Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait
Kuwait, Oct 17: Finally, a sigh of relief for all those who followed the sad news of Melwin Fernandes, who was jailed for last eight months for carrying a medicine banned in Kuwait without his knowledge. Perhaps the biggest relief is for his wife, kids and other family members who have spent anxious moments over the past several months, leaving no stone unturned to get him released.
Finally, Melwin is out of jail. He was released on Thursday October 16 at 9 pm, well in advance of the scheduled release. There is no doubt that unflinching efforts from friends, families, community organisations and others, and particularly his wife Carol, have helped him to come out of jail. Since he was innocent, prayers and support poured in from all corners of the world through various media including social networking sites.
Melwin with his wife Carol after the release
Speaking to daijiworld, Melwin Fernandes said that he paid the price for helping someone he knew for the past few years, but never imagined it would have such serious consequences. Overwhelmed with the support he got from around the world, he had no words to thank all the people who helped him, and stood by his family during the time of extreme difficulty.
An emotional Carol Fernandes, who spoke to daijiworld late night, could not hold back her tears of joy, and said she did not know how to react to this great moment. "This is perhaps the happiest day of my life, my kids would have been happy if they were here, but they are back home. They never knew that their father was in jail."
Carol Fernandes landed in Kuwait from Karkala three weeks ago, after Elias Sanctis sponsored her trip to Kuwait. Tracy Sanctis accompanied her to guide her in Kuwait.
Several individuals and organisation extended support to Melwin, including Pascal Pinto, KCWA, Fr Noel, the Indian Embassy, and many more. They have reportedly helped Melwin in getting released from jail.
Carol Fernandes will issue a media release in the coming days with full details.
Earlier update:
Melwin Fernandes set to walk out from Kuwait jail soon
Daijiworld Media Network-Kuwait
Mangalore, Oct 16: Melwin Fernandes who was in Kuwait jail for unknowingly carrying a parcel of banned medicine is expected to be released from jail on Sunday, Oct 19.
Hailing from Karkala, Fernandes was arrested by authorities at Kuwait airport on February 9, 2014, for carrying and possessing the prohibited drug tramadol used as pain killer.
Speaking exclusively to Daijiworld from Kuwait, Carol Fernandes, wife of Melwin Fernandes said, “Release formalities are underway, since Thursday, the last working day of the week for Kuwait. There are still some formalities which are pending. If all goes well, he will be out from jail latest by Sunday”.
"There are all possibilities of Melwin coming out of jail, today at 4 pm we were asked to complete the formalities. I am hopeful that Melwin will be out of jail soon. Thanks to each and everyone who prayed and supported us in this case", she said.
Carol Fernandes had flown in from Karkala to fight for her husband's release three weeks ago, leaving her two little children back home. “I am surprised that I have started receiving 'congratulatory' messages from morning itself. I am pained that wrong messages were spread around the social networking sites and Whatsapp about my husband. I am thankful for all those for good wishes, but kindly wait for Melwin to come out officially”, she said requesting to continue to pray for him and the family.
"Once he comes back, I will convey all the details to everyone through Daijiworld", she informed.