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Jailed Canadian’s parents to plead for release of son

DUBAI — Parents of a jailed Canadian are in Dubai to appeal for the release of their son.

Charlie and Louise Tatham, parents of Bert Tatham, 35, arrived in Dubai on Monday night to meet their son and for a court hearing next week.

A Dubai-based family friend of the Tathams, Michael Cullip, told Khaleej Times: “Bert’s parents are here for the hearing in the Court of Cassation on October 8 and appeal for his release. During their week-long stay, they will be visiting their son in jail. They also plan to meet Canadian Embassy officials.”

Cullip said Bert’s parents had met government officials in Canada before their visit to the UAE. A former anti-narcotics officer in Afghanistan, Bert was sentenced to four years in jail followed by deportation on charges of possession and consumption of hashish by the Dubai Court of First Instance on June 19. The judgement was upheld by the Dubai Court of Appeal on July 15.

Customs officials at Dubai International Airport, it may be recalled, had arrested the Canadian on April 23 when he was transiting through Dubai on his way to Vancouver from Kabul. They found 0.06 gram of hashish in Tatham’s pocket and two dried poppy flowers in a carpet in his baggage. He was referred to the Public Prosecution.