Protection of Prisoners held Abroad

We all think that as Americans we have some protection provided to us by our government when we travel the world. Think again.

In the case of Lestat Montevideo, I believe that the US Embassy in Bolivia has gone as far as providing assistance to the prosecution of the case. That story I will save for another day.

When he was arrested almost two years ago, the Consulate did go out and visit him and also provide, food and water(which is paid for by the family, or by loans given to the prisoner by the government). They came every few months to do this.

When Mr Montevideo started having doubts about their motives, he asked that they not visit with him, or provide food. Because of this, they have cut off all contact. Even at the request of the family they have refused to check on his well being.

I believe that they should still be trying to protect his right to a standard of living. He should not be beaten, he should be provided with basic necessities of living, toilet, shower, food, water. He should have heat and not be forced to live with rats. He should be allow to have light and a mattress and blankets.

These are all things listed on the United Nations standard of minimum rules of the treatment of prisoners.

When there is reason to believe that these basic rights have been violated, the Consulate should arrange a visit to the prison to investigate the abuse.

In this case they may only call the prison and ask the very people that have been abusing Lestat if the accusation is true. You may have already guessed what their answer is!

Knowing that no investigation will take place and no action will ever happen on behalf of the inmate, the abuse continues, and in fact escalates.

So my question is.. Do we as Americans, have the rights afforded to us not only by the UN but also by the government under which we live?( See state department web site).
Should conditions be placed on the level of care the US gives us based upon who we are or what we have been accused of, or the political climate between the US and the country of incarceration?
Should one be allowed to reject certain aspects of help while reserving the right to ask for other forms of assistance?
In my experience with this case, the government seems to pick and choose what assistance they will offer with no real regard for the human being that is facing the horrors of existing in a Bolivian prison. Can we do anything about it? Probably not.
So maybe think twice when traveling abroad, you may not have as much protection as you think.