Arrests

When the Consular Section is advised that an American has been arrested, a consular officer visits the American as soon as possible, provides a list of attorneys and offers other assistance such as contacting family or friends on the prisoner’s behalf, arranging to transfer private funds for delivery to American prisoners, and arranging dietary food supplements and/or medical care through a U.S. Government loan.  Although consular officers can provide informative and supportive assistance, they cannot “spring” an American from detention, serve as the prisoner’s legal representative, or intervene in the foreign judicial process.