IMPERIAL STUDENTS TAKE STAND ON THREAT TO ACADEMIC FREEDOMS

Imperial College Union Press Release

Tuesday 21st December 2004

Following a motion passed at its governing body last week, Imperial College Union is to campaign for the right of terror suspect and former Imperial student Babar Ahmad to receive a fair trial in the UK . Students expressed concern that the threatened extradition of Mr Ahmad to face trial in the United States could set a dangerous precedent for students at the College, which carries out a high level of research in the information technology sector.

Mr Ahmad, who studied computing at Imperial College , was working as a member of IT staff in the Mechanical Engineering department when he was first arrested under the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act (2001). He was released after a week without charge, during which time it is alleged that he was assaulted by the police, but was rearrested in August this year under new measures which allow a suspect to be extradited to the US without evidence being presented of the crime they are accused of.

In the motion passed by the Union 's Council, it was noted that "due to the high level of sensitive research and technical capabilities of undergraduates and postgraduates, Imperial College students may be at risk from the government's Anti Terrorism, Crime and Security Act (2001) because of their political beliefs or affiliations and this is exemplified in the Babar Ahmad case".

Writing for student newspaper Felix, Union President Mustafa Arif expressed concern about the current climate of security both on campus and in the country at large: "One of the basic principles of academia is the freedom to explore the boundaries of knowledge. Draconian security practises do not, in my mind engender the sort of culture in which academics and students feel 'free'". He also expressed concern that future government legislation may lead to security vetting of students that may prevent individuals from studying certain subjects on the basis of their nationality or beliefs.

Imperial College Union has pledged to support the 'Free Babar Ahmad' campaign, to campaign for his human rights to be respected in court proceedings, for a fair trial in the UK and a full investigation into the alleged assault on Babar Ahmad while in police custody. The Union also agreed to ensure that any form of discrimination experienced by Imperial students both on and off campus is dealt with thoroughly.

For further information contact:

Elin Morgan Press & Information Co-ordinator Imperial College Union

e.morgan@imperial.ac.uk

(020) 7594 8153

Notes for Editors
Imperial College provides an education to some of the finest Engineering, Science, Medical and Management Students in the country and is consistently ranked one of the best. Imperial College Union provides a correspondingly high level of service for the non-educational needs of our members. We provide the largest number of Clubs and Societies of any Union , as well as campaigning on our members' behalf for a wide variety of social, educational and political issues.

Information on the 'Free Babar Ahmad' campaign can be found at www.freebabarahmad.co.uk.