Islamic Human Rights Commission

17 May 2005

Press Release: IHRC Condemns Court Decision to Extradite Babar Ahmad

IHRC condemns the decision by District Judge Timothy Workman to approve the extradition of Babar Ahmad to the US.

In doing so, the Judge has set a dangerous precedent whereby British citizens may be extradited to American custody without any evidence of wrongdoing. IHRC notes that on the contrary, the UK must provide evidence before any extradition of American citizens to Britain can take place.

IHRC Chair, Massoud Shadjareh stated: "This is further evidence that British citizens are no longer seen as equal in the eyes of the Americans which is symbolic of the slave-master relationship we currently have with the US."

IHRC is also extremely shocked that the decision to extradite was taken despite concrete evidence from American legal experts that Babar would suffer gross human rights abuses if extradited to US custody.

IHRC calls upon all campaigners to continue fighting for justice for Babar and all political prisoners both in the UK and abroad.

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