Jason Puracal
Jason Puracal (born May 31, 1977) is an American currently serving 22-years in prison in Nicaragua on charges of drug trafficking, money laundering and organized crime[1]. While Jason's sentence is currently awaiting appeal[2], many experts that have come forward supporting Jason's innocence including the California Innocence Project[3], former DEA agent[4] Thomas Cash[5], former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada[6] Irwin Cotler[7] and Freedom Now founder and human rights attorney Jared Genser[8].
Case Significance
Puracal’s story has received a significant amount of media attention because of the lack of evidence and precedent set by the conviction[8].
Justin Brooks, director of the California Innocence Project has gone as far to say, “If the United States government does not vigorously fight for Jason's immediate release, other countries will realize all they have to do is call any case a "drug" case and our government will not fight. They will know they can confiscate your property, throw you in prison and you will be powerless. We will all be at risk when we travel[3].”
United States Congressman Adam Smith said that Puracal's arrest is tantamount to kidnapping[8]. The three American hikers freed from Iran have spoken out against the American's conviction[8].
History of Wrongful Imprisonment
This is the second major international trial of an American living in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. American Eric Volz was wrongfully convicted in the same town. After being imprisoned for 14 months, he was exonerated in December 2007[9]. The New York Times said of the Volz trial made a “spectacle of the courts”[9].
UN Petition
On January 18th, 2011, Jason’s sister and attorney Janis Puracal along with co-council Jared Genser filed a petition in the United Nation Working Group on Arbitrary Detention arguing that Jason Puracal's Aug. 29, 2011 conviction violated international law[10] .
The petition also urged the United Nations to take "urgent action" in the case, citing "physical abuse and the denial of food, water and proper medical care" inside the prison[11].
Despite increased international pressure, the case still awaits appeal[7].
References
- ^ http://mynorthwest.com/?nid=11&sid=537585
- ^ http://mynorthwest.com/?nid=11&sid=598370
- ^ a b Brooks, Justin (3/11/12). "Puracal case dangerous precedent". Seattle Times. Retrieved 4/2/12.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help) - ^ Cran, William (3/25/97). "The Godfather of Cocaine". Frontline. Retrieved 4/2/12.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help) - ^ Sanders, Kerry (2/15/12). "American fights for freedom in Nicaragua prison". Today Show. Retrieved 4/2/12.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help) - ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attorney_General_of_Canada
- ^ a b Larios, Carlos (3/27/12). "Puracal "participó en los ilícitos"". El Neuvo Diario. Retrieved 4/2/12.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help) - ^ a b c d Fantz, Ashely. "Innocent American imprisoned in Nicaragua, defenders say". CNN. Retrieved 4/2/12.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ a b Lacey, Marc. "1/6/08". New York Times. Retrieved 4/2/12.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ Kruse, Brandi. "United Nations now involved in Jason Puracal case". MyNorthwest.Com. Retrieved 4/2/12.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ http://mynorthwest.com/11/614990/United-Nations-now-involved-in-Jason-Puracal-case