Canadian Brenda Martin spent Friday night languishing in a Mexican jail, despite assurances from that country's government that a decision in her case would be made that day.
Martin, who has not been convicted of any crime, has spent two years and 20 days in a Guadalajara prison. She had been told through an email sent by Mexico's foreign affairs minister that she would receive a verdict in her human rights case today.
However, when Martin placed a call to Mexico's ambassador to Canada on Friday she was told nothing had changed.
"The only hope I had was for today and right now I have no hope left," an audibly sobbing Martin reported by phone on CTV's "Mike Duffy Live" Friday evening. "I don't deserve to be left here like this... I don't deserve this."
Her lawyers have argued she was not treated in accordance with international law when she was not provided a translator during police interviews.
Martin says she did not have a fair trial and has not been given a verdict in all the time she has been imprisoned. If the courts find her rights have been violated, her release could be immediate.
The 51-year-old Trenton, Ont. woman is charged with being involved in an online fraud scheme. Her troubles started after working as a cook in 2001 for Alyn Richard Waage, an Alberta businessman living in Mexico.
After she had been fired and given a severance package, her boss was charged, convicted, and sentenced to 10 years in prison for running an internet fraud scheme. He had bilked clients in the United States and Canada for more than $60 million.
The Mexicans have alleged her severance package was part of a money laundering operation.
Martin has maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings.
Liberal MP Dan McTeague is calling for the government to write a diplomatic note of protest to Mexico, a document imploring that country's government to act in accordance with its treaties.
"Brenda finds herself languishing in a prison as a result of government indifference," he told Mike Duffy on Friday. "I demand (Helena Guergis and Stephen Harper) put together a diplomatic note... Do it now and I guarantee in a week she'll be out."
Martin is currently on suicide watch and says she feels like she is on the cusp of a psychotic break.
"I'm not able to cope," she said Friday. "I'm not able to get out of my bed to go to the bathroom. I go to the bathroom in my bed sometimes... I'm scared for my life. I need to get out of here."
