Terror suspect's dad appeals against extradition (From Your Local Guardian)
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Tooting terror suspect's dad appeals against extradition
12:41pm Monday 19th July 2010 in Wandsworth By Eleanor Harding
Babar Ahmad was left injured after his arrest in 2003
The father of a Tooting terror suspect Babar Ahmad this week urged European judges to allow his trial to take place here.
Ashfaq Ahmad, a 75-year-old retired civil servant, said it was “illogical” to send his son to face charges in America when he is a British citizen.
His comments come after judges at the European Court of Human Rights froze his US extradition over fears it may be an “cruel and unusual punishment”.
Mr Ahmad said: “This is where he was born and brought up, so why should he be charged in America? He will get a fair trial here, facing a British jury.
“If they decide he has done something wrong, then so be it. But so far no-one has proved anything against him.”
Babar Ahmad, 36, has been in prison without trial for nearly six years since the US issued an extradition warrant in August 2004.
American prosectutors allege he was involved in terrorist websites - and if convicted, he could face execution.
Family members spend hours travelling to the low-secure Long Lartin prison near Birmingham every Saturday to raise his morale.
But nothing can change the fact that six years of his young life have been wasted in prison - without even being charged with an offence.
Mr Ahmad added: “The best part of his life has been spent there. You can’t turn the clock back.
“The visits give him courage and strength. That’s what’s keeping us going. My son is very strong. He tells us to be strong as well. He says there’s an end to everything and that we should look forward.
“We are going to keep fighting this injustice and we will keep saying that everyone should be treated fairly - whatever religion you are.”
Mr Ahmad, was originally arrested by anti-terrorist police in Tooting in December 2003 - before being released without charge.
In March 2009, he won a payout of £60,000 after Metropolitan Police admitted officers beat him during his arrest.
