Supporters of a Montreal Jewish businessman jailed in India fear his situation has worsened after violence at his prison.
Saul Itkhayek, an Israel native, has been in Motihari prison, located in a province near the border with Nepal, for 10 months on a visa violation. Supporters claim the charges have been trumped up.
Family and friends believe Itkhayek is in great peril following two bombings and a fatal shooting at the prison.
An interfaith group led by Irwin Cotler, a member of the Canadian Parliament and a human rights lawyer, is pressing the Canadian government to arrange Itkhayek’s release.
The Canadian Jewish Congress at a news conference Thursday was expected to demand that Itzhayek be returned immediately to his family in Montreal.
