PDS Advocates language skills – Bengali, Italian & Spanish

PDS Advocates Supporting Defendants Through Their Language Skills

The Public Defender Service is pleased to highlight three advocates whose language skills are helping defendants feel more supported and better understood during criminal proceedings.

Pina Silvio, who is fluent in Italian and Spanish, Moshuda Ullah, who is fluent in Bengali, and Francesca Alozie, who is fluent in Italian, can communicate directly with clients in their own language. For many defendants — particularly those who are anxious, unfamiliar with the justice system, or concerned about giving instructions in English — this makes a significant difference.

Speaking with an advocate in a familiar language helps clients feel at ease, reduces the risk of misunderstandings, and supports clearer and more effective case preparation. It also ensures that cultural and linguistic nuances are properly understood, which is often crucial when dealing with sensitive or complex matters. To emphasise this, Pina Silvio has represented foreign clients in large-scale Italian Mafia and Colombian (Spanish‑speaking) cartel drug importation cases. The benefit to these defendants lies in being advised and giving instructions directly in their own language, without the need for an interpreter, thereby maintaining the highest level of confidentiality.

The PDS remains committed to providing accessible, high‑quality representation for all defendants. Solicitors or clients wishing to work with Pina, Moshuda, or Francesca should contact the PDS Advocacy Team Clerking Team for further information. By email pdsclerks@justice.gov.uk and by telephone 0203-334-4253