MEPs defend Guantanamo detainee rights

3.09.39pm GMT Tue 9th Mar 2004

Sarah Ludford, pictured here with lawyer Stephen Jakobi and father of one of the detainees Azmet Begg, was co-organiser for a hearing in the European Parliament on Guantanamo Bay and has consistently called for justice for all the detainees

The European Parliament is tomorrow expected to demand the release or fair trial of the detainees held at Guantanamo Bay. Ahead of the vote tomorrow Baroness Sarah Ludford, London MEP and European justice spokeswoman for the Liberal Democrats argues for justice for ALL the detainees.

"As co-author of the European Parliament recommendation insisting on respect for the rule of law, I wholeheartedly welcome the release and return of several of the prisoners, including five UK detainees."

"But while this is a step in the right direction, we cannot cease our efforts to secure the fair trail or release of all the the remaining UK and other European detainees. Piecemeal returns at the whim of the United States are wholly unacceptable."

"If British Home Secreatary David Blunkett is 'still in the process of discussion', he must convey to the US Administration the opposition of the European Parliament and the British public' to the prospect of unfair military tribunals. This would be contrary to the principle of due process and all US-European understanding of the meaning of justice."

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