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UK: Farid Hilali update

01 January 2008

A Moroccan man wanted by Spain in connection with the 9/11 attacks has lost a four year extradition battle after the House of Lords overturned a High Court decision in April 2007 which held his detention was unlawful and that he should be extradited to Spain.

Farid Hilali, 39, has been held in British prison without charge since September 2003, but it is unclear exactly how Spain will put him on trial because the Spanish Supreme Court unanimously has already held in relation to the trial of so called Al-Qaeda Spanish Cell in September 2006 that there is no connection to between Spain and the events in 9/11 attacks. More interestingly the Spanish Supreme Court also held that the only evidence which the Spanish have relied on to seek Mr Hilali's extradition was obtained unlawfully and is inadmissible.

The US National Commission on Terrorist Attacks on the United States (also known as the 9/11 Commission) public report also found that there was no Spanish link to the 9/11 attack and despite being sought by Spain the USA has never regarded Mr Hilali a suspect. In a statement released by his solicitor in early February, Mr Hilali said

today is a disgraceful day for British values. I am very disappointed at the way the British have harassed me over the last 9 years even though I have never been charged or convicted of any criminal offence.

In 1999 I was tortured in the United Arab Emirates and Morocco in the presence of British MI6 officers because I refused to become a spy for them. My extradition to Spain is a smokescreen to conceal Britain's true intentions of sending me to Morocco to face torture leading to death. If I am ultimately sent to Morocco and tortured Britain will be held legally and morally responsible.

I am a victim of British state terror. Before lecturing the world on justice, democracy and human rights Britain should get it own house in order first.

For further comments please contact Moazzam Begg on 07875090494. For a campaign pack contact www.helptheprisoners.org