Today is exactly 1,000 days since ex para Billy Irving, along with five other veterans, was imprisoned in India.
The Connel man’s partner, along with the other families, is holding a Parliamentary Lobby to mark the date and will deliver a petition signed by more than 352,000 people to 10 Downing Street.
Yvonne MacHugh said: “For 1,000 days we have campaigned tirelessly, been through hell and still manage to stand proud and tall and keep the fight going.”
The men were arrested on the anti-piracy ship MV Seaman Guard Ohio on October 12, 2013. They were working for the American firm AdvanFort providing anti-piracy protection in the Indian Ocean when their ship was detained.
They were accused having weapons which were not declared and held in prison before their conviction was quashed. They were unable to leave India when the prosecutor appealed the decision and after a trial in January were convicted and sentenced to five years.
During that time Mr Irving missed the birth of his son, William.
Fiancee Miss MacHugh said: “July 7 marks 1000 days since the men were arrested. That is 1000 days too many that innocent men have had to have their lives torn apart and survive a living hell. One has missed the birth of their first child, others have lost family members, some have had to hear second hand that family members have taken ill, and are not there to support them. Can you imagine not being able to walk your daughter down the aisle because of false imprisonment? They’ve lost their homes, and the lives they once led.
“Talking hasn’t worked, it’s time for action. The men cannot be left to rot for another 1000 days. They once fought for us as veterans, now we must fight for them.”
The Parliamentary Lobby will take place in the Boothroyd Room in Portcullis House from 10am to 11.30am. Families, supporting MPs and welfare charities will be speaking about the case. Families will also hand in a national petition to the Prime Minister at Downing Street. The petition has 351,212 supporters that have signed to pledge their support.
The Revd Canon Ken Peters, Director of Justice and Welfare, The Mission to Seafarers, will be speaking at the lobby. He said: “We hope that common sense will prevail, the injustice recognised and the men released to be with their families, at home with loved ones.”
