PLAID Cymru AM Lindsay Whittle has called for the release of Blackwood computer worker Matthew Davies who has been jailed in Indonesia.

The South Wales East AM has written to both the Indonesian Ambassador in the UK and the UK Ambassador in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.

Matthew Davies has been locked up in jail for six weeks without charge for visa irregularities.

Lindsay Whittle, who was contacted by a Welsh ex-pat in Jakarta, has asked the acting UK Ambassador, Rebecca Razavi, to “urge the Indonesian authorities to release Mr Davies”.

“I hope that the British Embassy has been in regular contact with Mr Davies and offering translation services to him,” he wrote. Lindsay Whittle said he understood Mr Davies had a working visa but it ran out.

Lindsay Whittle said: “It is a matter of grave concern that Mr Davies is stuck in jail for visa irregularities with criminals including people on murder and rape.

“I understand that the facilities at the jail where Matthew is held are primitive and very cramped. He is a difficult situation with no money.

“I am very concerned that the Indonesian authorities have been heavy-handed in their treatment of Matthew. I hope the UK Ambassador will press the case with the Indonesian authorities and the Indonesian Ambassador will raise the concerns of Matthew’s families and friends with his government on my behalf.”