Overview
- The pair, identified as Holly Cooper and Taylor Johnson, were detained at Istanbul Airport on April 26 while transiting from Thailand to London after officials said two suitcases contained cannabis.
- They were moved from an airport holding cell to prison and currently rely on state-appointed lawyers, with potential prison terms reported between 10 and 30 years if convicted.
- A UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said officials are supporting the two detainees and their families and are in contact with Turkish authorities.
- Friends and relatives started online fundraisers to pay for legal fees, and several reports say at least one GoFundMe page was later taken down.
- Relatives allege Johnson was beaten in a crowded cell and say the couple were exploited by criminals, claims reported by several outlets that have not been independently verified, as the UK’s National Crime Agency has warned of gangs recruiting holidaymakers as couriers.