Liz supports deaf charity worker bid to clear name

12.00.00am GMT Tue 10th Dec 2002

Liz Lynne, Liberal Democrat Euro-MP for the West Midlands, has welcomed reports that deaf charity worker Ian Stillman will continue to fight to clear his name after being released from an Indian prison last week on health grounds.

Ian Stillman was imprisoned two years ago in India for possession of cannabis. Despite being profoundly deaf, he was denied a sign language interpreter during the trial, which was conducted entirely in Hindi, a language Mr Stillman doesn’t speak.

Liz, Vice President of the European Parliament’s All-Party Disability Intergroup has been a vocal supporter of Ian Stillman’s case. In January she helped organise a cross party press conference to highlight his plight, while in March she personally lobbied the Indian High Commission on his behalf.

Liz said:

“This case has been one of the worst miscarriages of justice in a democratic country I have come across in recent years. I am pleased that Ian Stillman has been released, although it is clear that releasing him on health grounds was a blatant face-saving measure on the part of the Indian authorities.

“Ian’s first priority now must be to convalesce, but I am delighted to hear from reports made by his family that he is determined to continue his fight for justice.”