Spokesperson: Puracal 'in excellent spirits'
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SEATTLE -- A family spokesperson for Jason Puracal says the recently freed man is out of Nicaragua and doing well.
Puracal was released Friday after spending two years in a Nicaraguan prison on drug trafficking and money laundering charges -- charges Puracal and his family say were false.
Human rights groups say his prosecution was riddled with inconsistencies.
A family spokesperson told KOMO News on Saturday that Puracal is out of Nicaragua and in a safe location, but wouldn't say where.
"He is safe and in excellent spirits," said Eric Volc. "He looks healthy and right now we are in the process of bringing him home, back to the United States where he will reunite with his family and offer his first public message."
A three-judge appeals panel vacated three charges against Puracal in a decision announced Wednesday. U.S. House Representative Adam Smith has been lobbying for Puracal's release, and says he's glad Puracal's ordeal is nearly over.
"Makes me feel great. Very, very happy for him," Smith said. "I'm mindful that it's 22 months that never should have happened."
Smith says even after Puracal's release, his family was worried authorities could still put him behind bars.
"Apparently under Nicaraguan law it means they could re-bring the charges, so as long as he was in Nicaragua he was at risk," Smith said.
His supporters won't breath completely easy until his back on U.S. soil.
Puracal was released Friday after spending two years in a Nicaraguan prison on drug trafficking and money laundering charges -- charges Puracal and his family say were false.
Human rights groups say his prosecution was riddled with inconsistencies.
A family spokesperson told KOMO News on Saturday that Puracal is out of Nicaragua and in a safe location, but wouldn't say where.
"He is safe and in excellent spirits," said Eric Volc. "He looks healthy and right now we are in the process of bringing him home, back to the United States where he will reunite with his family and offer his first public message."
A three-judge appeals panel vacated three charges against Puracal in a decision announced Wednesday. U.S. House Representative Adam Smith has been lobbying for Puracal's release, and says he's glad Puracal's ordeal is nearly over.
"Makes me feel great. Very, very happy for him," Smith said. "I'm mindful that it's 22 months that never should have happened."
Smith says even after Puracal's release, his family was worried authorities could still put him behind bars.
"Apparently under Nicaraguan law it means they could re-bring the charges, so as long as he was in Nicaragua he was at risk," Smith said.
His supporters won't breath completely easy until his back on U.S. soil.
...I will not be content until he is back on American soil. While it is great he is out of that counntry, I would prefer to read he is safe here @ home.
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Very glad to hear he's out of that horrid country, and I hope he can finally put this behind him.