Family of Brit found dead in Israel face autopsy translation costs

The family of a woman found dead in Israel face having to pay to translate her autopsy from Hebrew, ministers have been told.

SNP MP Hannah Bardell urged the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to assist the relatives of Julie Pearson as they seek more answers about her death last year.

A photo of Ms Pearson lying in her coffin was released by her family earlier this year, with questions and concerns raised about the investigation and circumstances of her death.

It has been reported the Israeli post-mortem stated she died of natural causes.

Speaking in the Commons, Ms Bardell (Livingston) told Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood: “You will recall the case of my constituent Deborah Pearson and her niece Julie Pearson, who was killed in Israel last year – her family are constituents of (Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, SNP MP for Ochil and South Perthshire).

“We now have the autopsy report. It is in Hebrew, however, and her family – it’s being suggested by the FCO – should assume the cost for that.

“Can you tell me if this is something the FCO can support on? I’m grateful for your support so far, but her family are desperate and they need more support.

“Will you consider further help?”

Mr Ellwood replied: “This has been a very difficult case for the family and everybody involved and we’ve been able to meet a number of Members of Parliament that are involved.

“I also raised this with the Israeli authorities as well.

“It is not normal for the Foreign Office to provide the translation facilities.

“Perhaps if we can discuss this outside the chamber, we can work through something to provide assistance to the family.”