The United Nations and Jason's Case

Friends and Family,

We have had several major developments to start the new year and pressure is building for the Nicaraguan government to overturn Jason's conviction.

The United Nations Office of Human Rights is Now Involved

Acting as his attorney in the international courts, Jason's sister Janis along with high profile human rights attorney Jared Genser of Perseus Strategies went to New York on January 18th and successfully filed an international human rights petition on Jason's behalf against the Government of Nicaragua. The petition, filed in the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, requires that the Working Group find that Jason's detention was arbitrary and without due process in violation of Nicaraguan and international laws.

This is the first time a lawsuit has been filed against Nicaragua in the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, making it monumental not only for Jason, but also for international law. The petition specifically requests urgent action in light of the subhuman prison conditions in which Jason is living. Although the Puracal family would have preferred not to take this to the international courts, the situation has left them no choice.

Members of US Senate Foreign Relations Committee now considering Jason's Case  

Just prior to filing the petition at the United Nations, Janis traveled to Washington, DC to meet with our existing group of Congressional Representatives and gather additional support from other members of Congress, including several Senators on the Foreign Relations Committee. Janis was accompanied by several criminal justice experts who where there to pledge support for Jason.  

Janis is pleased to report that many of the representatives with whom she met had already received letters, emails, and phone calls from their constituents urging action. The representatives were eager to sign on with their support. We hope that our community takes great pride knowing they have made such an impact.

Nicaragua Case Update

As many of you know, Jason's case file was received in the Court of Appeals in Granada just before the holiday. There is no news as to when the appeal will be heard. For us, the waiting is the hardest part, and Jason continues to suffer in the terrible prison conditions. Your prayers, donations and letters are holding us up.

Growing Support in the Media

Janis, Jaime and Jason's mom, Daisy, continue their push for awareness about Jason's case. We have had some great progress and are seeing increased news coverage in Nicaragua. We will share more details via Twitter and Facebook as international news continues to cover the story.

Take Action Today!

You can help further our Free Jason P efforts by learning what you can do on our Take Action page. This page also has a link to donate, which includes support for Jason's mounting legal fees and the costs of bringing him clean food and water.

Thank you,
The Free Jason P Team