Daniel James (British soldier)
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| Daniel James | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Place of birth | IRAN |
| Allegiance | British Army |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Afghanistan Campaign |
Daniel James, born Esmail (Essi) Gamasai[1], 44, is a British Army corporal has been charged with a violation of the official secrets act for alleged passing information to Iran. James, formerly the interpreter and sometimes driver for British Army Lieutenant-General David Richards , who commands the NATO forces in Afghanistan. Corporal James was primarily employed as an interpreter and driver for General Richards[2] and speaks fluent Pashtun and Persian. He is thought to have passed information to Iran about British activities in Helmand Province.
[edit] Arrest and Appearance
James' charges were read in the City of Westminster Magistrates' Court in London and was charged under Section 1 of the Official Secrets Act. Action was taken very quickly, so that Lord Goldsmith had not approved the prosecution before James was told of the charge. The full charge read on court on 2 November 2006 was that he would be charged for a "purpose prejudicial to the safety of the State and that he "communicated to be directly or indirectly useful to the enemy." If convicted, James faces imprisonment for not less than three years and not more than fourteen years[1]. He has been brought before Senior District Judge Timothy Workman and he is being represented by his lawyer, Martyn Fischer[3]. He will be held until 27 December 2006[4]. The Ministry of Defence has refused comments. [5]
