Anand Jon's family appeals to Obama to ensure "justice"

Alleging that Anand Jon was a victim of "conspiracy", "racism" and "prosecution misconduct", the family of the Indian-American fashion designer convicted of sexually assaulting budding models Monday appealed to US President Barack Obama to ensure "justice" for him.

"President Obama should look into the issue. Being a person of colour, he knows about racial prejudice. If he does not, I will launch a fast-unto-death demanding justice... We want the Indian government to intervene as well," Jon's sister Sanjana told reporters in New Delhi.

The family is in India to drum up support for the 'Free Anand Jon' campaign before a crucial April 1 hearing at a Los Angeles court on defence arguments that he deserves a re-trial on the grounds of "prosecutorial and juror misconduct."

Friends and well-wishers of Jon will stage a march before the US embassy in Delhi on Wednesday in support of the demands.

The 34-year-old designer who dressed celebrities like Janet Jackson and Paris Hilton, was convicted by a Los Angeles Superior Court jury in November of 16 criminal counts, including sexually assaulting would-be models. The family presented a "witness", a US-based model named Lauren Boyette, who claimed that Jon was the victim of a "conspiracy" by one of the alleged victims.

Jon's mother Shashi Abraham said American media should "write the truth". "He has even been denied bail and is in solitary confinement for the last two years. The Indian government should not sit and watch, America should stand for justice." The family has also got support from the students union of Delhi University law faculty, several members of which were present in the press meet.