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INMATE DETAILS & RELIVENT INFORMATION
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NAME:
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Mitchell Ian Blake
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AGE:
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40 years old [15 Nov 1966]
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ORIGIN:
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Australia
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ARRESTED:
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23 September 1993.
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PRISON:
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Klong Prem Central Prison
Building 3
33/2 Ngam Wong Wan Road
Bangkhen, Chatujuck
THAILAND 10900
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CHARGE:
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Drug Trafficking
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SENTENCE:
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26 years and 9 months
[To be released from Thai Prison - 2020 but US authorities have requested extradition to the US, following 2020,
to face charges for a crime he didn't commit]
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EMBASSY CONTACT:
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Australian Embassy
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CONTACT
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Mitchell Ian Blake [AUS]
Klong Prem Prison
Building 3
33/2 Ngam Wong Wan Road
Bangkhen, Chatujuck
THAILAND 10900
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ABOUT MITCHELL'S CASE:
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Since his arrest in Thailand on 23 September 1993, Mitchell Blake has since been indicted in May 2002 on charges of conspiring with an unnamed person to import a quantity of heroin directly through the mail system in the Thai prison to the northwest Indiana [USA. The American authorities have requested Mitchell be extradited at the END of his Thai sentence - May 22nd 2020.
Mitchell urgently needs funds to engage a US Attorney to defend his case pending extradition to the United States. Please contact FPSS if you can assist.
Email F.P.S.S Here
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CAN YOU HELP?
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
REGARDING CARE PACKAGES
Drug trade in Thailand prisons leads to ban on prison gifts
Read More Here
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Please consider the following actions -
- Write to the Australian Government and support Mitchell's appeal to return to Australia under the Prisoner Transfer Agreement;
- Please help Mitchell's family raise funds urgently so that they can engage a US Attorney to represent Mitchell pending extradition. Please contact FPSS if you can assist. Email: martin.hodgson@foreignprisoners.com
- Write to your Federal Member's of Parliament and let them know about Mitchell's case and appeal for their support.
- Write letters of support to the Australian Embassy Consular Officers and thank them for everything they do for Mitchell. Without their assistance, he and many other Australians would be in a worse position.
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ABOUT MITCHELL'S FAMILY
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In a tragic turn of events, Mitchell’s sister [Holly] had a complete breakdown following Mitchell’s imprisonment. She was hospitalized but died of an overdose [her medication] on 11 October 1998, coincidently, her mother’s birthday. Holly was an amazing woman who had a number of hit records on the Australian charts in the 1990’s. Mitchell’s brother spent several months being treated for trauma after he saw a photograph in a Sydney newspaper of Mitchell in heavy leg chains.
Mitchell’s mother, (65), has endured over a decade of heartache and hopes that some day soon, her son will finally return home.
‘He’s written to me two or three times a week for the last 13 years. I just want him home’ says Mitchell’s Mum.
If you are able to give some much needed assistance to
Mitchell’s family then please let us know!
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CARE PACKAGES.
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Mitchell would be grateful for anything that people send to him.
- Shirts XL
- Shorts 36
- Socks XL
- Magazines [ scientific, mathematical, educational]
For further information contact FPSS.
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LETTER WRITING
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There are a few simple rules when writing to a detainee:
1. Always be polite. Your aim is to help a prisoner, not to relieve your own feelings. Governments don't respond to abusive or condemnatory letters (however well deserved).
2. Always write your letters on the basis that the government concerned is open to reason and discussion.
3. Show respect for the country's constitution and judicial procedures, and to demonstrate an understanding of current difficulties. This will give more scope to point out ways in which the human rights situation can be improved.
4. If you wish to write an appeal, be clear in what you are requesting. You should never make 'demands' on Governments.
5. Never use political jargon or profanity. Don't give the impression that you are writing because you are ideologically or politically opposed to the government in question.
6. All letters are subject to censorship by authorities so please do not write anything that will offend anyone.
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AUSTRALIAN PRISONER LOAN SCHEME:
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The Australian Prisoner Loan Scheme was established in 1994, and is operational in several countries including Kenya, Benin, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Peru, Ecuador, Burma, Colombia, Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil, Cambodia and Laos. It is a vital service that has greatly assisted many Australians detained throughout the world. Loans under the Prisoner Loan Scheme can not be obtained to cover legal costs or bail. Loans must be repaid after the detainee is released from prison. This type of loan can only be arranged if a detainee or prisoner is destitute and:
Adequate medical facilities and other essentials (such as bedding, clothing and soap) are not provided by the prison; and
the prisoner is unable to organise for a loan to be provided from family or friends. The maximum of each loan for Australian prisoners is AUD125 per month for essentials and AUD20 per month for medical needs. Prisoners are required to repay any amounts they receive under the scheme, following their release from prison.
During 2004 - 2005, the Australia Government provided assistance to 22 Australians imprisoned overseas under the Australian Government Prisoner Loans Scheme. The Australian Government issues these emergency loans according to a citizen's need and not on their ability to repay.
For more information please refer: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/faq.html Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade [DFAT]
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FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
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Do not send CASH in the mail.
If you wish to send an International money order through the post then make sure it is in the local currency [Thai Baht]. No other currency will be accepted. It will also need to have the exact name of the prisoner.
The best way to send financial support from abroad, is to arrange this through existing local contacts that the prisoner nominates. Ask the prisoner to advise you on what actually works best for them or contact FPSS. We often have long term members visiting the prison on a regular basis. These are contacts we have established over the years and are highly trustworthy.
Australian Embassy staff cannot become involved in transferring funds for prisoners as this would need to go through the Consular Service Trust Account in Canberra, which incurs a A$40 fee for the sender. The Department of Foreign Affairs [DFAT] have discouraged Next of Kin [NOK] from using this in the past, other than for an emergency, as it is resource intensive and not flexible for transfer of small amounts of money.
Most NOK have made arrangements through friends to deliver funds directly to the prison and this is the most reliable option in Thailand.
Prisoners are advised by Consular staff that they may apply for Australian government loan funds under the International Prisoner Loan Scheme. The Australian Consulate in Bangkok also assists Australians detained in Thai prisons with essential items.
Contact FPSS for further information.
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AUSTRALIAN CONSULAR SERVICES CHARTER:
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The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade [DFAT] help Australians in trouble overseas. The Charter signifies DFAT's commitment to providing effective, prompt and courteous consular services delivered in an equitable way to all Australian citizens. This includes services for Australians living in rural, remote and regional areas, and those with disabilities. The charter addresses issues such as:
How do we help you?
How can you help us to help you?
What we can do for you
What we cannot do for
Travel advice
How quickly can we respond?
Your rights - our commitment
Further information Click Here
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PRISONER TRANSFER TREATY
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Below you will find the application forms and information materials that are to be used for Australians imprisoned in Thailand to apply for transfer under the International Transfer of Prisoners scheme. The Australian Embassy in Bangkok has this information and makes it available to Australian prisoners upon request. http://www.usp.com.au/fpss/transfer-australia.html
Australian prisoners who, if eligible, can seek to serve part of their sentences in Australia where they will have better access to family and other support which contribute to rehabilitation, ongoing monitoring under parole conditions, programs that are designed to help prisoners reintegrate into society. Transfers also reduce the burden on Australian consular officials and tax payers. The chance to serve the sentencing at home in a familiar culture, with the benefit of family contact, is of primary value in the process of rehabilitation.
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APPEAL FROM SUPPORTERS
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Mitchell lives in a place where hope is often a luxury. Many who have met him have seen him go from despair to inspiration. He is a kind hearted person who simply made a stupid mistake. I truly hope our members and visitors to this campaign page will show him some compassion. Mitchell does not use drugs and he is doing everything he can to make his life more positive. I hope he can return to Australia under a Prisoner Transfer Agreement so that he can have an opportunity to show others, particularly youngsters, that the choices they make can have the most devastating consequences.
Kay Danes
International Human Rights Advocate
Foreign Prisoner Support Service
www.kaydanes.com
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This photo is of Mitchell in costume. His musical group entertain officially on numerous occasions for the Royal Princess and other high ranking visitors. One of the Female Thai Prison Officers runs a music program for inmates. It gives them exposure to traditional Thai Music and instruments. Her commitment has given inmates an invaluable opportunity to learn something new.
In actual fact, studies have shown that music is an essential part of human existence. It is used by human beings to express their thoughts and feelings about their inner world and their social world. Music activates the mind when it is dormant, to soothe the soul when it is in turmoil, and to heal the body when it is hurt. Music enables learners to be free from pressure and stress. Music teaches language, society and culture. Songs encode cultural meanings, inspiration, and worldviews. In other words, songs tell thousands of human stories.
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Contact The Australian Government http://www.australia.gov.au/
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