Ghazni Slams New Prevention of Terrorism Bill

6.20.00pm GMT Mon 7th Mar 2005

Issan Ghazni outlined the Lib Dem alternatives to the Terrorism Billh

Issan Ghazni, the Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Nottingham East attacked the Labour Party's proposed anti-terror legislation and its impact on civil liberties and human rights.

Whilst addressing a local community meeting on Sunday March 6th 2005 in Forest Fields, Nottingham, Issan spoke of his dismay over Charles Clarke's decision to effectively rule out any major concession to secure support for the controversial new anti-terror laws.

Issan said " the Liberal Democrats are now leading efforts to defeat the Government in the House of Lords today over measures to give the Home Secretary power to impose house arrest on terror suspects. Opposition peers, government backbenchers and cross benchers are poised to unite against the measure".

Issan also argued that it was utterly unacceptable for individuals to be incarcerated - facing indefinite detention - without charge and without trial. It must be a judge - "never a politician" - who decides whether someone is to be locked up. The Liberal Democrats he said, have a real alternative, which will maintain our security and protect our liberties. And these will continue to be our guiding principles:

1. Prosecution should always be the first option.

2. Decisions over detention must be judicial and not in the first instance political.

3. The standard of proof must be of the highest possible order.

4. Defendants must have access to defence lawyers and see the evidence against them.

He went on to argue that without these safeguards, the Liberal Democrats in Parliament will not support this bill.

END.