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Devyani Khobragade's maid Sangeeta Richard, in her first public statement, has thanked those who supported her in fight for justice.
Her statement came shortly after the senior Indian diplomat was indicted for visa fraud and making false statements by a grand jury.
Here’s the text of the statement:
“I would like to tell other domestic workers who are suffering as I did -- you have rights and do not let anyone exploit you.
“When I decided to come to the United States, my hope was to work for a few years to support my family and then return to India. I never thought that things would get so bad here, that I would work so much that I did not have time to eat or sleep or have time to myself. Because of this treatment, I requested that I return to India but that request was denied.
“I hope that this case sends a clear message to diplomats and consular officials that the US will not tolerate the exploitation of workers and marks the beginning of an increase in the prosecution of these cases.
“I would like to express my appreciation to everyone who has supported me through this process.”
Full text of the jury indictment
The exhibits submitted by US prosecutors
US Attorney Preet Bharara's letter to the New York court