Marianne has moved into the new wing of the prison where the regime is much tougher than the old; the food is only adequate, visiting times fewer, and “educational” and “recreational” activities compulsory. 

Marianne’s mood over the months has, not unsurprisingly, been mainly one of depression – she is indignant and upset that the case has dragged on for so long.  She has had to endure the agonising death of her partner, the discovery of the reason for his death, the suspicion of the authorities, a promised release, two disappointing court hearings, prolonged detention and variable prison conditions.  She is frightened and scared that she will continue to be detained despite the lack of evidence to link her to her partner’s actions.  In the words of Stephen Jakobi she is “palpably innocent” – indeed that organisation does not take on cases where it is clear that the person charged is guilty – its reputation would be in tatters if this were so.

Marianne naturally lives in the hope that the next court hearing will be her last, but her faith in the legal system and her belief that the authorities in the Dominican Republic are telling her the truth have been sorely dented in the last few months.  She is more and more tearful in the ‘phone conversations that are made with family and friends.

She is really buoyed by the messages of support and friendship that she receives; people from her schooldays – teachers and friends, from work and her circle of friends do keep her going from day to day. 

Please keep that up  …… Marianne must not be forgotten.