I like to do what I can to support my fellow contractors out there, and Robert Langdon is one guy that needs our support. He is a former Four Horsemen International contractor and he was sentenced to death by hanging in Afghanistan for an alleged murder. I will not pass judgement on what happened, because I was not there. The issue at hand though is that Afghanistan wants to execute him, but Australia does not believe in the death penalty and they do not want their citizen to be executed. There is also the issue on wether Rob received a fair trial or not. (please read below)
The big one here is that the Australian government promised that they would do all they can to pressure the Afghan government to hand over Robert. The point of this call to action is that the Australian government has not put any pressure on the Afghan government (according to accounts below) and that they are throwing their citizen under the bus for political reasons. So if you want the Australian government to follow through on their promise, and you do not want Robert Langdon to be executed in Afghanistan, then write the PM of Australia Kevin Rudd and let him know what you think. Let’s get the word out about this, and thanks to the IPSSC and Miguel for working on this issue, as well as the Bill Shaw case. –Matt
Edit: June 13, 2010 -I just got this letter from Elena Fon, and here is the latest that everyone can do. There is a petition that everyone can sign.
Hi Matt,
I am the Elena Fon who wrote the guest article on Rob Langdon in this
month’s issue of Overwatch Report. You also very kindly wrote a piece about
him when Miguel sent you some info. Would you please kindly post the online
petition for Rob that began yesterday? Find it at
http://www.gopetition.com/online/37052.html.
Also there are some great comments on the petition. I need people to write
that stuff to the PM. I want him to be overwhelmed with emails/letters on
Rob’s behalf.
Write to: The Hon Kevin Rudd MP Prime Minister, Parliament House,Canberra, ACT, Australia 2600.
Email: http//www.pm.gov.au.
With a copy to the Leader of the Opposition Rt Hon Tony Abbott MP.
Email: tony.abbott.mp@aph.gov.au
It’s easy to sign a petition, harder to write but ask people to take the
time, remembering that Robert Langdon’s life is at stake here. Just write
whatever is in their hearts. And persevere until Rob is safe home. I welcome
any contact, suggestions, especially if anybody out in Afghanistan has
visited Rob in prison recently or has news of him to pass on. Sorry I don’t
do Twitter etc. So please publish my email address. Thank you so much,
Elena
Email: fon_elenaisabel@yahoo.com.au
————————————————————-
Robert Langdon in Afghan custody.
*****
Hi,
I understand that IPSSC is raising awareness and support for British security contractor, Bill Shaw, who has been sentenced to 2 years jail in Afghanistan on trumped up fraud charges. Perhaps you would be willing to lobby support for Rob Langdon, an Australian security contractor, formerly employed by Four Horsemen International and sentenced to death by hanging in Afghanistan on January 27 2010. Rob did not have a fair trial and his case has wide-ranging political implications as it would seem the Afghan authorities are testing the water with both Rob and Bill to see just how far they can go. Rob’s case appears to be very little known about, not only overseas but also in Australia and I would be very grateful for your help in publicising his case.(contact IPSSC for details of case)