An American couple detained in a Kuwait prison will now go free.
U.S Army Veteran Monique Coverson and her partner, Larissa Joseph were sentenced to more than 20 years behind bars on what family members said were trumped-up drug possession charges.
But according to a Change.org update posted by Coverson’s sister, the couple is slated to be released.
“My mother and myself learned that my sister, Monique, and Larissa, will be released TODAY, following the ruling of INNOCENT based on last Monday’s appeal. I cannot say thank you enough for the prayers, the well wishes, and for all who stood standing against all odds for both our girls.”
After active duty, Monique and Larissa later returned to the country to work as military contractors. On May 8, 2015, their house was raided and police confiscated an ounce of a “tobacco-like” substance, according to the petition which called for the U.S. government to intervene.
After being sent to a German lab for testing, it was determined to be a substance that is completely legal in Kuwait. Yet, the women remained in custody.
After eight months of uncharged incarceration, the one ounce of legal substance turned into one pound of marijuana on Jan. 12. Monique and Larissa were sentenced to 20-25 years in prison.
