[wanabidii] Press Releases: Taken Question: Consular Services for American Citizens Detained Abroad

You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Press Releases: Taken Question: Consular Services for American Citizens Detained Abroad 03/04/2014 07:14 PM EST Consular Services for American Citizens Detained Abroad Taken Question Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC Question Taken at the March 4, 2014 Daily Press Briefing March 4, 2014 Question: Please provide more information on consular services provided to American citizens detained abroad. Answer: We cannot share information about a specific U.S. citizen’s arrest without his or her written permission. Absent written authorization, we are unable to share details about individual cases with inquiring media. Speaking in general terms, one of the most important tasks of the Department of State and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad is to provide assistance to U.S. citizens incarcerated or detained abroad. After local authorities notify the embassy or consulate of a U.S. citizen’s arrest or detention, a consular officer will visit the citizen as soon as possible (provided that the citizen agrees to the visit). In the initial visit, we ascertain the prisoner’s physical well-being and conditions of arrest. If the prisoner wishes, we can notify family and friends of the arrest. The consular officer will ensure that the citizen is not being mistreated. We protest allegations of abuse against U.S. citizen prisoners when requested to do so. We also ensure that the U.S. citizen is being treated in the same manner as other prisoners and not being singled out on account of his U.S. citizenship. We make sure he has access to necessary medicine, if his condition requires it. We can also assist with the transfer of funds to pay attorneys' fees, food, and medicine while incarcerated. For those incarcerated for a long period of time, consular officers will visit periodically—at least once every six months. In a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to that country’s laws, even if they differ from those in the United States. Consular officers can provide a list of local lawyers and an explanation of the country’s judicial system, but cannot provide legal advice nor affect the release of arrested U.S. citizens. The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. Stay connected with the State Department:   External links found in this content or on Department of State websites that go to other non-Department websites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.  Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of State. This email was sent to wanabidii@googlegroups.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Department of State · 2201 C Street NW · Washington, DC 20520

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