Death Penalty Sentences Easier to Fight with New Online Tool

Friday, 15 January 2016

Death Penalty Sentences Easier to Fight with New Online Tool

New hope is being given to those facing potential death penalties, or lengthy jail terms, in foreign jurisdictions – particularly those lacking the means to fight charges laid against them.

http://www.stopMULEvictims.org is a new online portal offering free, accessible resources to those in such dire circumstances, including:

• Speedy referrals to appropriately experienced criminal defence lawyers – in the jurisdiction of arrest; and who are also fluent English speakers
• A checklist of instructions on how to proceed safely to minimise risk and find relevant diplomatic assistance and emotional support
• Educational resources and advice from past victims of scams
• Access to technological surveillance experts and criminal investigators who can assist in evidence gathering to defend charges
• Experienced, cross-jurisdictionally connected media personnel who can ensure the story behind the arrest and ensuing news reports are treated sensitively with improved understanding of appropriate cultural protocols

http://www.stopMULEvictims.org has been created by a diverse group of international experts collectively entitled “MULE” who have gotten together to fight all forms of human trafficking, which is at the heart of the problem and often involves the economically and emotionally disadvantaged being duped into carrying drugs across borders.

The group has internationally experienced criminal lawyers, technology and media experts, scam survivors, family members of those facing serious charges in foreign jurisdictions, and professional investigators; as part of the team.

“For some time now there has been a growing concern about the abuse of internet services in the deception and recruitment of people being exploited in a variety of ways – including criminal behaviours, which potentially lead to death penalties in some jurisdictions,” New Zealand international criminal defence lawyer and MULE member, Craig Tuck said.

“The diverse range of experts involved with MULE is a world first in identifying and combatting this area, which, until now, has simply been off the global radar,” Mr Tuck said.

Mr Tuck, who has advised in several high-profile potential death penalty cases including that of Anthony de Malmanche and Lindsay Sandiford (still on death row in Bali) said MULE intends to be an important arm of defence against those being trafficked by international cartels.

“It is crucial that those arrested for serious crimes in foreign jurisdictions get immediate assistance to maximize their chances of the best possible outcome in their cases,” he said.

Mr Tuck said human trafficking was not just limited to drug mules, but also included those trafficked for forced labour, servitude, prostitution and organ harvesting.

MULE would also throw a spotlight on the scams ensnaring the vulnerable, which also included highly educated people groomed over a long period of time using sophisticated methods of internet information gathering.

It would also link with other experienced organisations and form strategies to help governments become more aware of the evolving nature of the scams.

“Human exploitation and the trade in human misery have always existed, but the internet now gives those trading in exploitation and misery, including international criminal cartels and terrorist organisations, global reach. This is finally making governments take notice – particularly in the wake of the most recent Paris attacks,” Mr Tuck said.

“Without any action now, a very real frightening manifestation of this exploitation is likely to occur in three to five years’ time that will impact not only the innocent and vulnerable, but on governments’ security everywhere,” he said.

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