An apology to all our supporters and individuals following this site.  There has been no update for a long time because really, nothing has happened.  However, the fact that nothing has happened leaves us to believe that anything reported by us or published by us may, or may not have an effect on the situation.

Please bear with us.  As soon as anything develops, it will be posted here.

Mike & Jason

What has happened to Mike and Jason would not be allowed in most Western European Countries.

The validity to allow foreign powers to extract citizens and send them into peril abroad without producing prime facie evidence, has been successfully challenged in Supreme courts throughout Europe.

The EAW has been declared unconstitutional and has had to be suspended while amendments and safeguards are added.

For example: we ship a lot of people to Poland, every two weeks there is a military flight to cope with demand.  But it couldn’t happen the other way round.  Poland has safeguards for its citizens against the EAW.  It’s the same for Germany.  If we want someone there, they will overthrow any EAW.  But if they want one of our citizens, it’s a rubber stamp at Westminster Magistrates and off to a German prison you go regardless of the nature of the accusation.  It’s the same story in most of the EU countries, where a challenge has occurred and been successful every time.

Jason and Mike still await news of any trial, let alone any news of any charges!

Enough is enough.  This persecution has gone on long enough now.  Somebody has to be held accountable for their appalling treatment and imprisonment.

No such challenge has been mounted in the UK.

With a little support that is about to change!

Please support us.  Click on Funding above or just use this link:

http://www.freemikeandjason.co.uk/page/Bank-Account-Open-Please-Donate.aspx

Many of you will be familiar with the ongoing struggle of two of my constituents against the absurdity of the European Arrest Warrant (the EAW).  Matthew Neale and David Birkinshaw, whom the press has come to know as "The Derby Two", were extradited from the U.K. to a Latvian prison in the summer of 2009 under the provisions of the EAW.  They were held without charge or trial for ten weeks under conditions which the former Latvian President described as "not fit for animals". 
 
Following their eventual acquittal they were then called back for a “second stage” in the Latvian criminal proceedings (a procedure which borders on “double jeopardy”).  A second hearing in Riga found all charges dropped against Mr. Birkinshaw, though Mr. Neale is expected back in court this October. 
 
With the change in National Government, I felt this would be a good opportunity to call on Home Secretary Theresa May to revaluate our participation in the EAW -- which can be used by a rural magistrate in Bulgaria to demand the extradition of a British national on a trivial charge. It is a frightening thought that any of the twenty-seven member states (soon to be twenty-eight with Croatia, or possibly Turkey in the coming years) can use this power to force defendants to take the stand under judicial systems which may not meet the standards we expect. 
 
I was informed in a response from the Home Office that, following summer recess, they have decided to review all extradition agreements -- worldwide, including the EAW.  I'll keep my hopes high, but will continue to warn constituents of this new risk taken by travelling abroad.

Roger Helmer

Member of the European Parliament for the East Midlands

To allow us to fight for justice we need to employ a top Q.C. and we will put a stop to this happening to others!
Please help us to show that our British rights cannot be ignored.  The European Arrest Warrant could affect us all!
This valuable case will send a message that will reverberate all around Europe and things will change.

Please donate what you can, everything will help.

Methods.
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Account Name:       Harney & Co re: freemikeandjason

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Account Number:    25302868

By Phone 07977585253

We can accept donations by card

By post :(cheques made payable to: Harney & Co re: freemikeandjason)

Harney and Co. Chartered Accountants,
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Thank you

Jason & Mike

Jason McGoldrick tells of his ordeal under the European Arrest Warrant at the UKIP National Conference 2010

Britain is inundated with extradition requests. But while we kowtow to EU arrest warrants, other countries are shielding citizens with opt-outs.

Mike and Jason are preparing to go back to Budapest this week.  On leaving Hungary they agreed they would return by appointment, to answer any further questions the Hungarian police investigator may have.  Being up-standing, decent, honest citizens, they intend to honour that commitment. 

The Hungarians have turned down the offer of mutual assistance to allow questions to take place in London, under the supervision of the Metropolitan police.  Therefore the expensive option of returning to Budapest has to be exercised.  One has to wonder eventually, how much will this all cost? 

Having missed the festive season there will be a party on Friday 12th March at The Castle Inn. Entry is free and there will be a free barbeque to match.

Jim Etherington will be starring on the entertainment front.

There is an optional theme of 'Bright Colours'

This is not only a welcome home but a thank you to all of you who have helped to secure their release.

We are hoping that the TV cameras will be present to record a happy occassion at last!

So if you want to be a star, dress in bright colours.

Mike and Jason are flying into Gatwick Airport  @ 17.00 Tuesday 2nd March

Flight No. EZY5444

Michael Turner (left) and Jason McGoldrick were accused of fraud A freed British man who was accused of fraud after his Budapest-based marketing business failed has said he intends to clear his name. Michael Turner and his business partner Jason McGoldrick were held without charge by the Hungarian authorities. The authorities claimed Mr Turner, 27, from Dorset, and Mr McGoldrick, 37, from Devon, owed creditors £18,000 when their company collapsed in 2005. Mr Turner told BBC News he wanted to "move forward and work on the case". It is understood the pair were released from prison on Friday. Mr Turner flew to Hungary on 2 November last year after being extradited.

 Full news: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8540262.stm

What an evening... what a night! Despite the sub zero temperatures, the event ran at full capacity.

It was great to see a few celebrities turning up. Jason Cooper ( The Cure ) anything to help a fellow drummer!

Special t hanks to C amalot marquees for creating the space and well done to Paul for the sponsered head shave.

Well done everyone!

Tuesday 9th February marks the 100th day of Michael and Jason's illegal detention in Budapest. They have still not been allowed a visit by a minister of the Church. Shame on you Hungary.  

On Thursday 11^th February, The Castle Inn at Corfe Castle will be hosting a musical extravaganza with a packed programme of spectacular entertainment

Musicians include:  Amongst others, Jim Etherington, Paul Antony, Andrew Churchill, Alex Moss and his amazing impromptu band.  There will also be a grand prize draw, exciting auction and barbeque on the rear patio.

Entrance fees are £5.00  per head or £10.00 in advance including a meal of curry & rice (booked in advance)

Come along, have some fun, help us raise money and join the FIGHT FOR JUSTICE.

Thanks to everyone for giving up their time and resources to make this possible.

Special thanks to Camelot Marquees for making the Pub twice the size on the night!

The case of Mike and Jason has now been discussed in the European Parliament.  Follow the link to watch the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fLFtgXFiNc

  In Europe in 2010, it is encouraging that we can sit back and praise Google for its apparent high moral stance on censorship in China.

For the true travesty on freedom of information however, we need to look a lot closer to home.

Mike and Jason, are being denied, what is generally agreed, in open Europe, as the right to know what is going on in the World around them.

Michael has described a nightmare scenario, where he is forming an empaphy with blind and deaf people. He hears the guards barking their commands, it doesnt matter what they say.....come forward, stop, move, put your hands in the air. Better not make the opposite move or they will feel threatened. Best not move at all. The guards are starting to shout now, I feel I am being bullied. They can shout as loud as they like I still wont understand them, what am I to do? I stare at the signs wondering if they give any clues, but they dont help. This is hopeless.

Michael is not allowed to phone his girlfriend. She is not allowed to visit. He has tried writing to her but the prison destroy the letters. What about her human rights?

Nobody explains in any detail what is going on, just usefull information, like, you may hire a book in a language you cannot understand and will never be able to read.

Jason has yet to receive a visitor even when the authorities have had weeks or months notice and someone has travelled from the other side of Europe. Their eventual excuse .....only  family members are allowed to visit.

These people are being uneccesarially isolated, and their special needs as foreign prisoners are not being met.

IN EUROPE, IN 2010, THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

This website firmly believes in the role of law and order. Every legitimate government must investigate and where appropiate prosecute. That is what keeps us safe. It is how a government goes about this process, that shows if it has true integrity.

Our British system has been developed over hundreds of years and has stood as a model for justice around the world. So one may well ask why,  Michael Turner and Jason McGoldrick were sent to languish in a former communist prison in Eastern Europe, to be held without charge and no sign of a trial.

Nobody is sleeping easier because of the European Extradition Treaty, while those who are touched by it, even the slightest glance, suffer nightmares of Orwellian proportions. This piece of 'closer judicial co-operation in Europe', however well meant, promotes injustice not seen since much darker days. 

If further evidence of this is required, ask the family and friends of 21 year old Andrew Symeou. Extradited to Greece over 6 months ago and still awaiting trial in conditions that beg belief.

There is going to be a debate in the European Parliament next week about the conditions under which people are being held as a result of European Arrest Warrants. We call on all elected representatives who have constituents suffering this plight, to visit these prisons, meet these families and get a first hand understanding of the reality of the situation.

Mark Turner will be in Budapest this week hoping to see  Mike, Jason and a host of officials. He may be in Brussels the week after!

This injustice must not be allowed to continue.

It was a dark, cold damp evening in Corfe Castle, but spirits were lifted as around 100 villagers met up to hold a candlelit vigil in support of Mike and Jason.  Bodies and souls were warmed as first mince pies and mulled wine were handed round, followed by an address and prayers from the Rev. Ian Jackson.  The event was being reported by local radio stations and both ITV and BBC news reporters.

The question was asked "What political support do you now have?".  The UK Indepence Party have been fully supportive from day one.  Richard Drax, P.P.C for the Conservative Party, who is spending Christmas with his family in Norway, telephoned an hour before the vigil to offer his support and say that he would be fighting for their release early in the new year.  Unfortunatley all we have been able to muster from Jim Knights office (Labour) since before Christmas is an answer phone message saying "the office is closed"!

A big thank you to everyone who braved the weather, Michael and Jason's spirits will be lifted by your thoughts and prayers.

We now call upon politicians of all parties to fight for Mike and Jason's imediate release and repatriation to their families.

BBC News website link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/8434466.stm

Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoKn7o4kSo0 

Nick Thorpe's report from Budapest.

Click the link to play BBC News Report. Sorry its late folks!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8427433.stm

Fair Trials International have now adopted Mike and Jason's case. We hope this will raise their profile. Fair Trial's expertise of handling and lobbying in these matters are second to none.

We had better say no more about their involement, until given the O.K. by them. In the meantime their Web site can be visited at www.fairtrials.net

      There will be a candlelight vigil in The Square at Corfe Castle on Wednesday 30th December. Commencing at 6.30 and lasting for aprox. 1 hour.

If you are able to come along, please do and show your support for all people facing difficult challenges at this special time of year. The Rev.Ian Jackson has very kindly offered to take time out of his busy shcedule to say a fewvwords at approx. 7.00pm.

There will be a coach leaving Gilbert Road, Swanage, (Behind the Train Station) at 6.15pm. Returning afterwards.

Please, try and make the effort.   P.S.  For the camera shy, media may be in attendance. If required, candles available on the day.

Returning from Budapest, we now have the evidence that clearly shows that Mike and Jason should never have been extradited.

They were extradited because the Hungarian Authorities declared that they were ready to prosecute.  Lies or mistakes, they were clearly not ready to prosecute.

Perhaps they made the same mistake  when they said Michael couldn't phone the British consulate because he had no credit on his phone card.

Mistakes can be made, but  justice can only be obtained, if authorities are prepared to admit them.

We now call upon our politicians, to point out to the Hungarians,  their mistakes and demand the imediate release and repatriation of Mike and Jason.  This care of duty to its' citizens, is the prime reponsibility of any legitimate government.

20 December, 2009

Her Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary

The Hungarian Embassy

35 Eaton Place

London

SW1X 8BY

Re. Michael Turner, of The Castle Inn, 63 East Street, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset

Thank you for your letter of 16 December.

I appreciate the effort you have taken to respond to the points I raised in my letter to you of 4 December. However, I should like to respond in kind, as there are many discrepancies, points of law, and inaccuracies which I must highlight.

I have numbered your paragraphs 1 -10, in order to make it easier for us both to understand each other.

I should like to add that many points I have raised follow a visit to Hungary by Michael’s father, Mark, who visited his son in your notorious prison.

1. PP2

We claim that both Michael and his colleague Jason McGoldrick are being held in jail without charge. You ‘assure’ me this is not the case. You add: “There might be some misunderstanding which I will try and clarify”.

We now have it both in writing and on BBC tape from Michael’s Hungarian lawyer, Dr Andras Pakay, that the two men are indeed in jail WITHOUT charge, and he should know.

2. PP3

You then explain the legal procedures and rulings which saw both men extradited to Hungary. In our view, and the view of the men’s London barrister, Hugh O’Donoghue, the extradition law has been misinterpreted after incorrect evidence was presented to the High Court by the Hungarian authorities.

If Mr Justice Collins had been aware the two men were going to be detained, without charge, they would not have been sent to Hungary in the first place.

You say: “The criminal procedure against Mr Turner and Mr McGoldrick for the offence of fraud is in the INVESTIGATION phase, the results of which will determine whether Mr Turner and Mr McGoldrick will have to stand trial”.

Mr O’Donoghue argued this very point in court and I’d like to refer to the transcript of Mr Collins’s summing up.

Mr Collins told the court that in each case the warrant indicates: “This warrant has been issued by a competent judicial authority. I request that the person mentioned below be arrested and surrendered for the purposes of conducting a criminal PROSECUTION or executing a custodial sentence or detention order.”

He goes on: “In fact, this was not a sentence case, but was an accusation case. Perhaps it is unfortunate that the wording was not adapted, but it is important to note that the warrant makes clear that the judicial body that issued it was well aware that the arrest and surrender was for the purposes of conducting a criminal prosecution.

“That is of importance because one of the points taken by Mr O’Donoghue is that the warrant does make clear whether the stage had been reached of accusation as opposed to investigation and there is, he asserts, a breach of the provisions of the 2003 Act in section 2, in the failure to make clear that it is indeed an accusation, as opposed to an investigation, case.”

Mr Collins adds later: “The whole system is based upon that trust”.

And, Mr Collins continues: “Article 1 of the Framework Decision provides by paragraph 1: ‘The European arrest warrant is a judicial decision issued by a Member State with a view to the arrest and surrender by another Member State of a requested person, for the purposes of conducting a criminal prosecution or executing a custodial sentence or detention order’

“Thus it is made clear that it must ONLY be for the purpose of conducting a criminal PROSECUTION. That is set out, as I have already indicated, at the outset of this warrant and that amounts to what, in our language, can be described as an accusation, ie that he is to be tried for an offence or for offences.”

A little bit later, Mr Collins refers back to this term ‘accusation’.

He says: “The fact that the word ‘accusation’ or ‘accuse’ is not contained in it is nothing to the point, provided that it is clear that it is indeed an accusation, as opposed to MERELY INVESTIGATION.”

To any reasonable person, these parts of the transcript indicate that Mr Collins felt comfortable that the case against both Michael and Jason had reached the ‘prosecution’ stage and not the ‘investigation’ one. The former warranted extradition, the latter did not.

We now have more than sufficient evidence to prove that the case is still very much at the ‘investigation’ stage, and that both Michael and Jason should not be in jail.

3. PP4

You say that the decision to detain Michael and Jason “has been taken by the Court”. And that “… remanding them in custody corresponds to the British authorities’ identical practice towards foreign suspects”.

On your first point, this decision has been taken behind closed doors, with no press, jury or lawyers from either side being present. This is NOT British practice.

And the fact the men “have no residence in Hungary” is not a reason to lock them up. To begin with, they have both shown total integrity by handing themselves over to the Hungarian authorities on 2 November. Secondly, these men have families, and were prosecutions brought provision would be made to rent a flat in Budapest during the trial.

But to ensure the men could be detained, your authorities have made over-inflated claims of what the men might do if they were not locked up. When you read what these are below, you will realise exactly what I am talking about.

The claims are that the men could (a) intimidate witnesses (b) interfere with the evidence (c) re-commit the same crime and (d) commit other crimes requiring detention. We both know that all these are ridiculous.

4. PP5

You say the co-operation between Hungary and the UK has been “mutually satisfying for the past years”. Can I point out that until your country joined the EU in 2004 these extradition laws did not apply. They are still very new and clearly misunderstood. In the past, to win an extradition case, the prosecuting country had to produce evidence before any extradition took place.

You state that questioning this case in the way we are doing reflects badly on both the Hungarian and English courts. I disagree. The English courts have simply ‘trusted’ what they were told by the Hungarian authorities and acted accordingly.

5. PP6

I am grateful you have investigated the conditions the two men are being held in. However, I am not reassured by your point that “… I am satisfied that they have not received treatment nor are held in conditions that are worse than those for anyone remanded in custody in Hungary”.

This is another point which is deeply unsatisfactory. Just because the conditions meet your country’s standards does not mean they anywhere near match ours. And the evidence we have from both Michael and Dr Pakay supports this.

Being held in a small cell – measuring an estimated 11’ x 20’ – with three other men, for 23 hours a day, on a poor and unsustainable diet, is not proper practice. Michael has lost considerable weight and is worried about muscle loss due to this poor diet. In addition, Michael reports that the other prisoners – many of Romany origin – are verbally abused regularly by the guards, to the point he feels he has to report it to the outside world. I don’t think any of this amounts to parity with the UK, do you?

In addition, one of the men sharing Michael’s cell has been in jail, without charge, for two years. This hardly gives us confidence.

And we are reliably informed that relations see their loved ones so little – once a month for an hour - that they queue up outside the prison at certain times to wave coloured material at the windows in order to communicate. I don’t think this equates to the UK, or the rest of the EU, either, do you?

6. PP7     

You state that the men “… are not affected by any discriminatory measure”. Yes, they are. They do not speak the same language, are not familiar with your protocols and customs and are appalled by the ‘racism’ of the guards towards the other prisoners, as I have already mentioned.

7. PP8

You claim that on their arrival in Hungary the prisoners had their rights explained to them, “… including on the rules of keeping in touch with their family”.

At Gatwick airport on 2 November Karen Morrisey, from Hungarian Interpol, reassured the two men, in front of the Press, that they would be given access to a phone on their arrival.

The opposite occurred. The men were held incommunicado at a police station for three days before being moved to prison. They made repeated requests to call home or the Consulate, both of which were denied them. Again, I don’t think this equates with our system here, do you?

8. PP9

Yes, both men have now been visited by the British embassy’s consular service. But not before Dr Pakay had to launch an investigation to discover where the two men were being held at the outset.

So far as complaints are concerned, I wonder how the investigation is going into the theft of Mr McGoldricks’ spectacles and watch? As he lost both these items while in his cell, I can only assume such an investigation would be relatively easy?

9. PP10

Finally, you appreciate what a “shock” all this must be to the families. This is no shock at all. They have fought extradition for a year through the British courts, and they have spoken, and continue to speak, to lawyers, MPs, MEPs, human rights’ groups, et al to win their children’s release.

The only shock, if that is the right word, is the injustice which is being carried out on two men, who should not be in jail at all.

We shall continue for as long as it takes to fight this extradition, spreading the word as far and as wide as we can. I very much hope you will look at this most urgently and encourage your government to repatriate these men immediately while their ‘investigation’ into these alleged offences goes on.

I can assure you, that once – and if – a charge/s are brought, the two men will return to Hungary to face them. They have already more than proved their integrity by handing themselves over on 2 November. Now is the time for your country to ‘trust’ the system, which currently is being misunderstood and at worst manipulated.

Just signing a document does not give Hungary parity with the UK. Your country has a choice to make and that’s whether you are prepared to take a leap of faith and bring your judicial system up to a standard expected of an EU member.

You will see I am sending a copy of this letter to our Prime Minister, who both Mark and I have already written to.

I much look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely

RG Drax

Michael's father has returned from his trip to Budapest.  He had a full schedule of meetings and managed to see Mike.  Unfortunatley the intransigence and bureaucracy of the Hungarian system stopped him from being able to see Jason.  He can, however, report that both men are, given the circumstances, coping extremely well.

Mark (Mikes Dad) has returned with sensitive evidence full details to follow very soon.                                                                           

In the meantime, while he was there, he gave this quote:

"I have had the privilege to walk and talk with brave men.  Those who are prepared to suffer extreme hardship, to stand up for what is right and just.  Those that even in the darkest days carry the torch of truth.  I'm proud to say that my son was one of them."     (Mark Turner, Budapest Dec. 09)

Number 10.

An early start.  Mark left The Castle Inn this morning heading for London, where he would hand letters to number 10 Downing Street, accompanied by Richard Drax (prospective parliamentry Conservative Candidate for South Dorset).  The letters were to inform the Prime Minister of the plight of both Jason and Michael, and ask him for his urgent intervention.

Tomorrow Mark will be in Budapest, where he hopes to see Mike and Jason for the first time since 2nd November.

No doubt there will be more news to follow very soon, but, until then, our thoughts stay with you Mike and Jason.

Michael's Dad, Mark has a busy itinery this week.  London on Tuesday, flying to Budapest on Wednesday, for a busy few days.

He is hoping to see both Mike and Jason, and bring back first hand reports from the front line.

We can't say too much in advance, but there will be postings as the trip progresses.

Michael's father, Mark, is going to Budapest next week.  He is hoping to see both Michael and Jason.  Rest assured, he will be giving them everybodies best wishes from back home and telling the authorities what we think of them!

As well as the professionals in this case,  he will also be meeting those fantastic people who are forming a Budapest support group for Mike and Jason.  More details on this later.

Michael is a strong young man, physically and mentally. Everyone who knows him understands he loves his food and is definitely not a fussy eater.  He tolerates the meals of pork fat and bread. (At least it's in solid form he says.) He doesn't complain about the swill they translate as 'the insides of a bird's stomach'.  What is begining to get him down, is being continually bitten by the bugs (they have told him they are 'poloska', which doesn't seem to help).  Mike says they are little bugs about 5mm in length and can be seen on the floor and walls.  During the night they bite when you are sleeping.  He is worried about blood infection or indeed cross infection.  He is after all, sharing a cell, with those accused of drug offences and violent crimes.  Can anybody throw any light on this or offer any advice?

He has complained to the prison authorities, who have given him a spray to use on the floor of the cell.  The description he has been given is 'chlorine'.  The problem is they are locked in this poorly ventilated cell for 23 hours a day.  When they use the spray, it causes breathing difficulties.  Michael has asked, 'has anyone any suggestions?'.

We were told that we needed this legislation to protect us from international terrorism.  What they didn't say, was that they would broaden its scope to include trivial driving offences and the like.

Please click on link: to see proposed developments, direct from the European Parliament.

What this means, in short, is; If the Lithuanian's want you, Lithuanian Europol police officers will come and arrest you.(Bypassing the British juditial system.)  They will take you directley to Lithuania, where they will can hold you in pre-trial detention indefinatley.  In conditions which do not even bear thinking about.  Your loved ones may often wonder what happened to you.  No wonder they didn't tell us what the Lisbon Treaty meant or offered us a vote on wether to accept it.

http://rogerhelmermep.wordpress.com/2009/08/18/european-arrest-warrant-it-gets-worse/

The British Government is, the only Government in Europe not to accept the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in extradition matters.

Why is this? .............They seem quite keen to bow to Europe on most matters.

There can never be justice, while a European State, enforces European legislation, without allowing appeal to, or accepting judgements by the European Court.

Perhaps its because the European Court would rule against Britain, in the high profile extradition cases we have seen recently.

For goodness sake, stop treating the British people with the contempt of a totalitarian government.

The Story is now being told on You Tube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHtW9syGw68

Background :  When Mike and Jason were extradited to Budapest, they were promised a phone call home on arrival, this did not happen.   So they asked to phone the British Consulate.  The Hungarian Police officer merely growled “No, they don’t want to speak to the likes of you!” They were held ‘incommunicado’.  It took the services of a Budapest Lawyer to find them and inform the British Consulate.   A spokesperson for the prison made a statement via Duna TV. Saying both men had been offered a phone call to their consulate but had declined!

THE PARCEL

After a long struggle we were told we could send a parcel; to provide some luxuries, toothpaste, soap, toilet roll etc.  We rushed off and paid for quickest delivery to Budapest- carefully checking the labelling was exactly right, prison rules (Must not get it wrong he would only be allowed 1 such parcel per month).

Mike was waiting anxiously for his parcel. They informed him it had arrived, he was elated, “But you are not having it”.  He was devastated. He was told the labelling was not right. He asked to speak to the British Consulate and again was refused. 

A very crushed Mike phoned home and asked if the British Consulate could be contacted on his behalf. 

After a chain of calls via the Foreign and Commonwealth office, we now believe it should be re-delivered to the prison – we await with interest.

They stopped him phoning the British Consulate because they knew the Embassy would intervene.  We complained on Mike’s behalf to the British Consulate that he had again been denied his right to contact the consulate in Budapest.

THE PRISON RESPONSE

Mike couldn’t phone the consulate because he had no money on his phone card (so, how had he managed to make an international call to complain about it)

The Hungarian Authorities were reminded that calling the Consulate was a right and not a privilege.  They replied that they had a card for emergencies but they did not consider phoning about a parcel was a emergency.

They miss the point; these calls should not be dependent on the value judgements of the captors.  Reasons given for wanting to call, maybe disguised due to fear of reprisals.  These are mandatory and important rights. These are very frightened and scared young men who are locked up 23 hours  a day with people who do not speak their language . They are not sure of the rules and have no way of finding out.

The Hungarian Authorities have been caught out, being deliberately  dishonest .  What chance of a fair trial? Especially with no Jury !

The 2003 European Extradition Act was rushed through the European Parliment to protect us from serious organised crime and international terrorism.

It was not designed to extradite the likes of Mike and Jason on relatively minor, unsubstantiated, accusations.  It was not designed to send innocent people to Eastern Europe, to be locked up without charge.

During the year long legal battle to oppose this extradition, Mike and Jason came across dozens of other extradition cases involving European Arrest Warrants.  Every one was issued by an Eastern European country, every one involved allegations of owing minor amounts of money.

This act against Mike and Jason appears to be an abuse of process.

So why was this piece of legislation used?  Why did the British Judiciary do nothing to stop it?

These questions must be addressed to protect our citizens in the future.

Graham Watson m.e.p steered this legislation through the European Courts.  The Rt. Hon. Alan Johnson m.p is the Home Secutary and responsible for extraditions from Britain.

Why not write to them and ask for an explanation and reassurances for the future.

Graham Watson MEP. Liberal Democrat.  SW England and Gibraltar  graham.watson@europarl.europa.eu

Rt. Hon. Alan Johnson MP. Home Secutary

2 Marsham Street, London, SW1 4DF.       Tel. 02070 354848

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Repeal the European Arrest Warrant (Extradition Act 2003).

Click link to visit website:

Well done once again to all those who supported the demo in London.

Mike and Jason are not only being discussed by UK and EU politicians but by people in Hungary.  So well done, your efforts have had the desired effect.

As, we now have Hungarian people, logging onto the blog, it is important to state:  This campaign is not meant to offend Hungarians, but, to call for fair play in Hungary, for everyone.  In Britain we generally enjoy better living standards than our fellow Hungarians.  We are aware that you have high hopes and expectations of joining Europe.  Our protest is aimed at lifting Hungarian standards to join a parity with ours.

Our message to our politicians is `Thank you for the freedoms we enjoy, but, you must act to protect them in a wider Europe and not allow them to be erroded`.

A positive outcome for this campaign, would be, a positive result for all the countries of Europe.

The protest group  assembled outside the Hungarian Embassy at Eaton Place, where they were met by Lord Dartmouth mep (UKIP).

Nobody answered the door at the Embassy, even though they had been given a week's notice of our intention to deliver letters by hand.

Suddenly armed police officers arrived and asked for the protest to stop.  Lord Dartmouth explained what was going on.

The police had been called by the Embassy to put a stop to our protest, but they hadn’t reckoned on the presence of Lord Dartmouth.  He stood his ground and would not be deterred from meeting our objectives.

After a lot of discussion, it was agreed that Lord Dartmouth and Michael’s father could deliver the letters.  Once inside the Hungarian Embassy, the consulate said "we have already received a great deal of mail regarding this matter, we have sent it all to Budapest, and they will all be answered individually.” 

Our mission complete it was time to re-embark upon the coach and head South West. Thank you Lord Dartmouth, it was a struggle, but we met our objectives.

The Campaign bus arrived outside the Houses of Parliament @ 12:30.  A well organised group of around 40 protesters then met, with Jim Knight MP for Dorset South.

Right MP for Dorset South.

He was handed letters for Alan Johnson, Home Secretary; Glenys Kinnock, Minster for Europe; Jack Straw; the Lord Chancellor and the Minster for Justice.

The message was that we want the release and repatriation of Mike and Jason. Also reassurances that no further British subjects would suffer the same fate while these 3rd world conditions prevail in the Hungarian justice and penal systems.
Jim Knight was a good host for the visit and promised every effort to remedy the situation. Only time will tell how strong he is.

The Dorset contingency will be travelling by coach (details below).  Meeting those travelling from other parts of the country at the Pubic entrance to the Houses of Parliament on Monday the 23rd November @ 12:30pm.

Banners and language:

Please remember there are so many good people in Hungary who are as outraged as we are by their government's behaviour in this matter.

London Demo Details:

                                                                                   Itinery

Coach departing Gilbert Road Swanage at 9:00am (please bring a packed lunch).

Castle Inn, Corfe Castle 9:20am

Wareham station 9:30am

Bournemouth bus coach station (train station) 9:50am

Arrive Westminster/Houses of Parliment 12:15pm

Meeting Rt Hon. Jim Knight 12:30pm. Location: weather permitting. Inside: in the Great Hall - the pubic entrance, or The Abingdon Green at the end of the building.

click link:

Depart for the Hungarian Embassy 1:15pm

click link:

Arrive at Embassy entrance (Eaton Place) 1:45 pm

Meet with Lord Dartmouth and hand in letters 2:00pm

Departure 2:30pm.

We are expecting good media coverage, including; several TV news teams . A lot of pre-recorded radio interviews have already been made, to broadcast throughout the day.

Let's give this matter as much public attention as possible for the benifit of both the people of Britain and Hungary.

Max Curtis, the International Corporate Affairs Mananager for Tesco has been in touch, to send us their best wishes and let us know that they are following the case with interest.                                                                                

In Budapest the Hungarian Press are starting to report the case of Mike and Jason.

We are waiting for a report from a Hungarian source but so far our local investigator has come up with an aticle that says 'We can confidently predict a juicy war of words in the British and Hungarian press'

Another refers to Mike and Jason as '...a potentially explosive case'

Most of what has come in so far is awaiting translation, but very soon we will put up some links , including to English reports from Budapest.

In the meantime please keep those letters going to the Hungarian Embassy.

You have the power to release Mike and Jason from this awful purgatory. History has shown that even the greatest tyrants can be hunbled by the might might of ordinary people.

Step One: Please, please write, the old fashioned way to : Borbala Czako, Ambassador of The Hungarian Republic, The Hungarian Embassy, 35 Eaton Place, London SW1X 8BY.

Explain: how you feel about their treatment of Mike and Jason. Two young men who invested their life savings in Hungary and lost everything.

Would you reccommend investing in Hungary or even going there on holiday?

Demand:  Their immediate release and repatriation.

They will be receiving a delegation from the 'Free Mike and Jason' camp next week, it really will help if they have already received letters of complaint.

So; please,please get writing it really will make a difference. We can and will get them out.

Friday was a day of bringing pressure to the Hungarian authorities, both by the BBC and the Right Hon. Jim Knight M.P.

This cumulated in a high when on Saturday, Michael was finally allowed to phone home!  This high note was only marred by the fact that there has still been no news from Jason.

Clearly the Hungarians are going to be as difficult as possible, but it will happen!

The news from Mike?

Well, straight from the horse's mouth, it`s true........ He still hasn`t been able to brush his teeth.  He is a strong young man and is holding up well. The `food` sounds  disgusting. Mike reported he had just been given his breakfast of white pork fat and a peice of bread.

When asked what priorities we could send he answered, the basics, soap, deoderant, toilet roll.....!

He explained that the Hungarian police treated them with contempt, making their intollerable position even more psychologically damaging.

We must work tirelessly,to get them out as soon as possible.

14:03 GMT, Friday, 13 November 2009

Video Feed click link to view: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8359168.stm

More in Latest Media Tab

There can be no doubt now that the Hungarian Authorities know what we think of them. They must realise that they have abused the trust of the British Judicary and offended the liberal decency of British people. The pressure is building.

The Right Honourable Jim Knight (Mike's mp) has written to the Hungarian Ambassador in London and asked for an explanation. He has also urged the Foriegn and Commonwealth Office to ask Her Majesty's Ambassador to Hungary Mr. Greg Dorey to remind the Hungarian authorities of their responsibilities.

On Monday 23rd nov.  We are going to London to officially hand letters to her Majesty's Government to demand action for the release of Mike and Jason.            

We will be met in the Great Hall of Westminster at 12.30pm. If you want to be there, watch this space for full details. Afterwards we are going to the Hungarian Embassy to hand in a formal letter of complaint to the Hungarian Ambassador under the watchful eye of the media.

For those who did not see the bbc coverage on South Today where Dr. Pakay was talking live from Budapest ,we are arranging a link .                      

If you possibly can please please, keep Monday 23rd November free and lets show the Hungarians that Mike and Jason are still right at the front of our hearts and minds. This is our first chance of a major protest, lets make sure we capitalise on this opportunity.

Dr. Pakay has reported back that their has been no improvement in the conditions in which they are being held.

Each in a different location in the prison so they cannot talk to each other.  They are held in a small cell with at least three other inmates for over twenty three hours a day.  With no reading material or occupation.  Still no basic human rights like a shower, this is week two now and Mike says he still hasn`t been able to clean his teeth but he has given up trying to complain.

They are still being held without charge.

Winston Churchill wrote;

Habeas corpus and trial by jury are the supreme protection of ordinary people from the state.  The power of the state casting a man into prison without formulating charge or deny him judgment by his peers is the odius foundation of totalitarian governments.

Jason, Mike you have a lot of support, we are all behind you and will not falter in our fight.

The Hungary 2 are now being talked about at the highest level. This is not a name we have made up but one that has been thrust upon us.

We are arranging a trip to London, to demand action from our government and also to hand in a letter of protest to the Ambassador at the Hungarian Embassy.

Keep watching for dates, we need all the support we can get!

We are also making progress in finding allies inside the Republic of Hungary.

Their appeal against detention was lodged today in Budapest by their defence lawyers.

Mike and Jason have now been moved to:

Budapest Penitentiary Institute

Object No.3

1108 Budapest

Maglodi ut 24

Building 2. Floor 7

It's a busy weekend and there is lots going on behind the scenes, more news on Monday.  Until then, God Bless you Michael and Jason, you are constantly in our hearts and minds.We will not rest until you are back with your families.

Lord Dartmouth has heard of the plight of Mike and Jason. He is dismayed at the way British people have become so appathetic about the erosion of their national rights. (He has not asked for this entry or requested a mention).

He has asked to be briefed so that he can put questions to the European Parliament.  Thank you.

If you want to know more about his activities in Europe log on to http://www.williamdartmouth.com/

MEP profile http://www.europarl.europa.eu/members/public/geoSearch/view.do?country=GB&partNumber=1&zone=South+West&language=EN&id=96958

Dire conditions

Dr Pakay Lawyer has been to visit Mike. Dr Pakay is not happy.  Conditions at the prison are dire and we believe insanitary.  Mike is now 5^th day of detention and not been able to brush his teeth let alone take a shower.  We have now learned that the European committee for the Prevention of Torture and Degrading Treatment (C.P.T.) have already criticised the Hungarian Republic.

Please, please, help us to get them out of there and avoid other British citizens being sent to the same fate.

Jason and Michael are being held in Hungary in direct contravention of their human rights under the European convention 1998. 

This is a disgrace and shames the Republic of Hungary and the good name of Europe in general.  We must do everything we can to pressure for Mike and Jason’s release from this primitive state, who clearly have no respect for our liberal western democratic values.

We must also lobby of course to make sure that no other British citizens are subject to the same extradition procedure.