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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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PRESS RELEASE
4th September 2002

‘9/11 – The Hidden Victims’
A seminar organised by the Islamic Human Rights Commission
8th September 2002, London, UK

IHRC is organising the above seminar to tackle some of the less talked about but deeply significant after effects of the 9/11 attacks.

As a UK based human rights organisation with deep links in the Muslim community IHRC has been well placed to monitor the erosion of civil liberties and human rights by governments using the 9/ 11 attacks to curtail basic freedoms. The seminar will look at the:

anti-Muslim backlash in the last year;
effects of anti-terrorist legislation;
role of the media in demonising Islam and Muslims.

A report by IHRC researcher Sultana Tafadar, on the specific effects of anti-terrorist legislation in the UK will be launched at the seminar. A paper by Natalia Garcia, solicitor for two of the internees detained under the Terrorism Crime & Security Act 2001 will also be presented. Mudassir Arani, solicitor for Sulayman Zainul Abedin, the chef acquitted of terrorist charges last month will also be presenting her observations on developments in the past year.

A follow-up report on anti-Muslim incidents in the last year will also be launched at the seminar and a presentation on the implications for community relations in British society will also be made.

Yvonne Ridley, the campaigning journalist whose detention in Afghanistan by the Taliban made world headlines last year, will also be discussing the role the media has played in demonising Muslims.

The seminar will be held at the Islamic Centre of England, 140 Maida Vale, London, W9. The programme starts at 4 p.m. and is scheduled to end by 7 p.m.

If you will be attending the seminar, please notify the Press Officer in advance on (+44) 20 8902 0888 or (+44) 7958 60 74 75. Previous reports on these issues can be read or downloaded from our website www.ihrc.org. Please call the office for more information.[END]

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH

Telephone (+44) 20 8902 0888
Fax (+44) 20 8902 0889
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org