Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Prime Minister David Cameron has intervened personally to help a 12-year-old boy who wrote him a letter last year pleading for help after his family allegedly took and kept him in Qatar under false pretences, Downing Street confirmed today.
Adam Jones claimed he was "kidnapped" by his uncle after he visited Qatar with his mother Rebecca Jones in October 2009.
On the Bring Adam Home campaign website, Ms Jones describes how members of Adam's late father's family made her sign documents, written in Arabic, that she could not read. The documents apparently allowed them to begin custody proceedings against her, and they then took her son.
In Adam's handwritten letter, dated May 25 2011, he tells Mr Cameron that he is not allowed out and is being abused by his uncle's sons. He said his mother is allowed to visit but they are "not allowed to laugh or use the kitchen to get a drink".
Part of the letter, which begins "Dear Prime Minister, PLEASE HELP ME", read: "I was kidnapped by my uncle. I miss my family and friends. My life very bad and not fun because of him."
He went on: "I am most terrified of my uncle Fahad, I have been kicked and punched by his kids and shouted. Plus I can't call my mom. I am terrified and scared please please help me."
Downing Street today confirmed the Prime Minister has raised the case with his Qatari counterpart.
A spokeswoman said: "The Prime Minister has raised this case with the Prime Minister of Qatar. He believes that it is important that the child's views are taken into account as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child."
The Foreign Office are also providing Ms Jones with consular assistance and looking at how best to support her, the spokeswoman added.
The campaign website also shows a letter written to Adam from Downing Street dated July 12 2011, partly handwritten and signed by Mr Cameron.
It read: "I was very sorry to read that you are so unhappy. I can see how difficult things are for you. I know it must be very hard to be separated from your mum and your family and friends.
"I want you to know that I am worried about you. I have spoken to the Prime Minister of Qatar about your situation and I will make sure that we continue to do what we can to help you and your family."
He added, in his own handwriting: "I will keep trying on this - Yours, David."
Ms Jones and her son live in Bahrain and both are UK passport holders.
Adam's Qatari father died in 2005. He and Ms Jones had already separated but maintained good relations until his death. Adam's mother decided to keep up those relations with her ex-husband's family for her son's sake, according to the campaign website.
But on a visit to Qatar so Adam could see his frail grandmother, Ms Jones said she was tricked and Adam was taken by his uncle.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments