...that what is often taken for granted here is not necessarily true in other countries. There are a number of problems with the justice system in the United States, however, it is generally accepted that the rights of the individual will be protected. This is not true of other countries, albeit the United States does have treaties which allow for prisoner exchanges and transfers with a number of other countries.
American citizens are able to contact the American embassy in countries that have diplomatic relationships with the United States. If an individual or group is arrested in these countries, the embassy or consulate personnel is able to act, in a limited manner, as advocate for themluding providing information and emergency funding.
There are many instances where American citizens are incarcerated and the government chooses not to intercede. These are generally those cases where drugs and, or, illegal firearms are involved, although the consideration for prisoner transfer is not hampered by the type or seriousness of a charge. The involvement of the press and, or, human rights agencies also brings attention...