Tuesday, February 9, 2010

The U.S.-based lawyer for one of 10 American Baptists charged with child kidnapping in Haiti is asking Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to personally intervene in the case.

Attorney Reginald Brown said in a Tuesday letter to Clinton that he is concerned his client Jim Allen may not have adequate legal representation and has not been able to speak with his wife, Lisa, since being arrested in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake.

Brown said the case was complicated by the chaotic situation in Haiti and asked Clinton to speak directly to Haitian authorities to allow Allen's wife to talk with him and ensure his well-being. The 10 insist they are innocent and were on a humanitarian mission.