The family of Daniel Duggan, a former US Marine Corps pilot and Australian citizen, has made a renewed appeal for his release after he has spent 1000 days in maximum security at Bathurst Prison, NSW. Duggan, 55, is currently awaiting extradition to the United States, where he is accused of receiving $100,000 for allegedly providing services linked to a military operation; however, he has consistently denied these allegations.
His wife, Saffrine Duggan, has publicly called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Attorney-General Michelle Rowland to take action in her husband’s case. In a heartfelt statement, she emphasised that her husband remains imprisoned without any charges in Australia, questioning how this situation can persist in a democratic nation. She expressed urgency, stating, “Surely that can’t stand in a free, sovereign Australia,” and urged the leaders to “help your fellow Aussies.”
Saffrine has also expressed gratitude towards the many Australians who continue to show their support for Duggan during this challenging period. Despite submitting a thorough 89-page legal document to the previous Attorney-General to contest his extradition, the extradition approval was granted in December. Duggan’s legal team is now preparing to challenge this decision in the Federal Court, with a court date set for August.
As Duggan’s family seeks justice, the case has raised questions about the rights of Australian citizens detained under overseas charges and the government’s role in protecting its citizens.