Daniel Robinson will spend two more months in jail

English Long Rider Daniel Robinson has spent the last 6 months imprisoned near the India-China border. Finally, after many rescheduled attempts, his appeal was finally heard by a judge on March 20th. According to Justina, his daughter, the lawyers argued the case very successfully in front of a packed courthouse while the prosecution asked for a 10-year sentence.

The appeal reconvened on March 24th, with the judge ruling that Daniel will spend another 2 months in jail before being released. Hopefully, he will be able to take back custody of his two horses at that time. I've also pulled an email from the freedan website regarding these horses:

22nd March: email received from India about Dan's Horses

Dear Sir,

This is in reference to the news item published in TOI, New Delhi edition titled Journey to China ends in Indian jail dated:March 21,2007.

Mr Robinson, a British citizen wandered into Indian territory at Lapthal checkpost of ITBP with two equids in October, 2006.Both equids were immediatly taken into the custody a veterinarian Dr TAKE CHAN, posted at Joshimath and jointly examined by Dr N S Negi, Civil Veterinary Officer, Joshimath. As per the provisions of the livestock importation act,1898 were not allowed to mixed up with local equids.

The equids are healthy and still in the custody of ITBP.Mr Robinson was equally worried for wellbeing of his animals and during trail of the case inquired where about of his animals.

Mr Robinson is true animal lover and diserve mercy during trail.

(Dr Prem Shanker Yadav)

Chief Veterinary Officer,

Gopeswar, Chamoli(Uttarakhand)

If you haven't been following Dan's case, you can see more information at the Outfitters Supply website.

Long Rider Updates

Well, it's Friday - hooray! Of course, now that the weekend is arriving, the sunny days are gone and the snow started falling again. I'm sure it'll be beautiful again by Monday.

I've just finished posting a letter sent by Bernice Ende, along with a couple of pictures that she sent. She's still doing very well, and last we heard Bernice, Honor and Claire were preparing to enter the desert region on their way to Barstow, CA. Make sure you check out Bernice's newest Thoughts from the Trail.

On a more somber note, Daniel Robinson is still imprisoned in India, and his appeal hearing has once again been postponed. The new hearing is scheduled for March 20th - hopefully we'll have more news then. If you haven't been following the English Long Rider's story, please do. If after reading the story of his plight you could kindly sign the petition for his freedom, Daniel and his family would greatly appreciate it. There is a link to the petition at the above link. Please note that you do not need to donate any money when you sign the petition. It is optional, and the money goes to the petition website, not to Daniel.

Happy Birthday Dan!

For those of you that have been following the plight of the English Long Rider, Daniel Robinson, please keep him in your prayers and keep sending words of support to help him stay strong throughout this ordeal. His birthday is March 10th; with any luck he will be able to celebrate it with friends and loved ones soon. His appeal has been postponed again; check back on March 20th, and we'll hopefully have good news. The support he has received world-wide is impressive and heart-warming - hopefully it will be enough to earn him his freedom.