Press / Media MSF Press Release 6 December 2007 | MSF Press Release 6 December 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Increase of Pre-Charge Detention period is against the will of the British people The MSF is strongly against the proposed increase to the current 28-day limit on pre charge detention. There is no evidence for this increase from either the Police or the Home Office, and to use hypothetical situations like “Operation Overt” type incidents cannot be considered as justification for seeking this increase. We already have the highest pre-charge detention period in the West. The government needs to consider the recommendations of the Metropolitan Police Authority who have stated “in tackling the threat we face this country must not sacrifice any of the fundamental principles on which British society is founded – liberty, democracy, equality of law”. Mujib Miah, the MSF Chair said, “the government is sending conflicting messages. In one breath it says the rules of the game has not changed and that it needs to win hearts and mind, yet in the very next breath it calls for draconian legislation that threatens the values of our society” The MSF has performed in depth consultation with the Police on these matters and has not come across one single Anti-terrorist officer who has argued for an extension beyond 28 days. In fact many have stated that there is no evidence for such a call, including DAC Peter Clarke the now Acting National head of Anti-terrorism in the UK. “The government must not ignore the consensus of the British people that has accumulated against the proposal. This includes the views of senior police officers, the Director of Public Prosecution, politicians from all shades, the Home affairs Select Committee, Human Rights organisations and the overwhelming majority of those consulted by the Home Office.” stated Mujib Miah. 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)
|
