviewed in detail takes place after the 'conviction' is confirmed at the end of the 'appeal process'. Craig' s lawyers are hoping to receive redress in the Criminal Revision stage and to gain his release however this process could take more than three years to conclude. The Prosecutor is likely to want to defend her original actions and challenge every stage of the Criminal Revision process. There is also the serious concern for Craig' s safety in the local prison before and during the Criminal Revision stage when he will be bringing evidence to show that the prosecutor and some other local officials acted illegally in his prosecution. In order to defend against the charges Craig will have to present evidence of alleged collusion and criminal activity by local officials which could place him in severe danger.
The Brazilian government could invoke a little used instrument of exclusion where an executive decision is taken to expel Craig from Brazil to the UK. Craig' s family have little confidence that he will receive justice in the Brazilian courts and are most concerned for Craig' s safety during the next stage of the appeals process. The new focus for the campaign will be to gain Craig' s release and expulsion from Brazil. Maureen Alden will be meeting the UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw on Tuesday 27th April to appeal to the Foreign Secretary to seek an expulsion order on behalf of the Alden family.
In the interim we ask supporters to continue to support the on-line petition and write to the Brazilian Ambassador
It is important that people continue to sign the petition and have your friends sign it as well so we can keep the pressure going on this case for Craig. Please note there are separate submit buttons for the PETITION and the MESSAGE to Craig. Please submit both if you can, thank you. Please sign the petition NOW and write to your local MP and to the Brazilian Embassy for the attention of:

Ambassador José Mauricio de Figueiredo BUSTANI
Brazilian Embassy London
32 Green Street
London
W1K 7AT
Tel: +44 (0)20 7399-9000
Fax: +44 (0)20 7399-9100
Web: www.brazil.org.uk

Email: info@brazil.org.uk
COPY AND PASTE THE FOLLOWING TEXT INTO YOUR LETTER:
I write to appeal to you, on humanitarian grounds, to support an investigation into the imprisonment of Craig Eliot Alden currently serving a sentence of 48 years at the Civil Prison in Planaltina de Goias, Brazil. Craig was sentenced to 48 years on charges against which he was unable to benefit from a defence because of mistakes made by his legal representatives. I/we appeal to you to campaign on his behalf for a fair re-trial at which evidence to prove his innocence will be presented to the courts.

01 November 2003
Latest News

Craig's habeas corpus application to the Supreme Court in Brasilia has been rejected despite the fact that the habeas corpus was based on sound constitutional principles. In the end the Supreme Court ignored the precedents set in this type of case and changed the constitution where the Prosecutor is allowed to investigate and prosecute a case if it is in connection with the Child Welfare Act. This random reclassification of the role of the Prosecutors Department meant that our habeas corpus had no basis for success.

We must now proceed with additional appeals through the state court in Goiania. An appeal was lodged based on 16 points where the law had been incorrectly applied in Craig’s case however the State Appeal Court ignore 15 of these points and instead reduced Craig’s sentence from 48 years to 11 years. What looked like good news at first became bad news in that the State Appeal Court randomly reclassified Craig’s crimes to a higher classification where he will have to sever 2/3 of the sentence [11 x 2/3 = 8 years] when his original sentence of 48 years was on the basis of a minimum of 1/6th minimum term of 8 years. Therefore despite the reduction in the sentence the time to be served before parole remains at 8 years.

Craig’s lawyers are challenging the fact that the court ignored the 15 points of law and is forcing a decision on these points so that he can appeal them to the higher court. Without a response from the lower court it is not possible to take this case to a higher appeal.

We have learned on 4th November that Craig’s sentence is further reduced to 9 years because the original trial judge had sentenced Craig to 2 years on a charge that was never brought against him! The madness continues……

Craig remains in prison in Planaltina, Brazil and has now served more than 17 months with only four exercise periods since December 2002. Craig briefly lost his single cell status when prisoners were placed in his cell for approximately four weeks. Craig is now once again 'safe' in a single cell in Planaltina prison.

Craig remains determined to fight for his release and is trying to keep up his spirits. Your letters and e-mails play a vitally important role in supporting Craig in his fight and most importantly, your letters to the Brazilian embassy and authorities in Brazil and the UK are keeping the case profile high at a time when some would wish that the whole matter would simply disappear.

01 September 2003
Latest News

Craig's case continues to be examined by the Supreme Court in Brasilia and we are hoping that a decision on the habeas corpus will be heard in November 2003. The process has been delayed due to the legal complexity of the point of law that Craig's habeas corpus is based upon 'that the Prosecutor under Brazilian law is not allowed to conduct a criminal investigation herself/himself as happened in Craig's case. This point of law has been upheld in two previous cases and there is a good hope that Craig can be released because of the illegality of the process that jailed him. This is a difficult political case in Brazil and represents a battle between the Prosecution Authorities and the Supreme Court.

In addition to the HC at the Supreme Court, a second appeal is progressing through the courts in Goiania state that challenges the case on the nature of the evidence that was allowed [hearsay] and importantly on the fact that Craig's defence against the evidence against him was not allowed to be heard because of mistakes made by his lawyer and machinations of the Prosecutor in this case. The Goiania appeal should commence in September 2003 and could in itself lead to Craig's release however Craig's new lawyers see the Supreme Court route to be the most profitable route for this case. We can only hope and pray that Craig will receive justice in the near future.

Craig remains in prison in Planaltina, Brazil and has now served more than 400 days in a single cell with perhaps three exercise periods since December 2002. Craig briefly lost his single cell status when a prisoner was placed in his cell for approximately four weeks. Craig is now once again 'safe' in a single cell in Planaltina prison.

Craig remains determined to fight for his release and is trying to keep up his spirits. Your letters and e-mails play a vitally important role in supporting Craig in his fight and most importantly, your letters to the Brazilian embassy and authorities in Brazil and the UK are keeping the case profile high at a time when some would wish that the whole matter would simply disappear.

Some good news and some bad news:
The authorities in Planaltina have dropped the civil case against Craig [charges relating to his alleged failure in his role as President of the Abrigo]. The object of the civil case was for the local authorities to remove Craig from his position of President of the Abrigo Warboys Orphanage trust along with the other directors and to seize control of the lands and assets. The Prosecutor instead chose to call a public meeting last February [without giving notice outside of Planaltina] at which a secret ballot was held to elect a new President and board of directors to the Abrigo. This new board includes local political figures and also a member of the civil police who attacked Craig in his cell in 2002. The new 'board' have now taken over the Abrigo and rumours abound that it is to be converted into an agricultural college or sold off for the benefit of the local community. We have launched an appeal against this action not least because the notice of the meeting was not properly addressed and the Warboys Project Brazil trust in Cambridgeshire UK [fundraising agency] was not informed of the meeting despite the fact that they have a legal right to have a representative on the board of the Abrigo.
The good news in this situation is that the Supreme Court have called for the papers related to the civil case as they feel the dropping of the civil case has an important implication in their review of the criminal case.

The good news [2]: Maureen Alden and I went to the Brazilian embassy in London with your web petition and met the local Director for Human Rights who was fully aware of the case because of the many letter they have received at the Brazilian embassy in London. It appears that each letter received has to be sent on to the Foreighn Ministry in Brazil and copied to the Ministry of Justice and the National Secretary of Human Rights in Brasilia. We presented the petition [approx 1,200 signatures] and also delivered a letter to President Lula who was visiting the UK. Keep putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboards.

The good news [3]: The UK Foreign Seretary Jak Straw raised Craig's case with the Brazilian Minister for European Affairs who accompanied President Lula on his visit in July. This action, whilst later than wished, is welcomed none the less and hopefully has shown that the UK government is still interested in Craig's wellbeing.

Please keep on checking into the web site on a regular basis and remember to spread news of the web petition to your friends and ask them to write to the authorities [always in a respectful tone please].

01 August 2003
Latest News

Sir Brian Mawhinney PhD.MP. has put down an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons re Craig's case

This House:
"Congratulates Craig Alden on establishing the Abrigo Warboys Brasil (AWB) orphanage in 1991 and on the care and education which it has made available to more than 400 needy children over the years; regrets that local officials sought to place 'unsuitable' children in the AWB for their own reasons; deplores Craig's arrest on highly dubious alleged evidence and the problems of representation and process which he has experienced within the judicial and custodial services; regrets the charges of child abuse levelled against him; thanks the Foreign Office and local consular staff for the assistance they have given to Craig and calls on the Brazilian authorities to ensure that he gets an early habeas corpus hearing before the Brazilian Supreme Court and all the benefits which would flow from the application of internationally accepted standards of legal due process."

The number of the EDM is 1592 dated 15.07.03 in paper no 130 - page 7087

Please write to your MP asking him/her to support this motion and informing him/her of the website.

www.freecraigalden.com

Please pass onto your friends especially those who have a different MP to your own.

01 June 2003
Case was not heard on the 25th June

Unfortunately Craig’s case was not heard on the 25th June after all because the Supreme Court ran out of time and have now adjourned until early August.

Craig was shattered by this news as he had every expectation of being released from jail. He will now serve past his first anniversary.

It is important that people continue to sign the petition and have your friends sign it as well so we can keep the pressure going on this case for Craig.

Please note there are separate submit buttons for the PETITION and the MESSAGE to Craig. Please subit both if you can, thank you.

01 March 2003
Craig remains in prison

Craig remains in prison. He is losing weight and his health is
deteriorating.

Boy (W) is now again living at the Abrigo having been given a house on the site by the Prosecutor for his own use.

Boy (W) has never been investigated for the charges of sexual abuse on the other children in the Abrigo and now works for the Prosecutor in this case.

On a visit to the Abrigo on 30th March 2003 I witnessed teenagers entering the site to visit boy (W) at ‘his’ house and children at the home confirm that drugs are being used in this house and parties were regularly taking place.

Simon Trundle
Pastor
New Life Church

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