Numbers of Spanish prisoners abroad on increase 01/08/2006 00:00

1 August 2006

MADRID – The number of Spaniards held in prisons abroad has climbed by almost 10 percent in the last three months to a total of 1,489 prisoners.

A report by the department for foreign affairs to the Spanish parliament stated the reason in most cases was drug trafficking. Some 1,128 Spaniards are held on drug convictions in 48 countries.

In total, there are Spanish prisoners in 55 countries with France being the country with the highest number – 193 Spaniards. Neighbouring Portugal also has 161, Italy 121 and Germany 119.

There are 107 Spaniards in Peruvian prisons, 92 in Brazil, 88 in Morocco and 80 in Venezuela.

A total of 62 prisoners are held in the USA, including Pablo Ibar who is on death row in Florida and Nabil Manakli who has also been sentenced to death in Yemen.

Britain also counts 58 Spaniards behind bars.

The department of foreign affairs has launched a campaign to warn Spaniards not to be tempted to take or carry drugs. The campaign, ironically titled "Instructions in order not to come home", will see leaflets and posters displayed at Spanish consules, airports, train stations and travel agencies.

Worryingly, almost 18 percent of Spanish prisoners held abroad are sick. There are large numbers suffering mental disease, drug addiction, digestive and respiratory problems, AIDS, heart problems and hepatitis.

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news