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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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12 January 2010

PRESS RELEASE: UK – IHRC welcomes ECHR verdict declaring section 44 Stop and Search powers illegal

IHRC welcomes the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) decision to rule the stop and search powers under section 44 of the Terrorism Act, as illegal. IHRC has repeatedly highlighted the ineffectiveness and human rights violations of such measures which has lead to ethnic and religious profiling.

The use of these powers has increased from 33,177 in 2004, to 117,200 in 2008, without it resulting in the apprehension or conviction of a single terrorist. IHRC also calls for the re-evaluation of other anti-terror laws like Schedule 7. [1]

IHRC Chair Massoud Shadjareh states:

“While we are pleased with the decision by the ECHR, we urge the government to refrain from misusing anti-terror laws which results in the violation of civil liberties and human rights. We remind all that a secure and just society cannot be built on unjust laws.”

Notes to editor:

[1] Schedule 7 gives the port security arbitrary powers to detain and question, and a failure to comply with the authorities would lead to a 3 month prison sentence.

For more information please contact the Press Office on (+44) 20 8904 4222 or (+44) 7958522196, 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