The Muslim Safety Forum

MSF Press Release 10th June 2008 

      
Say no to the 42 days pre-charge detention

The Muslim Safety Forum (MSF) urges MPs to listen to the overwhelming voices of reason and vote against the extension of the pre-charge detention from 28 days to 42 days. The MSF held discussions with senior key officials in the Police, CPS and Security Services working in this field and all of them indicated that the extension is not evidence based and it is not desirable.

Mujib Miah, Chair of the MSF stated; “over the last few months we held several detailed meetings with the Home Office and senior police officers and we have not been presented with any evidence to support this extension.  In fact we found that senior police officers are against the idea as it would be counter productive and alienate the support of the community it seeks to build greater partnership.”

He further added; “in light of the recent launch of the Prevent strategy by the Home Office and its focus on ‘hearts and minds’; this proposed extension to pre-charge detention will only serve to make it more difficult for the police service to do their work.  We urge our politicians to maintain the dignity, values, and principles of our human rights framework and vote against this proposal”.

END

Note for Editors:
MSF is an Independent  Advisory Body to the Police Service and has signed a working protocol with the Metropolitan Police & ACPO to build better police  and community relations. It has been advising the police on matters of safety and security from the Muslim perspective for over six years.  It meets on a monthly basis with senior representatives of ACPO and the MPS, the MPA, Home Office, CPS and the IPCC amongst others. 

The MSF is made up of national and regional Islamic organisations.

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