Moazzam is an internationally recognised figure on issues relating to due process and human rights. His advocacy on behalf of the Guantanamo Bay detainees has been recognised across the world, resulting in various governments accepting detainees who could not be returned to their countries of origin.
Cerie Bullivant, Media Officer of CAGE said:
“Moazzam has been very open about his international travel and his objectives, including importantly exposing British complicity in rendition and torture. The timing of Moazzam‘s arrest given his travel to Syria took place in December 2012 requires a detailed explanation. The timing coincides with the planned release of a CAGE report on Syria and a major news piece that was due to be televised soon. As with David Miranda it seems those who are engaged in exposing abuse of powers are targeted and smeared to prevent disclosure of vital evidence.”
“We are also concerned that the Police and the security services are using the wide scope of terrorism laws, and applying them in Syria to set precedents that will make legitimate activity unlawful in future.”
Asim Qureshi, Research Director of CAGE said:
“CAGE calls on all defenders of civil liberties and the rule of law to stand up and protest against the serious curtailment of yet another victim. The message may be unpalatable to those who wish to shroud their abuse in secrecy but that can never justify an attack on the messengers.”
“We are disgusted that Moazzam Begg is being retraumatised with the same guilt by association accusations that resulted in his unlawful incarceration in Guantanamo Bay. We fully support our colleague and see his arrest as politically motivated and as part of a campaign to criminalise legitimate activism.”
[ENDS]
NOTES:
1. CAGE (formerly known as CagePrisoners) is an independent advocacy organisation that works to empower communities affected by the War on Terror and to highlight abuses of prisoners’ rights.
2. For further information on our work on Syria, please refer to these articles by Moazzam Begg:
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01.03.2014 21:11
Moazzem Begg has been remanded in custody. Here is the BBC version:
Here is a statement from SACC (Scotland against Criminalising Communities):
There was a demonstration of several hundred on Moazzem’s behalf outside West Midlands Police headquarters in Birmingham. I didn’t make it as it’s some distance – five hours by train from Edinburgh.
Wikipedia article on Moazzem (not written by me):
Pictures and text from a symposium on Guantanamo from 2003 (held in London) at which Phyllis Bennis spoke. Moazzem’s father was also there. This was coincidentally the year of Bush’s state visit to Britain – you may remember they toppled a giant statue of him in Trafalgar Square:
That symposium was 11 years ago – when will Gitmo close? Do Americans even know about the many detainees who have been cleared for release for years and yet are still likely to die in illegal custody?
Paul.
Paul O'Hanlon
e-mail:
o_hanlon@hotmail.com