Press / Media MSF Press Release 7th June 2007 | MSF Press Release 7th June 2007 |
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Calls for New Counter Terrorism Legislation
The Muslim Safety Forum (MSF) is concerned at the announcement by the Home Secretary to increase the pre-charge detention period from 28 days to 90 days. The MSF throughout years of discussion with senior police officers from both ACPO and the MPS has never received any indication that there was a need for such an increase. "Only recently both the head of counter terrorism for the MPS and CPS have clearly stated that they see no need for an increase in the pre-charge detention period." Said Mujib Miah, chair of the MSF. He further added, "what we need first is to consider the impact of the current legislation on the Muslim community, when already the National head of counter terrorism has admitted that the use of s.44 is not only of limited value but that it is counter productive, what logic is there in legislating more heavy handed and disproportionate legislation. The message we are receiving from all levels of the security service is that it is vital that we increase the partnership with affected communities, measures such as these could have the effect of damaging that relationship." The MSF has on many occasions asked the Home Office to carry out an Impact Assessment on the adverse effect of current legislations on community relations. We will continue to work in a comprehensive manner looking at the best way to deal with the threat of Terrorism that will help us tackle the real issues. We look forward to discussing this further with the Home Office.
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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) |
