Indian court bails British eco-activist arrested for carrying satellite phone

A British environmental campaigner detained in India under anti-terriorism laws for possessing a satellite phone without permission was today freed on bail. Andy Pag, 35, was driving in an old school bus fuelled by chip fat when Indian police arrested him last Sunday after receiving a tip-off from the army. He was released today after over a week in custody, and his trial date was set for 23 January. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison. Pag, who set off from London three and a half months ago on a trip powered only by biofuel, says he was unaware that he needed permission to bring a satellite phone into India. He was arrested in Pushkar, after entering India from its border with Pakistan, and was held in prison in Ajmer, Rajasthan, after being charged under a section of the Indian Information Technology Act, which requires permission to carry a satellite phone. Andy's sister, Francesca Pagnacco, said: "He is obviously very relieved at this development and we are all elated. But he is still facing a charge that carries a 10-year sentence so it's a big concern. The prison experience was very frightening for him and he doesn't want to go back in." Pag was released on bail of £500 and cannot leave India before his trial.