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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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21 February 2008

PRESS RELEASE: Trinidad and Tobago – Concern over decision to extradite ‘terror’ suspects

Justice Nolan Bereaux of the Port of Spain Sixth Civil Court announced on Monday 18 February 2008 that Trinidadian Kareem Ibrahiim and Guyanese nationals Abdul Kadir and Abdel Nur are to be extradited to the U.S. This decision came as a denial to the writ of habeas corpus which had been launched by the defence team of the accused after a verdict for their extradition in August 2007. The men were accused of being involved in a JFK Airport terror plot, charges which the accused had always denied. Ibrahiim’s health has been a point of concern raised by their defence, in addition to his daughter, Huda, reporting on Tuesday that it “has continued deteriorating”.

The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) is very concerned about the verdict, and the possibility that once extradited the men could face detention to Guantanamo Bay.

IHRC Chair Massoud Shadjareh commented:

“Monday’s verdict was a grave disappointment and miscarriage of justice, as this had clearly been a case of entrapment on the part of US authorities. Furthermore and in spite of the judge’s comments that they would be extradited to a country in which the men could face a life-sentence at most, we are deeply concerned about the realistic danger these men would face upon being extradited to a country which openly acknowledges their practising of forms of torture which include water-boarding.”

Upon a request for appeal by the defence team of the accused, a date has been set on 28 February 2008 to finalize appeal costs.

For more information please contact the Press Office on (+44) 20 8904 4222 or (+44) 7958 522 196, email info@ihrc.org.[ENDS]
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The Islamic Human Rights Commission is an NGO in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222
Fax (+44) 20 8904 5183
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org

IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations