Press / Media MSF Press Release 16th July 2007 | MSF Press Release 16th July 2007 |
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Pre Charge Detention “as long as it takes” The Muslim Safety Forum (MSF) is concerned over the recent announcements in the media by Chief of ACPO Ken Jones calling for a change in law to hold suspects pre-charge “for as long as it takes”. The comments have resulted in newspapers headlines such as "Lock terror suspects up indefinitely say police", which will only erode police community relations. Mujib Miah, the MSF Chair said, “The last time senior police officers engaged in discussion regarding issues of constitutional boundaries separating legislator and enforcer it created many confusions and impacted community confidence. This is a matter for Parliament and impacts the wider Human Rights agenda, so we cannot allow short term thinking to erode long term values of our society.” The MSF have over many years helped build a growing and mature relation between the police and the Muslim community, the lack of consultation on this fundamental issue threatens to undo the goodwill within the community. “It is important to reflect on our recent past; the impact of internment on the Irish community was counter productive” stated Mujib Miah. He further stated, “The MSF is fully supportive of the police’s need to ensure our safety and security and it looks forward to be involved in discussions to understand how this may be achieved balancing the needs of security with liberty.” END Note for Editors: The MSF is made up of national and regional Islamic organisations including: Al Ershad Centre, Al Ikhlas Foundation / Muslim Prisoners Support Group, Al Khoei Foundation, Al Maghrib, Al Muntada Al Islami, Amal Trust, AMP – BTP, AMP – MPS, An Nisa Society, Bangla 2000 - 1990 Trust, Barnet Muslim Advisory Group, Basildon Islamic Centre, British Muslim Forum (BMF), Eritrean Muslim Community, FAIR, FOSIS, IFE, Iqra Trust, ISB, Islamic Cultural Centre, Kingswood Islamic Committee, LMC, MAB, MCB, Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, Muslim Directory, Muslim Parliament, Muslim Voices, Muslimaat UK, Q News, Somali Muslim Community, Cage Prisoners, The Avenue School, The Muslim College, UKIM, Women’s Relief, YMO, UMO The MSF is the key advisory body for the Police Service and has signed a working protocol with the Metropolitan Police & ACPO to build better police / community relations. It has been advising the police on matters of safety and security from the Muslim perspective for over five years now. It meets on a monthly basis with senior representatives of ACPO and the MPS, the MPA, Home Office, CPS and the IPCC amongst others. If you have any further queries then please contact: Azad Ali (07956 527 296) or Abdurahman Jafar (07905 891 299) |
