Household’s welfare issues for Bournemouth man held in Morocco

The household of a British man who was arrested in Morocco have stated they’re involved for his welfare after he was left with out remedy for 5 weeks.

Oliver Andrews visited Marrakech in November and was arrested after being accused of utilizing counterfeit cash.

The 29-year-old’s household stated he denied the fees and had acquired no assist from the British authorities.

The Overseas, Commonwealth and Growth Workplace (FCDO) stated it had offered help.

The BBC has requested the Consulate Normal of the Kingdom of Morocco for remark.

On 10 November 2022, Mr Andrews, from Bournemouth, and a buddy went to a nightclub on the final night time of their vacation.

‘Pressured’

The subsequent morning, Moroccan police arrested them and Mr Andrews was advised that half of his cash was counterfeit, in line with his household.

The household stated the 2 males weren’t given an official translator or the chance to talk to a lawyer.

In addition they stated the boys have been “pressured into signing overseas paperwork”.

Talking by way of the household, Mr Andrew’s solicitor, in Morocco, stated each males had been charged with possessing and distributing counterfeit cash inside Morocco, and one rely of making an organised prison group.

Mr Andrews was recognized with a coronary heart situation in 2021 and requires each day remedy, his household stated.

They added he was not given entry to his remedy till his solicitor organised entry on 16 December.

“The British Embassy in Morocco and the FCDO have refused to get entangled,” they continued.

They stated the British Embassy to Morocco and the FCDO have been knowledgeable about Mr Andrew’s coronary heart situation and medical necessities.

When Mr Andrews was visited by his solicitor the household stated “he was in a really deteriorating psychological and bodily state”.

They added that, as a result of he had not taking his remedy, “his blood circulation was slowing down”.

The household additionally stated they despatched cash to the embassy for Mr Andrews to make cellphone calls however added “this cash was not given to him, so far”.

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Alanna Cornick, Mr Andrew’s accomplice, stated: “We simply wish to the embassy to do their job and go and go to him, and ensure to examine on his welfare.”

“The situation that he is residing in is simply heart-breaking each day,” she added.

‘Let down’

She described how he had been saved in “cramped areas” with 32 folks in a 12-man cell, with no bedding or contemporary air.

“I’ve had cellphone calls from him the place he has been actually actually down and principally shared suicidal ideas,” she continued.

“It’s the worst as a result of there’s nothing you are able to do.”

Zoe, Mr Andrew’s mom, stated the household “have given up attempting to get something executed by way of the embassy”.

“As a household, we really feel very let down and abandoned by our personal authorities,” she added.

“We, on no account, need assist with the authorized case, simply solely his welfare.”

An FCDO spokesperson contested what the household stated and advised the BBC: “We’re offering consular help to 2 British nationals arrested in Morocco and are in touch with the native authorities.”

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