Prisoner pack

Information Pack for British Prisoners in Paraguay
Author
Date
British Embassy Asunción
12 February 2016
Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Who can help? .............................................................................................................................. 4
About the Embassy ....................................................................................................................... 4
Who are the Consular Representatives? ....................................................................................... 4
Contact Information ....................................................................................................................... 4
First Steps......................................................................................................................................... 5
Who will know I have been detained?............................................................................................ 5
What will my family be told? .......................................................................................................... 5
What will the Consulate do? .......................................................................................................... 5
Would I have a criminal record in the UK? ..................................................................................... 5
Visits ................................................................................................................................................. 6
How do my family and friends arrange a visit? .............................................................................. 6
How many visits am I allowed? ...................................................................................................... 6
Consular visits ............................................................................................................................... 6
What can visitors bring? ................................................................................................................ 6
Prison conditions/services................................................................................................................. 7
Arrival at police station .................................................................................................................. 7
Arrival at prison ............................................................................................................................. 7
General prison conditions .............................................................................................................. 7
How can I receive money? ............................................................................................................ 7
Can I work or study in prison? ....................................................................................................... 8
Can I receive medical and dental treatment?................................................................................. 8
Food and Diet ................................................................................................................................ 8
Mail/Parcels ................................................................................................................................... 8
Can I make telephone calls? ......................................................................................................... 8
Leisure and entertainment ............................................................................................................. 9
Drugs ............................................................................................................................................ 9
How can I make a complaint about mistreatment? ........................................................................ 9
The Paraguayan Judicial System .................................................................................................... 10
What should happen when I am arrested? .................................................................................. 11
For how long can I be remanded in custody? .............................................................................. 11
What happens when I am charged? ............................................................................................ 11
What provision is there for bail? .................................................................................................. 11
What kind of legal assistance is available? .................................................................................. 11
What happens at the trial? ........................................................................................................... 12
Sentences ................................................................................................................................... 12
How can appeals be made? ........................................................................................................ 12
What provision is there for reduction of sentence (remission) e.g. for good behaviour? ............... 12
What provision is there for early release e.g. on parole? ............................................................. 12
What provision is there for clemency or pardon? ......................................................................... 13
What about any financial penalties? ............................................................................................ 13
Is transfer to another prison within Paraguay possible? ............................................................... 13
Is transfer to the UK a possibility? ............................................................................................... 13
What are the procedures for release and deportation? ................................................................ 13
Prisoners Abroad ............................................................................................................................ 14
Glossary of Terms........................................................................................................................... 15
Useful legal terms........................................................................................................................ 15
Key phrases – English into Spanish ............................................................................................ 15
2
Basics ............................................................................................................................................. 15
Annexes .......................................................................................................................................... 26
ANNEXES....................................................................................................................................... 26
Annex 1: Options to transfer funds to British Nationals Overseas via the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office .............................................................................................................................................. 26
CON-1234 SMITH JOE – THAILAND ............................................................................................. 26
Disclaimer ....................................................................................................................................... 28
3
Introduction
Who can help?
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):
The FCO is represented overseas by its Embassies and Consulates (High Commissions in
Commonwealth Countries). Both employ consular officers, and one of their duties is to provide help
and advice to any British National who gets into difficulty in a foreign country.
About the Embassy
We are impartial; we are not here to judge you. We aim to make sure that you are treated properly
and fairly in accordance with local regulations, and that you are treated no less favourably than other
prisoners.
We can answer questions about your welfare and about prison regulations but you must ask your
lawyer or the court about legal matters. The attached list of lawyers is provided by the British
Embassy for your convenience, but neither Her Majesty‟s Government, nor any official of the
Consulate, take any responsibility for the competence or probity of any firm/advocate on the list or
for the consequence of any legal action initiated or advice given.
We cannot get you out of prison, pay fines or stand bail or interfere with local judicial procedures to
get you out of prison nor secure you an earlier trial date; we cannot investigate a crime.
We have tried to make sure that the information in this booklet is accurate and up to date, but the
British Embassy cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information. If in
doubt contact a lawyer.
Who are the Consular Representatives?
Veronica Roa, Consular Assistant
Nick White, Deputy Head of Mission
Both are in Asunción.
Contact Information
Edificio Citicenter, Piso 5
Av. Mariscal López y Cruz del Chaco
Asunción
Consular Enquiries: +595 (21) 614 588, Option 2
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.gov.uk/world/paraguay
Working hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8:30am to 5:30pm
Friday: 8:30am to 1:00pm
4
First Steps
Who will know I have been detained?
When a British National is arrested and detained in Paraguay, the Paraguayan authorities should
inform the British Embassy immediately. However it is not unusual for the Embassy to be informed
after you have been moved to a prison. You have the right to ask that they inform us immediately.
What will my family be told?
For reasons of confidentiality under the Data Protection Act we are not permitted to tell anyone,
even your family that you have been detained or what the charges are without your permission.
Whilst it is up to you what information we will pass to your family, it is sometimes best if we are able
to give at least some information to them to ease their worrying; they can also help to send you
money or pay for a lawyer. Furthermore, it is possible for family and friends to find out about your
detention through the media or via the internet.
What will the Consulate do?
We aim to contact you 24 hours after we learn of your arrest and visit you within 48 hours; after this
we aim to visit you every 3 months. During our routine visits you will have the opportunity to discuss
any health issues, security concerns, your treatment in prison and any other general issues that you
wish to raise with our consular staff. At each consular visit, our staff will complete a "Visit Report
Form". If there is any information that you would prefer not to disclose to a Next of Kin you should let
us know during the visit.
If appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you are not treated in line with
internationally-accepted standards.
We can also help your family to send funds to you via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. See
Annex 1 for instructions on how to do so.
Would I have a criminal record in the UK?
You should be aware that if you have been convicted for certain serious offences, such as sexual
assault or drugs trafficking, we are obliged to inform the UK police. It is therefore possible that
information about this offence may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out
by a prospective employer.
5
Visits
How do my family and friends arrange a visit?
We advise the family to contact us well in advance so that we can inform the prison governor and
work on the visiting programme.
In order to receive visitors you should provide the prison with the names of the people visiting you
for them to be added to the Prison Visiting list. We will provide information on visiting procedures
and details of what visitors can bring should your family members decide to come to Paraguay.
You can only receive visits from family members; friends are not allowed.
How many visits am I allowed?
In the majority of the prisons you are allowed to receive visitors on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
and Sundays, from 09:00 to 14:00.
For security reasons those persons will be checked as well as their belongings.
Consular visits
We will visit you every three months. During our routine visits you will have the opportunity to
discuss any health issues, security concerns, your treatment in prison and any other general issues
that you wish to raise with our Consular staff. At each Consular visit, our staff will complete a "Visit
Report Form". If there is any information that you would prefer not to disclose to a Next of Kin you
should let us know during the visit.
What can visitors bring?
This can vary from one prison to another in Paraguay and rules can frequently change. Families
should contact the FCO in advance of their visit so we can provide them with an updated list.
6
Prison conditions/services
Arrival at police station
You can expect to spend at least 2 days at the police station once arrested, before being transferred
to a prison.
Usually the Embassy is only informed of your arrest after you have been moved to a prison, but they
should do it immediately after the detention. You have the right to ask for a diplomatic
representative.
Arrival at prison
Your personal data will be checked as well as the judge‟s detention order. You are likely to have
your photo and fingerprints taken, as part of your personal file. You will be frisked on arrival to
prevent any unauthorised substances or items from entering the facility. The authorities will take any
personal belongings that you are not allowed keeping for security reasons. The storage of any
belongings that are not part of the investigation, process, or evidence will need to be arranged
privately.
The British Embassy cannot store your personal belongings on your behalf. The only property we
can keep for you are your passport and driver‟s licence. However, these are usually retained at the
courts until the end of your sentence. Please note that your passport might be kept by the courts as
evidence of the alleged crime or as a condition for your bail/parole. This measure is taken by the
courts to prevent you from skipping bail.
Medical checks will be carried out by the prison health department in order to assess if you need
any treatment for ongoing medical conditions (e.g. blood pressure, diabetes, HIV).
General prison conditions
Overcrowding is a problem in Paraguayan prisons so you cannot expect a single cell as a matter of
course. Sometimes not even a mattress will be available to you. Unfortunately the Embassy is not
allowed to buy new mattresses; you will need to wait until the prison provides you with one. You
should also be aware that the conditions of toilets and showers are extremely poor in Paraguayan
prisons.
You are allowed to wear your own clothes and you are also responsible for keeping your living
quarters clean.
How can I receive money?
There are two ways in which you can receive financial assistance while in prison:

Private Funds: Deposited for you by your family or friends. See Annex 1 for instructions on how
to send funds via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Prisoners Abroad: If your family can‟t support you financially Prisoners Abroad may be able to
send you a small grant every quarter for essentials.
Money received from the UK will be converted into local currency and held on your behalf by our
Embassy and will be given directly to you on the next Consular visit. Please note that our Consular
staff cannot be responsible for the loss of funds by the Prison Authorities.
Please note that the Embassy does not provide financial support to British Nationals in prison
abroad.
7
Can I work or study in prison?
You can study while in prison and depending on your behaviour you will be allowed to work and
earn some money. The working system varies from one prison to another depending on their
possibilities/financial situation.
Can I receive medical and dental treatment?
If you need medical or dental treatment you should make an appointment to see the prison doctor or
dentist. In complex cases, transfer to public medical facilities is covered under an agreement with
the Ministry of Health.
Food and Diet
The prison serves standard food to all prisoners. In many of the prisons there is a cantina (canteen)
where you can buy most of what you need with the money provided by your family and friends.
Visitors are allowed to bring you some types of food.
Mail/Parcels
There is usually no limit to the number of letters you may send (if you have paid the postage fee) or
receive. Please be aware that the prison might read your letters before sending to the recipient. If
you are told you are not allowed to receive letters in English, you should notify the Consular Officer
and we will communicate with the Director of the prison.
If the Embassy receives letters addressed to you, we will open them to check for prohibited items,
and we will deliver them to you in our next consular visit. Consular officers will not read the contents.
In some prisons it is easier to receive mail than to send it. You can hand your mail to a Consular
Officer during a consular visit as long as the contents are checked with you first, and the proper
postal fee is already paid for.
Our consular staff will reply to your written correspondence within our target of 20 working days
(excluding postage time), but only if your correspondence is of what we consider to be a “serious
nature”, e.g. if you have a serious health issue for which you need our help or if you have serious
concerns for your safety. Please raise any issues with us during consular visits.
If you would like your family in the UK or elsewhere to email you, then please let them know that
they may do so via our central email box: [email protected]. Please ask them to
entitle their email with your full name together with the prison where you are detained. Messages
from prisoners to their family and friends can only be sent if they can provide the Embassy with an
email address. The messages will be forwarded to the families within 20 working days.
You can receive parcels from your family. Please be aware that parcels should be sent directly to
the prison; parcels sent to the Embassy will not be forwarded to you.
Can I make telephone calls?
No. Prisoners are not allowed to make phone calls or to have or use mobile phones. If you are
caught trying to use a mobile phone inside the prison you will be punished according to the prison‟s
regulations. As a result you may lose your job, school or place in the pavilion.
8
Leisure and entertainment
You should be allowed to exercise. Depending on the prison a detainee can have his/her own small
TV set cassette player/radio. You can also have your own books to read.
Drugs
It is widely known that drug trafficking between inmates in prisons is widespread. If you are caught
with any kind of illegal drugs (marijuana, cocaine, etc) you will be punished accordingly. As a result
you may lose your job or school place and might be sent to confinement for a period.
Tobacco cigarettes are allowed inside Paraguayan prisons.
How can I make a complaint about mistreatment?
If you wish to file a complaint please contact the Embassy or let us know during the consular visit so
that we take your concerns forward.
You should also alert your lawyer if you would like to take legal action.
9
The Paraguayan Judicial System
The Embassy cannot interfere with the Paraguayan Judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to
be judged quickly, ask the authorities to waive any penalties, give or pay for legal advice, start legal
proceedings on your behalf, investigate a crime or prevent the local authorities from deporting you at
the end of your sentence, even if you were previously resident in the country. Neither can we collect
your belongings and/or monies, which might have been confiscated at the time of detention.
There are 3 stages to your case:
Stage 1- Preliminary research
 Your criminal file will be handled by the Prosecutor and conducted by a Criminal Judge. You are
entitled to the assistance of a legal advisor from the time of arrest. A public attorney (at no cost
to yourself) is appointed by the Paraguayan State unless you wish to appoint your own private
lawyer.
 You can be taken to court to be questioned several times during the 6-8 months (could be less)
before the trial commences.
Paraguayan criminal code allows the accused the following procedural exits in order to avoid Oral
Trial. These procedures are imposed by the Criminal Judge during the investigative stage up to the
preliminary hearing and are detailed as follows:



Extinction of the case: Established by Article 19 of the Procedural Code. By entering into an
agreement with the victim and showing willingness to repair the damage. This also requires the
previous acceptance of the prosecutor, the claimant (if any) and its attorney.
Procedural suspension: the accused agrees to surrender to behavioural rules during a period of
time, imposed by the Court, applicable when the Statute sets a penalty that it is not lower than
one year and not superior to three (Probation)
Abbreviated trial (with suspense of the sentence): Art. 420 of CPP on condition that the crime
would merit imprisonment lower than 5 years.
Stage 2- Oral Period Trial
 If the accused does not attain one of the previous procedural exits, the case will be elevated to
Oral Trial. Once all the preliminary procedures are completed at the Criminal Court, the case is
forwarded to the Oral Tribunal. When the case „physically‟ arrives at the Oral Tribunal, a date of
trial will be set and a formal notification of the date of trial will be sent to you.
 The average sentence for drug trafficking is usually 4 to 5 years in an abbreviated trial. This
means that you understand and accept willingly and under no pressure all the charges against
you, declaring yourself guilty. If this is the case, you would not have an oral trial.
 If you wish to stand for the “juicio oral” (long oral hearing) declaring yourself innocent, the
sentence can be longer if you are found guilty.
 The sentence you receive starts counting from the moment you are detained for the first time.
After serving two thirds of your sentence, and depending on your good behaviour, you will start
“conditioned freedom” (parole) until completing the total sentence in Paraguay.
Stage 3
Your case is handled by the Juzgado de Ejecución (Executive Court).
Once you have been sentenced, your case will pass to a third judge (Juez de Ejecución) and you
will probably have a new Defender (Defensor de Ejecución).
10
Once you have been sentenced, your case will pass to a third judge (Juez de Ejecución) and you
will probably have a new Defender (Defensor de Ejecución).
What should happen when I am arrested?
When arrested you should be read all your rights and be informed that you may choose to remain
silent (apart from giving your name and address) until you have spoken to your legal representative,
after which the Judge will take your declaration (you will probably be taken to Court for this). You
can expect to spend at least 2 days at the Police Station once arrested, before being transferred to a
prison.
The Embassy should be informed immediately after the detention; however, we are usually informed
of your arrest once you have arrived at Court where the judge will take your declaration. You have
the right to ask for your diplomatic representative.
The Embassy cannot become involved in the legal aspect of your incarceration and cannot assume
the role of a legal advisor. This task is reserved for your attorney. Should you not wish legal
representation then the choice and consequences are solely yours.
We aim to contact you within the first 24 hours of being notified of your detention, and to visit you
within the next 48 hours.
For how long can I be remanded in custody?
Depending on the crime committed and on the circumstances of detention, you might be
incarcerated as soon as the judge takes your declaration the first time. You should ask your lawyer
about the possibility of requesting your release while the legal process is in progress, but note that
this may not always be granted.
Hearings usually take place between 24 to 48 hours from the date of arrest although in some cases
it can be up to 72 hours. Normally the judge will hear the accused and the witnesses. If you are still
in detention after 48 hours and the hearing has not taken place, we strongly suggest that you
contact your lawyer immediately if you have not yet done so.
What happens when I am charged?
The courts will inform you, your lawyer/public defender and the prison authorities of your charges. If
you do not have a private lawyer you will be assisted by a public defender that will put forward
requests for benefits applicable to your case.
What provision is there for bail?
Depending of the nature of the case, bail may be granted. Your attorney/public defender will be best
placed to advice on this matter.
What kind of legal assistance is available?
A public attorney (at no cost to yourself) is appointed by the Paraguayan State unless you wish to
appoint your own private lawyer.
Private lawyers may be very expensive and cannot guarantee your release, but you are free to
investigate this option. In the case of a private lawyer, all legal costs incurred are for your own
account and neither the Embassy nor the British government will bear this expense. If you wish to
transfer funds from the United Kingdom to Paraguay in order to cover legal costs, this transaction is
11
to be processed through your commercial bank in the UK to the legal representatives. The Embassy
cannot help you with this.
What happens at the trial?
On your trial day you will be taken to the court office where your case is being handled. There will be
a Tribunal in charge of your case along with the public prosecutor and your attorney or public
defender. If you don‟t speak Spanish the court will be responsible for hiring an interpreter to assist
you during the trial.
Sentences
Sentences depend on the seriousness of the crime. Your lawyer/public defender will be best placed
to advise you on length of sentences and on appeals‟ processes. The time spent in prison prior to
your sentence will count as part of the total sentence to be served.
How can appeals be made?
You have the right to appeal against your sentence through your attorney or public defender. It is
usual for the public defender to appeal against your first sentence; however, the appeal process is
usually very slow and can sometimes lead to the appellant's release being delayed until the appeal
is decided. In such cases an attorney's opinion of the case is strongly recommended before
proceeding.
What provision is there for reduction of sentence (remission) e.g. for good behaviour?
Depending on the nature of the case and your behaviour, a Judge may grant a reduction of the
sentence. Your attorney/public defender will be best placed to advice on this matter.
What provision is there for early release e.g. on parole?
After serving two thirds of your sentence, and provided you have displayed good conduct during the
period of incarceration, you will be allowed to serve the rest of your sentence outside the prison in
Paraguay.
If your family /friends can provide you with a fully paid return ticket you may ask the Judge for
permission to visit your family. You will have to obtain the relevant permission to leave Paraguay,
and go through some paperwork which you will have to do yourself. You will need to take the
following steps:
1) Contact your Defensor de Ejecucion. Ask him for a form called “Solicitud de autorización de
viaje”. You must fill it in with the required details and sign it.
2) Take the form to the Juzgado de Ejecución in charge of your Case (your Defensor de Ejecución
will inform you of the address). The Juzgado de Ejecución will then evaluate your background
(during the incarceration and while on parole) and if they approve, they will issue a “Certificado
de Autorización de Viaje”.
3) You will require the following documents to travel:
i.
ii.
iii.
Certificado de Autorización de Viaje.
Return air ticket fully paid
Your valid passport. If expired you will need to apply for a new passport by following the
steps on www.gov.uk/overseas-passports
12
iv.
The Paraguayan Immigration Office will issue a certificate (“certificado”) and a letter
addressed to the Senior Supervisor on Duty which you will have to take to the airport
together with your passport and ticket in order to embark. You will have to show all these
documents to the Passport Control Officer as you leave the country.
What provision is there for clemency or pardon?
In Paraguay, pardon/clemency can only be given by the President. He considers these cases once a
year.
What about any financial penalties?
There are different types of penalties in Paraguayan Penal law. Depending on the crime committed,
you might be forced to face a financial penalty decided by the Judge.
Is transfer to another prison within Paraguay possible?
This depends on circumstances and availability in other prisons. You should discuss this possibility
with your lawyer and/or during a consular visit.
Is transfer to the UK a possibility?
There is no Prisoner Transfer Agreement between the UK and Paraguay.
What are the procedures for release and deportation?
There is a provision of the Paraguayan Immigration Law which states that all foreign detainees can
be expelled to their country of origin or residence and once it is fulfilled it means the detainee has
finished his sentence completely. A prisoner will be eligible for expulsion once half of his sentence
has elapsed.
There are 2 types of procedures involved in an expulsion:
1) The “administrative” one that corresponds to the National Immigration Department who will
finalise the expulsion provided the judge has authorised it.
2) The “judicial” procedure which also requires authorisation from the National Immigration
Department.
To start the procedure, the prisoner or his public defender can write a letter to the judge stating his
wish to be expelled. The judge will evaluate the case regarding previous sentences and will
determine the detainee‟s nationality, which is done through the relevant consulate. Once the judge
has all the information he will ask the defender and prosecutor to give their views on the case.
If a positive decision is taken, the judge will inform the National Immigration Department to start
making the arrangements for expulsion. The transfer from Paraguay to the country of origin or
residence and all other costs incurred in the trip must be covered by the prisoner.
13
Prisoners Abroad
Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens
imprisoned overseas. It is the only UK charity providing this service and it is available to all, whether
guilty or innocent, convicted or on remand. Prisoners Abroad is concerned with your health and
welfare, both during your imprisonment and also on your return to the UK, through their resettlement
service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your
family during your imprisonment. In order to access any services, prisoners must first register with
Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.
Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point
of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer will vary from country to
country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:









your rights as a prisoner and issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
obtaining magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
writing to a pen pal
learning the language of your country of imprisonment
translation of documents
grants for food if you are in a developing country and don‟t have funds from other sources
grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you don‟t have funds from other sources
preparing for release
help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and assistance with the
cost of visiting
Prisoners Abroad
89 – 93 Fonthill Road
London N4 3JH
UK
Telephone: 00 44 (0)20 7561 6820 or, for your relatives in the UK, Freephone 0808 172 0098
(Mondays to Fridays 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, UK time)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.prisonersabroad.org.uk
14
Glossary of Terms
Useful legal terms
Key phrases – English into Spanish
Basics
My name is
I am… (E.g. I am English)
The
A
It
I/We/Me
What/Which
Left
Right
Here
There
What day does the…
I cannot…
Hello
Good afternoon
Good evening
Good night
How are you?
Fine thanks and you?
Excuse me
See you later
Yes
No
Please
Thank you
I don‟t know
Could you repeat that more slowly?
I don‟t understand
I do not speak Spanish very well
I am sorry to bother you but…
May I borrow your…
How can I obtain…?
Is there any mail for me?
How much does this cost?
Do you mind if I open the window?
Do you mind if I smoke?
Could you kindly write that down for me?
Do you have the correct time?
What is your nationality?
Me llamo
Soy…
El/La/Los/Las
Un/Una/Unos/Unas
Lo/la/le
Yo/Nosotros/Yo
Qué/Cuál
Izquierda
Derecha
Aquí
Ahí
¿Qué día…?
No puedo…
Hola
Buenas tardes
Buenas tardes
Buenas noches
¿Cómo estás?
Bien gracias, ¿y tú?
Perdone
Hasta luego
Sí
No
Por favor
Gracias
No sé
¿Puedes repetir más despacio?
No entiendo
No hablo muy bien español
Siento molestarte pero….
¿Me prestas tu…?
¿Cómo puedo obtener…?
¿Hay correo para mí?
¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
¿Te importa si abro la ventana?
¿Te importa si fumo?
¿Podrías escribir eso para mí por favor?
¿Tienes la hora correcta?
¿Cuál es tu nacionalidad?
15
Useful phrases/vocabulary
The telephone is out of order
I do not have any means to buy…
I would like to order…
This is urgent
May I make an appointment to see…
I need to see my lawyer
Can I have a list of local English-speaking lawyers?
Who is dealing with my case?
Does the prison have a list of translators?
Can I get bail?
Can you tell me how long I will be held in police
custody before I get transferred to a prison?
What must I do to get transferred to another prison?
Can you tell me how long my sentence is?
Can you tell me the date my sentence finishes?
Can I move to Mr…..‟s cell as he speaks English?
Can Mr… move into this cell?
I am very cold; can I have an extra blanket please?
When is the shop open?
How much money do I have in my account?
What day does the doctor come? What time?
Is there any work that I can do?
I would like to work in the…
Can you show me what I must do?
Could I buy a Spanish/English dictionary?
Can you contact the Consul for me?
I want to make a complaint
Can I have permission for my family to send me….?
As I am not allowed visits, could I have a parcel of
clothes sent to the prison?
Are there any items which they are not permitted to
send me?
I want to send this letter to…
Why are my letters taking so long to get to my family?
I have not heard from my family and I am worried
about them
How do I arrange a visit for my family?
Can you confirm that my family has booked a visit for
(a specific date)?
May I have an extended visit as I do not get many
and my family has to travel a long way?
Could I go to the prison school to learn Spanish?
El teléfono no funciona
No me puedo permitir comprar…
Me gustaría pedir…
Esto es urgente
¿Podría fijar una cita con…?
Necesito ver a mi abogado
¿Me das una lista de abogados que hablen ingles?
¿Quién está a cargo de mi caso?
¿Hay una lista de traductores en la prisión?
¿Puedo pedir la libertad bajo fianza?
¿Me podrías decir cuánto tiempo estaré detenido
antes de ser transferido a una prisión?
¿Qué debo hacer para ser transferido a otra prisión?
¿Me podrías decir cuánto tiempo durará mi
sentencia?
¿Me podrías decir la fecha en que mi sentencia
terminará?
¿Me puedo cambiar a la celda del Sr…., ya que habla
inglés?
¿Puede el Sr… cambiarse a esta celda?
Tengo mucho frío, ¿me das otra manta por favor?
¿Cuándo abre la tienda?
¿Cuánto dinero tengo en mi cuenta?
¿Qué día viene el médico? ¿A qué hora?
¿Hay algún trabajo que puedo hacer?
Me gustaría trabajar en el/la….
¿Me puedes enseñar lo qué debo hacer?
¿Podría comprar un diccionario de inglés/español?
¿Puedes contactar el cónsul para mí?
Quiero poner una queja
Me gustaría pedir permiso para que mi familia me
envíe…
Como no tengo permitido ninguna visita, ¿se me
podría enviar un paquete de ropa a la prisión?
¿Hay algo que no pueden enviarme?
Quiero enviar esta carta a…
¿Por qué mis cartas tardan tanto en llegar a mi
familia?
No sé nada de mi familia y estoy preocupado/a por
ellos
¿Qué tengo que hacer para arreglar una visita de mi
familia?
¿Podrías confirmar qué día ha reservado mi familia
para visitarme?
¿Podría pedir una visita más larga ya que no recibo
muchas visitas y mi familia tiene que viajar de lejos?
¿Podría ir a las clases de la prisión para aprender
español
16
Could you give this letter to Mr… cell no…. so he can
translate it for me?
¿Podrías darle esta carta al Sr…. celda número…
para que la traduzca para mí?
Time/days/numbers
Today
Tomorrow
Morning
Afternoon
Night
Next week
Next month
Next year
Last week
Last month
Last year
Weekend
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Christmas
Easter
New Year
National Holiday
One (first)
Two (second)
Three (third)
Four (fourth)
Five (fifth)
Six (sixth)
Seven (seventh)
Eight (eighth)
Nine (ninth)
Ten (tenth)
Hoy
Mañana
Mañana
Tarde
Noche
La próxima semana
El próximo mes
El próximo año
La semana pasada
El mes pasado
El año pasado
Fin de semana
Lunes
Martes
Miércoles
Jueves
Viernes
Sábado
Domingo
Enero
Febrero
Marzo
Abril
Mayo
Junio
Julio
Agosto
Septiembre
Octubre
Noviembre
Diciembre
Primavera
Verano
Otoño
Invierno
Navidad
Semana Santa
Año Nuevo
Día festivo
Uno (primero/a)
Dos (Segundo/a)
Tres (Tercero/a)
Cuatro (cuarto/a)
Cinco (quinto/a)
Seis (sexto/a)
Siete (séptimo/a)
Ocho (octavo/a)
Nueve (noveno/a)
Diez (décimo/a)
17
Eleven (eleventh)
Twelve (twelfth)
Thirteen (thirteenth)
Fourteen (fourteenth)
Fifteen (fifteenth)
Sixteen (sixteenth)
Seventeen (seventeenth)
Eighteen (eighteenth)
Nineteen (nineteenth)
Twenty (twentieth)
Thirty (thirtieth)
Forty (fortieth)
Fifty (fiftieth)
Sixty (sixtieth)
Seventy (seventieth)
Eighty (eightieth)
Ninety (ninetieth)
Hundred (hundredth)
Thousand
Once (décimoprimero/a)
Doce (décimosegundo/a)
Trece (décimotercero/a)
Catorce (décimocuarto/a)
Quince (décimoquinto/a)
Dieciseis (décimosexto/a)
Diecisiete (décimoséptimo/a)
Dieciocho (décimoctavo/a)
Diecinueve (décimonoveno/a)
Veinte (vigésimo/a)
Treinta (trigésimo/a)
Cuarenta (cuadragésimo/a)
Cincuenta (quincuagésimo/a)
Sesenta (sexagésimo/a)
Setenta (septuagésimo/a)
Ochenta (Octogésimo/a)
Noventa (nonagésimo/a)
Cien (centésimo)
Mil (milésimo/a)
What time is it? ¿Qué hora es?
07h00 Seven o‟clock in the morning
07h30 Seven thirty in the morning
12h00 Midday
13h00 One o‟clock in the afternoon
14h40 Two-forty in the afternoon
19h45 seven-forty-five in the evening
00h00 midnight
General vocabulary
Cell
Bed
Individual cell
Shared cell
Library
Showers
Toilet
Visiting rooms
Garden
Reception
Director
Assistant Director
Shopkeeper
Guard/Warder
Stationary
Books
Pen
Paper
Letter
Envelope
Stamp
Telephone
Las siete de la mañana
Las siete y media de la mañana
Las doce del mediodía
La una de la tarde
Las dos y cuarenta de la tarde
Las siete y cuarenta y cinco de la tarde
Las doce de la noche (medianoche)
Celda
Cama
Celda individual
Celda compartida
Biblioteca
Duchas
Cuarto de baño
Salas de visita
Jardín
Recepción
Director
Ayudante del director
Tendero/a
Guardia/Vigilante
Libros
Bolígrafo
Papel
Carta
Sobre
Sello
Teléfono
18
Toiletries
Soap
Shampoo
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Tissues
Toilet Paper
Wash
Razor
Shave
Towel
Jabón
Champú
Cepillo de dientes
Pasta de dientes
Desodorante
Pañuelos de papel
Papel higiénico
Lavar
Navaja
Afeitar
Toalla
Other items
Shop/Canteen
Blanket
Radio
CD/cassette player
Playing cards
Ball
Battery
Tienda/Cantina
Manta
Radio
Lector de CDs/Radio-cassette
Una baraja
Pelota
Pila/Batería
Clothing
Shirt
Shorts
Shoes
Socks
Underwear
Trousers
T-shirt
Trainers
Jumper/pullover
Jeans
Vest
Sandals
Small
Medium
Large
Camisa
Pantalones cortos
Zapatos
Calcetines
Ropa interior
Pantalones
Camiseta
Zapatillas de deporte
Jersey
Vaqueros
Camiseta de tiras
Sandalias
Pequeño/a
Mediano/a
Grande
Proper Nouns
British Consul
Britain
British
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
Cónsul británico/a
Gran Bretaña
Británico/a
Inglaterra
Escocia
Gales
Irlanda del Norte
Family
Friend
Family
Mother
Father
Sister
Brother
Amigo/a
Familia
Madre
Padre
Hermana
Hermano
19
Husband
Wife
Partner
Daughter
Son
Child
Cousin
Marido
Mujer
Pareja
Hija
Hijo
Niño/a
Primo/a
Food/meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
To eat
To drink
Knife
Fork
Spoon
Tray
Glass
Cup/Mug
Plate
Bottle
Coffee
Tea
Water
Milk
Powdered milk
Soda
Hot chocolate
Fresh fruit
Apple
Orange
Banana
Pear
Meat
Lamb
Beef
Pork
Ham
Bacon
Chicken
Fish
Tuna
Cod
Sea food
Vegetables
Cabbage
Carrot
Mushroom
Spinach
Green beans
Peas
Potato
Peppers
Desayuno
Comida
Cena
Comer
Beber
Cuchillo
Tenedor
Cuchara
Bandeja
Vaso
Taza
Plato
Botella
Café
Té
Agua
Leche
Leche en polvo
Soda
Chocolate caliente
Fruta fresca
Manzana
Naranja
Plátano
Pera
Carne
Cordero
Carne de vaca
Cerdo
Jamón
Panceta/Beicon
Pollo
Pescado
Atún
Bacalao
Marisco
Verduras
Repollo
Zanahoria
Champiñón
Espinaca
Judías verdes
Guisantes
Patata
Pimientos
20
Onion
Lettuce
Bread
Rice
Pasta
Butter
Jam/preserve
Eggs
Cheese
Oil
Salt
Sugar
Yoghurt
Biscuits
Cereal
Chocolate
Cebolla
Lechuga
Pan
Arroz
Pasta
Mantequilla
Mermelada
Huevos
Queso
Aceite
Sal
Azúcar
Yogur
Galletas
Cereales
Chocolate
Body/Health
I need to see the Doctor
I require medical assistance for the following
reasons…
It is urgent
I don‟t feel very well
I am bleeding
I have a pain in my…
Mild pain
Severe pain
I have a cold/flu
I have a sore throat
I have a fever
I am allergic to…
I am having problems breathing
I have a cold
I have an upset stomach
I am constipated
I have diarrhoea
I have spots
I have a rash
I am diabetic
I am epileptic
I have heart problems
I have ear ache
I have a headache
I have cramps
I have problems with my eyes
I need to have my eyes tested
I am pregnant
I have high/low blood pressure
I have high cholesterol
Have you something for…
Do you have a bandage?
Do you have a plaster?
Necesito ver a un médico
Necesito ayuda médica por las siguientes
razones…
Es urgente
No me siento muy bien
Estoy sangrando
Me duele el/la…
Dolor moderado
Dolor fuerte
Tengo un resfriado/gripe
Me duele la garganta
Tengo fiebre
Soy alérgico a…
Tengo problemas al respirar
Tengo catarro
Me duele el estómago
Estoy estreñido/a
Tengo diarrea
Tengo granos
Tengo un sarpullido
Soy diabético/a
Tengo epilepsia
Tengo problemas del corazón
Me duele el oído
Me duele la cabeza
Tengo calambres
Tengo problemas en los ojos
Necesito que me examinen los ojos
Estoy embarazada
Tengo la tensión alta/baja
Tengo el colesterol alto
¿Tienes algo para…?
¿Tienes una venda?
¿Tienes una tirita?
21
Phrases which may be used by the doctor
Where does it hurt?
Do you have a temperature?
Do you have any allergies?
Do you suffer from any other illnesses?
What medication do you take normally?
Are you receiving medical treatment at the
moment?
What type?
Since when?
Is this the first time you have had this problem?
Do you have a cold?
What colour is the phlegm?
Are you a drug addict?
How much do you weigh?
Step onto the scales please?
Please lie on the bed
Please take off your shirt
This is a prescription for…
You must take this medication…
…before you go to bed
…three times a day
…in the morning and at night
Dental terms
I need to see the dentist
I have toothache
I have broken a tooth
A filling
Tooth decay
A tooth
A wisdom tooth
Prescribed drugs/treatment
Painkiller
Analgésico
Antibiotics
Antibiótico
Analgesics
Analgésico
Aspirin
Aspirina
Lice treatment
Tratamiento para piojos
Inhaler
Inhalador
Tablet/Pill
Pastilla/Píldora
Capsule
Cápsula
¿Dónde te duele?
¿Tienes fiebre?
¿Tienes alguna alergia?
¿Tienes alguna otra enfermedad?
¿Tomas algún tipo de medicación?
¿Estás recibiendo tratamiento médico en estos
momentos?
¿De qué tipo?
¿Desde cuándo?
¿Es ésta la primera vez que tienes este problema?
¿Tienes catarro?
¿De qué color es la flema?
¿Tienes adicción a alguna droga?
¿Cuánto pesas?
Súbete a las pesas por favor
Acuéstate en la camilla/cama por favor
Sácate la camisa por favor
Ésta es una receta para…
Debes tomarte esta medicina…
…antes de irte a la cama
…tres veces al día
…por la mañana y por la noche
Necesito ver al dentista
Me duele una muela/un diente
Tengo una muela/diente rota/o
Un empaste
Caries
Un diente (front)/Una muela (back)
La muela del juicio
Cream
Injection
Vaccine
Bandage
Sleeping tablet
Tranquiliser
Laxative
Antiseptic
Crema
Inyección
Vacuna
Venda
Pastillas para dormir
Tranquilizante
Laxante
Antiséptico
Human Body
The head
La cabeza
The skull
El Cráneo
Hair
Pelo
Face
Cara
Eye/eyes
Ojo/ojos
Nose
Nariz
Mouth
Boca
Lips
Labios
Tongue
Lengua
Ear
Oreja
(external)/Oído(internal)
Neck
Cuello
Anus
Ano
Penis
Pene
Testicles
Testículos
Vagina
Vagina
Leg
Pierna
Knee
Rodilla
Throat
Garganta
Shoulder
Hombro
Chest
Pecho
Breasts (female)
Pechos
Health problems
An illness
A pain
An injury/wound
An infection
Abscess
Angina
Appendicitis
Arthritis
Asthma
A bite (insect)
Bronchitis
Cancer
Concussion
An insect sting
Sun stroke
Tuberculosis
Typhoid
Ulcer
A wart
Cough
Cyst
Una enfermedad
Un dolor
Una herida
Una infección
Absceso
Angina de pecho
Apendicitis
Artritis
Asma
Una picadura
Bronquitis
Cáncer
Conmoción cerebral
Una picadura de insecto
Insolación
Tuberculosis
Fiebre tifoidea
Úlcera
Una verruga
Catarro
Quiste
Stomach
Back
Arms
Elbow
Hand
Finger
Thumb
Hip
Ankle
Foot
Heel
Toe
Limb
Muscle
Bone
Spinal column
Rib
Skin
Heart
Lungs
Liver
Kidneys
Bladder
Breathing
Blood
Estómago
Espalda
Brazos
Codo
Mano
Dedo
Dedo pulgar
Cadera
Tobillo
Pie
Talón
Dedo del pie
Extremidad
Músculo
Hueso
Columna Vertebral
Costilla
Piel
Corazón
Pulmones
Hígado
Riñones
Vejiga
Respirar
Sangre
Diabetes
An epileptic fit
Fever
Fracture
A hernia
HIV/AIDS
Liver attack
hígado
Leukaemia
Malaria
Migraine
Depression
Pneumonia
Rheumatism
A scar
A scratch
Sprain
Diabetis
Un ataque epiléptico
Fiebre
Fractura
Una hernia
Virus del SIDA
Ataque hepático/del
Leucemia
Malaria
Migraña
Depresión
Pulmonía
Reumatismo
Una cicatriz
Un arañazo
Esquince
23
In Spanish all nouns have a gender, either masculine or feminine (for example, the word for 'house'
(casa) is a feminine noun so 'a house'/'the house' is translated as 'una casa'/'la casa'. The word for
'book' (libro) is a masculine noun so 'a book'/'the book' is translated as 'un libro'/'el libro').
The gender of the word will affect adjectives which refer to that word. For example, if you want to say
'the red house' you would say 'la casa roja'. If you wanted to say 'a red book' you would say 'un libro
rojo'.
Where appropriate, the gender of each form of the word has been given below: masculine forms of
the word are denoted by '(m)', feminine by '(f)'. The plural form of the word (i.e when there is more
than one of the object concerned) is denoted by 'pl'. So, 'these houses' would appear as 'estas casas
(fpl)' and 'those books' would appear as 'esos libros (mpl)'.
Accents may appear above certain vowels, helping pronunciation by indicating where the stress
should be placed in that particular word (e.g. prisión, miércoles, teléfono). In the absence of accents,
words ending in either a vowel or …n / …s will have stress placed on the penultimate syllable (e.g.
nosotros, transferido, urgente). If the word ends in a consonant other than …n / …s, the last syllable
is stressed (e.g. necesitar, enfermedad, espanol)
To have
I have
you (singular) have
he/she has
we have
you (plural) have
they have
Tener
yo tengo
tú tienes
él/ella tiene
nosotros/as tenemos
vosotros/as teneis
ellos/as tienen
(In Spanish, there are two verbs which translate as „to be‟: „ser‟ and „estar‟. „Ser‟ is meant to convey
something permanent (e.g. „I am English‟, „I am a man‟), and „estar‟ is meant to convey something
more temporary like a mood or emotion (e.g. „I am ill‟, or „I am happy‟).
To be
I am
you (singular) are
he/she is
we are
you (plural) are
they are
Ser
yo soy
tú eres
él/ella es
nosotros/as somos
vosotros/as sois
ellos/as son
To be
I am
you (singular) are
he/she is
we are
you (plural) are
they are
Estar
estoy
tú estás
él/ella está
nosotros/as estamos
vosotros/as estais
ellos/as están
To want/I want
To need/I need
To feel/I feel
To have to/I have to
Querer/yo quiero
Necesitar/yo necesito
Sentir/yo siento
Tener que/yo tengo que
To see/I see
To use/I use
To speak/I speak
To write/I write
To go/I go
To be able to
To give
Ver/yo veo
Usar/yo uso
Hablar/yo hablo
Escribir/yo escribo
Ir/yo voy
Poder/yo puedo
Dar/yo doy
Prepositions
After
Before
During
Since
Until
In/inside
Outside
At
From
On
Under/below/beneath
Above
Over
Beside/next to/by
Near to
Through
Towards
Behind
Between
Opposite
With
Without
Después
Antes
Durante
Desde
Hasta
en/dentro
Fuera
en
De/desde
en/encima
Debajo
Encima
por encima de
al lado de
cerca de
a través
hacia
detrás
entre
en frente
con
sin
25
Annexes
ANNEXES
Annex 1: Options to transfer funds to British Nationals Overseas
via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Please note: we can only advance funds to the person overseas, once your payment has
cleared in our account.
1) ELECTRONIC BANK TRANSFERS: Payment by electronic/internet bank transfer
can be made either using online or telephone banking, or at your local bank or
building society.
For all bank transfers, you will need to include the following details:
Bank:
Account Name:
Sort Code:
Account Number:
Reference:
National Westminster Bank
FCO Multi Vote
60-70-80
10012362
FCO case reference number (which you should obtain from
the Consular Officer), surname and first name of the person
you are sending the funds for, plus country name if possible,
e.g.
11-THB-123456 SMITH JOE - THAILAND
or
CON-1234 SMITH JOE – THAILAND
IBAN
SWIFT/BIC
GB56NWBK60708010012362
NWBKGB2L
You may also need our bank address which is:
London Corporate Service Centre, CPB Services, 2nd Floor, 280 Bishopsgate, London,
EC2M 4RB.
1) BY POST
Payments by Postal Order, Bankers Draft or Building Society or personal cheque
should be crossed and make payable to “The Foreign and Commonwealth Office”.
They should be sent to:
Accounts Receivable
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Corporate Service Centre
PO Box 6108
Milton Keynes
MK10 1PX
We recommend that you use Special Delivery.
Please ensure that you include a note briefly explaining who the money is for, why
you are sending these funds and quoting the FCO case reference number. You may
wish to use the payment slip on the next page.
If you would like a receipt, please include a stamped addressed envelope.
26
Please note that it can take approximately 15 days for personal cheques to clear and
for payment to be received. Please write the cheque guarantee number and expiry
date, and the FCO case reference number, on the back of the cheque.
We are unable to receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash.
To: Foreign and Commonwealth Office
FCO case reference number:
Date:
Please find enclosed funds for:
Full Name:
Country/place the above is in:
Amount enclosed:
Fee to be deducted:
Payment method:
My name is:
My address is:
Annex 2: List of English-Speaking Lawyers
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-english-speaking-lawyers-and-translators-in-paraguay
Annex 3: Private Translators/Interpreters
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-translators-and-interpreters-in-paraguay
Annex 4: FCO leaflet: In prison abroad
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/35521/in-prison-abroad.pdf
Annex 5: Prisoners Abroad authorisation form
http://www.prisonersabroad.org.uk/uploads/news/id48/Authorisation%20form%20v3.1%20August%202013.pdf
Annex 6: Prisoners Abroad family contact form
http://www.prisonersabroad.org.uk/uploads/news/id44/Contact_with_Family_Friends.pdf
Annex 7: Prisoners Abroad CFF form
http://www.prisonersabroad.org.uk/uploads/news/id49/Form_cff.pdf
Annex 8: Prisoners Abroad
http://www.prisonersabroad.org.uk/uploads/news/id45/General_leaflet_for_prisoners.pdf
Annex 9: Fair Trials International questionnaire and leaflets
http://www.fairtrials.org/arrested-abroad/
27
Disclaimer
This booklet was compiled by the British Embassy Asunción. It is revised on a regular basis.
If any of the information contained in this booklet is incorrect, please draw inaccuracies to
our attention so that we can make amendments.
The British Embassy in Paraguay is not accountable for the information provided in this
booklet. Local proceedings are subject to change at any time.
Thank you.
12 February 2016
28