A pregnant Scots mum who is just eight weeks away from giving birth has been 'jailed for four months in Tenerife over two unpaid fines'. The UK Government is being urged to help secure the release of Jamielee Fielding, who was arrested on August 19 after travelling to the Canary Islands for a family holiday.
But instead of enjoying her trip in the sun with her dad and brother, she was arrested upon arrival and thrown inside a Spanish jail. Officials found the West Lothian woman had failed to pay the 420 Euro fines, incurred in September 2021, and deemed her a fugitive, the Scottish Daily Express reports.
She is now without vital medication needed to treat her gestational diabetes, it's claimed. Speaking in the House of Commons, SNP MP Hannah Bardell called for help to get her constituent released and returned home safely before she gives birth.
Ms Bardell said: "Can we have a debate on the treatment of British citizens in Spanish prisons? My Livingston constituent Jamielee Fielding is nearly seven months pregnant and has gestational diabetes, but despite having paid the fine, the Spanish authorities in Tenerife are holding her, removing vital food and medication, and breaching her human rights.
"She has a very short window to get home to have her baby. Would the Leader of the House press the Foreign Secretary to help get Jamielee home, and to meet me so that I can do everything I can to make sure that she is safe, healthy, and home as soon as possible?"
Ms Fielding claims her intention was to pay the fine upon arrival at the nearest police station unaware of the consequences that would follow. She was arrested and transferred from the airport to Prison in Santa Cruz - De Tenerife el Rosario, North Tenerife.
Ms Fielding's father was not informed by the Spanish authorities that his daughter was taken to prison, nor was he informed where the prison was located. The British Embassy was also not notified of her arrest.
Matters got worse with claims Ms Fielding was required to wear a sign around her neck that states "I do not speak Spanish" and reportedly had her dietary requirements and vital medication taken off her.
On Wednesday, Ms Fielding's request to be transferred to an open prison was accepted. Ms Fielding has stated that she was let out of the prison with three male prisoners and told to find her own way by taxi to the open prison.
Her father was also advised by the Consular Service that in order for her to complete her sentence in the community, he must ensure a fixed address and support is organised ahead of her release date on December 16.
Ms Bardell said: "Jamielee is seven months pregnant, and we have grave concerns that the health consequences, stress, and poor treatment she has received while in prison could have a harmful effect on this vulnerable young woman and her unborn baby's development.
"Jamielee is due to give birth in 8 weeks time and it is imperative that she is released immediately from this disproportionate sentence and brought back to Scotland to be with her family.
"The way Jamielee has been treated in Spain has been disgusting. This should not be tolerated and an investigation by the Foreign Office must look into the way British Citizens are treated in Spain.
"Whilst my constituent is under the care of the Spanish Authorities she must be treated with dignity, care, and respect under the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights."
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