Lotfi Raissi was arrested and detained for five months in Belmarsh high security prison, after the US authorities sought his extradition on the basis of suspicions concerning his involvement in the 11 September attacks. The extradition proceedings were brought to an end seven months later after the presiding judge ruled that he had received no evidence to support the US claims.
"The US authorities' reasons for seeking Lotfi Raissi's extradition ncluded the fact that his identity and profession fit a certain profile: an Algerian man and a Muslim, a pilot and a flight instructor in the USA," said Livio Zilli.
Amnesty International received confirmation from the UK authorities in May, that seven UK nationals were being detained in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. The authorities also confirmed that the men had twice been "visited" by UK officials, including some from MI5 and that they had been interviewed in relation to issues relevant to the UK's national security.
The UK authorities have failed to make representations to protect the rights of their nationals being held in Guantánamo, where they are denied prisoner of war status. In particular, Amnesty International is concerned that detainees, including UK nationals, have been denied access to legal counsel during questioning by US and UK intelligence officers.
"The defence of human rights begins at home. The UK authorities' real commitment to human rights is now being put to the test," Livio Zilli concluded.
"The US authorities' reasons for seeking Lotfi Raissi's extradition ncluded the fact that his identity and profession fit a certain profile: an Algerian man and a Muslim, a pilot and a flight instructor in the USA," said Livio Zilli.
Amnesty International received confirmation from the UK authorities in May, that seven UK nationals were being detained in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. The authorities also confirmed that the men had twice been "visited" by UK officials, including some from MI5 and that they had been interviewed in relation to issues relevant to the UK's national security.
The UK authorities have failed to make representations to protect the rights of their nationals being held in Guantánamo, where they are denied prisoner of war status. In particular, Amnesty International is concerned that detainees, including UK nationals, have been denied access to legal counsel during questioning by US and UK intelligence officers.
"The defence of human rights begins at home. The UK authorities' real commitment to human rights is now being put to the test," Livio Zilli concluded.