On October 1, 1997, I led a Congressional Delegation to Ecuador and Peru for two days to bring attention to human rights abuses occurring in their judicial system and their prisons. As our neighbors, the Andean countries of South America have a direct impact on those of us in Florida. The Andean countries trade policies, anti drug policies, and human rights practices all effect Florida as well as the rest of the southeast region. I have learned that Ecuador is a Third World country with an incredibly chaotic justice system, where thousands of prisoners experience extraordinary delays waiting for trials. As it stands, the judicial system in Ecuador does not provide for due process, and the drug laws do not allow for bail or the separation of misdemeanor and felony charges. Caught up in this system are many American citizens, including James Williams, a Jacksonville Beach resident whose business imported fresh seafood from Ecuador into Florida. Mr. Williams has been imprisoned for the past 20 months without a trial. The judge in his case waited more than one year after his arrest to recommend that he be prosecuted for money laundering, though she admits never having reviewed the evidence in his case. Mr. Williams and his wife Robin maintain his innocence. They appealed for my help when it appeared they had exhausted every option to bring attention to his story. Like all Ecuadoran citizens, Mr. Williams deserves a fair trial, and it has been my objective to help him receive due process. I will continue to work to encourage all countries to abide by international standards of due process.

The most incredible news is that on my last trip I was able to get a humanitarian release of another American, former Hollywood, FL. resident Sandra Chase. Ms. Chase had been held in a prison for almost two years without ever being charged with a crime. In fact, the police did not take her deposition until I made my first visit to Ecuador in April, 1997. Ms. Chase suffers a rare circulatory disease called Scleroderma, and following my last trip, the Ecuadoran Congress sponsored legislation to grant Ms. Chase amnesty. I was overwhelmed with news of her release. I was also overwhelmed to learn that since my trip in April, more than 800 Ecuadoreans who had spent several years in prison without trial were released. I will continue to work with the Ecuadorean government to seek due process for all citizens, including Mr. Williams and other Americans. I do believe that this is a critical time in the history of Ecuador, and I have made a commitment to helping the Ecuadoran government on their road to judicial reform, especially as it affects American citizens.

Information Provided by Brown Campaign

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