ACLJ Assists in Securing Release of US Missionary Jailed in Haiti

(Washington, DC) - The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), focusing on constitutional and international human rights law, said today it is grateful that Danny Pye, a Christian missionary from Florida, has been freed from a jail in Jacmel, Haiti where he's been held without charges for more than five months.

"The freedom now enjoyed by Danny Pye is long overdue and we're delighted he is being reunited with his family," said Jordan Sekulow, ACLJ Counsel and Director of International Operations.  "The fact that he was detained and held for months in jail with no charges of any kind is very troubling and points to the fact that the judicial system in Haiti is badly in need of reform.  We're pleased that we were able to assist in a team effort both in this country and in Haiti that has resulted in the release of Danny."

Danny, who's been working in Haiti for eight years, was detained and jailed in October 2010 after resolving a property dispute in a civil court hearing.  Without explanation or any formal charges filed, authorities took him into custody after the hearing and he has been jailed since.

Danny's wife, Leann - who is pregnant - says she immediately began working to get her husband released, but ran into numerous problems along the way.  It's been an emotional rollercoaster for the family.  Danny was scheduled to be released from jail on Christmas Eve.  A second judge determined that Danny had been illegally detained and signed orders for his release, but before Danny could leave the jail, the judge who initially put him in jail overruled that decision and ordered that he remain in custody.

Last week, Leann contacted the ACLJ seeking assistance and ACLJ attorneys began working on the U.S. efforts to secure Danny's release.  In Washington, the ACLJ met with the Ambassador of Haiti to the U.S. and discussed the matter with officials of the U.S. State Department.  The ACLJ also has been working with government officials in Haiti - including Danny's attorney there.  Haitian have authorities agreed to release him without citing a reason or commenting.

Danny is scheduled to return home to Florida.  His reunion with his family comes at a special time - Leann is expecting their second child in just a matter of days.

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice is based in Washington, D.C.