Bryant's appeal to United Nations fails
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• Steve Bryant, the British lorry driver imprisoned in Morocco, has been rebuffed by the United Nations after appealing to its Human Rights arm for help. The Geneva-based UN Commission for Human Rights, which is headed by Commissioner Mary Robinson, has written to Bryant telling him it can do nothing for him. Bryant, who is now four years into a 10-year sentence for possessing drugs, had high hopes the UN would intervene on his behalf, believing it would lead to his release by
Christmas. Bryant's father Peter now says: "We can't do anything more. We've tried everything."
This is the latest in a long line of disappointments. Bryant has repeatedly expected to receive a pardon from the King of Morocco and has rallied supporters to push his case with the Moroccan authorities.
Two years ago he undertook a 25-day hunger strike and won improved jail conditions.
Bryant was found with cannabis in a load of squid which he had picked up From a Moroccan factory. He argues his innocence but in Morocco the possession of drugs is an absolute offence with no defence.