The Irene Fernandez trial should never have taken place. It was a pathetic attempt by the authorities to blot out the conscience of the nation, which was largely oblivious to the torture, abuse, dehumanisation and corruption that goes on in our detention camps.

While we are deeply engrossed in the trial proceedings, let us not forget the larger issue that is fundamental to this trial, namely, we as a society that is purportedly a caring society, have by and large chosen to turn a blind eye to the injustices and gross violations of human rights that is going on in our very midst.

We want the migrant labour to clean and build our streets and homes, to build our tallest buildings, to run our machines and in general, to do work that is dirty, dangerous and often degrading. Yet, when they are detained - very often unfairly - incarcerated, tortured and dehumanised, we do not want to know about it.

Irene decided to do something about it, and she is paying the price. But the price will not be in vain if we wake up to the violation and injustices, and add our voices to hers.

We can only become a truly developed and proud nation if we have a conscience that is sensitive to the injustices and sufferings of others in our society, especially the weak, marginalised and voiceless.

For me and my family, we are most proud of Irene, and we are determined to continue the struggle that she has begun until this blight in our society is wipe out.

I find the findings of the court incredible, especially with regard to the facts of the cases with regard to detainees being stripped, torture, deplorable toilets, lack of food, lack of medical care, illness, deaths, corruption, and sexual abuse.

The fact that the court relied almost entirely on the evidence of police officers and camp officials, and a cursory visit to the camp, and the utter disregard of the defence witnesses (who were former detainees) shows either its complete naivete or unwillingness to face reality.

I regard the findings of the court a complete mockery of justice. It is an insult to the intelligence of any sane human person, and it raises serious questions about the role of the court in the political system of the country.

I challenge the authorities, especially those who are involved in running the camps to come forward and to swear by whatever they hold sacred, that the evidence produced by the defence is false.

Joseph Paul, husband of Irene Fernandez, wrote the above letter in court while the verdict was being read out by the magistrate yesterday.