The family of the Irish woman being held on drugs charges in Peru says they are is confident she will be fully exonherated.
The family of Michaella McCollum Connolly from Dungannon have issued a statement saying they are making arrangements to travel to Peru to visit her.
She and her Scottish friend Melissa Reid stand accused of smuggling 11 kilograms of cocaine which was found in their luggage last week.
The family says it is “shocked and distressed” at the events.
Michaela has been questioned by the police and has denied involvement in any criminal offence. She will be appearing before an examining judge shortly.
Speaking on behalf of the family Peter Madden, of Madden & Finucane, said Michaela’s family fully support her and they are making arrangements to travel to Peru.
They have contacted support groups in Lima to ensure that her current needs are met.
Meanwhile, Peter Madden, who is representing the family spoke to Michaela last night and she has denied that she is guilty of any offence.
The families solicitor added she is well and that she is not on hunger strike contrary to reports.
And he said Michealla was finding it difficult to cope with the current situation, so far from home, but she is optimistic.
Meanwhile, the girls’ court appearance has been postponed until next week.
The Daily Mirror’s U.S. editor Chris Bucktin is in Lima – and interviewed the women in their police holding cell.
He’s been outlining the reason for the delay……
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