Fighting Dicussing Articulating Hijab Bans Liberation our needs PAGE 2 PAGE 6 PAGE 8 VOLUME 6 - RAMADAN 1426 / OCTOBER 2005

In the name of Al-laah, HIS FAMILY WERE MURDERED BY FANATICS. The-Source-Of-Mercy, The-Especially-Merciful.

THE AIMS OF THE WHENWHEN WILLWILL ITIT TRULYTRULY ISLAMIC HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ARE: BEBE "NEVER"NEVER AGAIN?"AGAIN?"

■ To champion the rights and duties revealed for human beings.

■ To promote a new social and international order, based on truth, justice,righteousness and generosity, rather than self-interest.

■ To demand virtue and oppose wrongdoing in the exercise of power (from whatever base that power derives - e.g. political, judicial, media, economic, military, personal, etc.).

■ To gather information about, and © AP Photo to publicise, atrocities,

oppression, Bosnian boy reciting the Quran at the graves of victims of the Srebrenica massacres, July 2005. discrimination, and other abuses of uly this year witnessed a gave a green light for the attack vived the preachers of hatred. His statements from Muslim leaders. memorial for the worst and even prevented NATO family didn’t. Who will act against Why are such statements divinely-granted rights. atrocity committed in airstrikes to stop the advancing those who murdered them? Who humiliating? Because they are Europe since the Second Serb forces. An apology for the will reform the churches that advo- asked only of Muslims as if we are ■ JWorld War: Srebrenica. international system being com- cated these murders? If Jack all culpable for the crimes of a few. To campaign for redress, and to finally being laid to rest of up to plicit in genocide is, at best, offen- Straw or any of his European coun- At IHRC we believe that communi- 12,000 Bosnian men and boys sive. terparts did not see fit to talk about ties should not be penalised for the support the victims of were taken from the United Coming, as it has, in a summer this on the anniversary of the mas- acts of some amongst them. We such crimes. Nations safe haven by Serb troops where the terrible events of 7/7 in sacres, why is this mantra being believe that this runs counter to all and paramilitaries and summarily London have been used to justify a applied to Muslims in the wake of claims that the governments of the ■ To campaign to executed over three days in July McCarthy style witch-hunt against the London bombings? The UK countries we live in make about 1995. At a symbolic burial cere- Muslims, Straw’s apology to the is not the only country to single out equality between citizens and com- bring the perpetrators mony of 300 bodies finally being Muslims of Srebrenica is as hollow its Muslim community. In the munities. and their accomplices laid to rest, British foreign secre- as it is hypocritical. Muslims in Netherlands, some mosques have It is this belief in equality and to justice. tary Jack Straw said he was sorry the UK are being told that the fun- signed up to a ‘code of conduct’ in justice that drives us to be vocifer- for the inaction of the internation- damentals of their faith lead to which they claim to stand against ous in our criticism of what we see al community that led to this mas- hatred and even terrorism and as (undefined) extremism. In return as crimes against the rights of indi- ■ To cooperate with sacre. such, Islam needs a reformation in local councils will try and assist viduals, communities and society other groups and The irony and insult of this line with that which took place in Muslims to integrate and to tackle at large by increasingly powerful individuals where such comment are immense. Bosnian European Christianity. Sadly this Islamophobia. Sadly it is clear and disrespectful governments. Serbs, as is well documented now, example does not look at the that European governments do This is why we have condemned cooperation is likely to were assisted by Serbian regular recent history of acts perpetrated not wish to eliminate the xenopho- the Metropolitan Police Service’s further the forces, and the Dutch UN soldiers in the name of Christianity – of bic hatred levelled against shoot to kill policy in London, achievement of these stationed in Srebrenica to protect which Srebrenica is one – in the Muslims because it is the moral which left an innocent man dead, aims. the Bosnian refugees sheltering same way as acts supposedly per- and right thing to do. Instead it is and why we broke off formal rela- there. The UN high command in petrated in the name of Islam. used as a bargaining chip to elicit Bosnia, both political and military, The boy pictured above sur- meaningless and humiliating continued on page 11 ISLAMIC HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION PO Box 598, Wembley HA9 7XH, UK - Tel: 020 8904 4222 www.ihrc.org 2 IHRC AFTER 7/7: The Backlash ours after the bomb- and a garage being torched. tragedy, to look at who he was or ings of 7/7, the back- There have also been a number of address why this had occurred. lash against Muslims physical attacks such as an Iraqi Following the various attacks on began. For IHRC the man whose throat was slashed mosques no politicians took the Hprospect of anti- with a broken bottle, a young girl opportunity to visit any of them as Muslim reprisals was inevitable beaten up by youths and a boy a sign of solidarity and support. given that our research had whose jaw was smashed. Another The police are also refusing to already noted a steady increase of unpleasant trend is Muslim take the problem of Islamophobia Islamophobia in Britain. women being spat at or people of seriously. Despite recording a 600 However, the scale of increase in Islamic appearance being refused per cent increase in the number Wirral Islamic Cultural Centre, Shahjalal Mosque, Birkenhead, cases and their nature, since the to board buses. Most tragic of all, of faith hate incidents since the after an arson attack bombings, was still startling. Kamal Butt was stabbed to death bombings, the police have tried to Islamophobic incidents as his attackers taunted him, cry- ignore their own statistics claim- You scratch our back, we’ll kick holding the establishment to reported to IHRC rose dramati- ing out ‘Taliban’. ing these incidents were minor yours. account for not tackling cally from four or five cases a week There has been no attempt on and isolated. It is imperative that the Islamophobia, we are not asking to 100 a week. By far the highest the part of the media to condemn At a time when the govern- Muslim community now adopt a for special treatment or indul- numbers of incidents reported these incidents or even to sympa- ment and police are urging the policy of zero tolerance towards gence. We are just demanding are of a serious nature. They thise with the Muslim community. Muslim community to come for- Islamophobia. Every incident what every human being have included criminal damage The murder of Kamal Butt ward and give information on any has to be logged so the police can deserves: dignity. such as arson attacks on mosques, received scant coverage and there terrorist activities, the message of be held to account for their iner- arson attempts on people’s homes was little attempt to highlight this this inaction to Muslims is stark: tia. We have to realise that by Beena Faridi IHRC UK Based Advocacy Advisors onfronting the rise of of one’s political views to discrimi- Friday prayers. IHRC has Muslim hysteria by the media and Islamophobia within nation in areas such as housing, resolved these issues at an early politicians has led to more ● society is still an ongo- immigration, health care or bully- stage by advising people of their Muslims encountering discrimi- Professor Hamid Algar, ing struggle for IHRC. ing at school. rights and writing to employers nation. In response IHRC has Berkley, USA CDiscrimination, which if There has been a worrying on behalf of clients. Thus, the encouraged Muslims to come for- ● aimed at other minority groups amount of cases involving schools need to resort to a legal remedy ward and report their experiences Imam Mohammed Al-Asi, Washington, USA would be regarded as indefensi- and universities restricting has been avoided. by ringing the office or recording ble, is ignored or even accepted Muslim women from wearing the In cases where IHRC has not them via the website. IHRC has ● Dr. Muhammad when it is applied against hijab. In such cases IHRC has been able to help directly it has set up an online reporting form Al-Massari, Muslims. The lack of recognition offered advice to students and endeavored to refer people to and has advertised this in newspa- Jazeerat-ul-Arab of Islamophobia has meant that mediated successfully on their other agencies or support organi- pers and on the Islam Channel. IHRC has seen an increase in the behalf. sations that have expertise on the If you have experienced any ● Sheikh Ibraheem cases of anti –Muslim discrimina- We have also assisted in cases matter. Islamophobia then contact IHRC Al-Zakzaky, tion. of anti –Muslim discrimination in Since the bombings of 7th on 020 8904 4222 or email at Kaduna, Nigeria Islamophobia reported to us the workplace. The most com- July, the negative attention on the [email protected] has had many guises such as being mon area of conflict is praying at Muslim community has been ● Faiq Anwari, harassed at the workplace because work and taking time off for severe. The whipping up of anti- Beena Faridi London, UK

● Mudassir Arani, The Struggle for Hijab Continues London, UK ● Dr. Mohammed Saeed Bahmanpour, UNITED KINGDOM Trust has tried to help a French sister London, UK involved in legal proceedings against Hijab has not been far from contro- the hijab ban and who has had to ● Haidar Bagir, versial headlines and press stories. come to London to complete her Indiana, USA This year has seen a decision by the studies. Court of Appeal upholding a Muslim As we go to press more restrictive ● Faisal Bodi, girl’s right to wear jilbaab to school as measures have been imposed in parts London, UK well as calls for women to ‘ditch the of Germany and some Australian scarf ’ after the July’s London bomb- states are now also looking to copy ● Shaikh Achmad Cassiem, ings. the French model. IHRC is continu- Cape Town, South Africa On the 2nd March 2005 the ing to advise and campaign against Appeal Court upheld school girl ● such bans, and to raise awareness of Bilal Cleland, Shabina Begum’s right to wear a jil- issues through academic literature as Melbourne, Australia baab to school. This followed a well as popular debate. Some years lengthy two-year battle and much ● ago IHRC identified the academic Merve Safa Kavakci, media hysteria. However, IHRC has Dallas, USA been disappointed to note that challenges that were being made to despite this positive decision, preju- minority rights. A combination of ● Shaikh Abdul Mabud, dice is still rife in schools and universi- IHRC banner protesting hijab ban in France community inaction and fear in a Cambridge, UK. post-9/11 climate has meant that few ties. Indeed since the rulings the cism as Muslims’ loyalties have been other women had been physically voices have been raised in defence of ● IHRC had an increase of hijab related questioned. assaulted. Yet the ‘blame the victim Fuad Nahdi, what was considered in the human cases with educational institutions In December 2004 IHRC culture’ continues and instead of London, UK rights world to be a basic right i.e. the attempting to stop their students launched the ‘British Muslims’ recognising that women in Islamic ● wearing Islamic dress. IHRC is work- Expectations of the Government’ dress face discrimination, the hijab is right of minorities to be different. Riaz Ramzan, ing towards intervention in the series. The reports included person- viewed as hindering integration and Bizarrely some Muslim majority London, UK Shabina Begum case as we go to press. countries continued to pursue anti- al experiences of women who had being counterproductive to the aims ● Since the July bombings the focus experienced Islamophobia. There of multiculturalism. One of the vol- hijab policies, including in the Jalaluddin Rekhmat, on Muslims has been intense. was a woman who lost her job once umes of the ‘British Muslims’ Middle East. IHRC is supporting Jakarta, Indonesia Predictably the hijab has faced criti- she decided to start wearing a hijab, Expectations’ which exclusively deals two cases of Turkish sisters denied ● Ustadz Fadzlullah Shuib, with the hijab and Islamic dress, will the right to wear hijab by taking their Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia be published in late September. cases to the European Court of Human Rights. Islamic Human Rights Commission ● INTERNATIONAL If you have experienced discrimi- Maulana Faiz Siddiqi, PO Box 598, Wembley HA9 7XH, UK nation because of hijab or Islamic London, UK. Tel:020 8904 4222 Fax: 020 8904 5183 IHRC has continued to fight the dress at work or school and need Email: [email protected] ● oppressive hijab ban in France help, please contact IHRC on 020 IHRC Chair, Massoud IHRC is a company limited by guarantee. Shadjareh, Company No: 04716690 denouncing it publicly through letter 8904 4222. Website: www.ihrc.org writing campaigns and supporting London, UK demonstrations. Recently the IHRC Beena Faridi and Arzu Merali IHRC 3 BRITAIN: HAVE YOU SEEN THESE PEOPLE? OUTPOST DO YOU WANT TO? OF TYRANNY ritain’s rapid demise 17 people convicted under anti- link between its unjust foreign into a brutal police state terrorism legislation since 9-11, policy and the bombings and continued this year with only 5 have been “people associ- instead blamed the bombings on newer draconian anti- ated with Islam”. The other 12 something inherently wrong with Bterror legislation and include 6 Irish men and 3 Sikhs. Islam itself. Tony Blair, in a series policies which have destroyed the Furthermore, of the tens of thou- of speeches, outlined even more lives of countless individuals and sands of stop and searches of draconian anti-terror proposals. COME TO THE ISLAMOPHOBIA families. The London bombings Muslims under the Terrorism Labelling belief in the shariah, in July 2005 only served to accel- Act, there has not been a single the uniting of Muslim lands AWARDS 2005, erate this process. The increased resulting conviction for terror- under a Caliphate, the liberation harassment and Muslim profiling ism. Despite Blears’ comments, a of Palestine and the removal of A NIGHT OF COMEDY by the police and security services Home Affairs Select Committee Western troops from Muslim meant continued stop and search, report in April 2005 on lands as “extremism” and an AND ENTERTAINMENT! raids, arrests and demonisation of ‘Terrorism and Community “ideology of evil”, Mr Blair effec- the Muslim community. IHRC Relations’ found that the Asian tively criminalized all forms of organized and participated in a community was not being “unrea- political Islam. His new proposals This year’s Islamophobia number of workshops and discus- sonably targeted” by stop and also allow the deportation of for- Awards will be held in sions in order to raise awareness search and that the targeting of eign nationals suspected of of the issues involved. These the Muslim community by the “extremism” to countries where December in London. If you included Know Your Rights work- terrorism laws was an incorrect they are likely to be tortured or would like to attend, please shops in Cambridge, Luton and Muslim perception. Such find- executed. To get around the ille- the FOSIS annual conference in ings only serve to condone and gality of this, the Government is email [email protected] Leicester as well as a public endorse such targeting of a spe- completing “statements of for more information on debate on stop and search organ- cific community. IHRC did how- understanding” with these coun- ized by the Black Londoners ever welcome many of the tries that they will not ill-treat the how to buy tickets. Forum. IHRC also participated in Committee’s findings such as suspects. Mr Blair’s measures also conferences such as 'Islam and Islamophobia being a societal include the creation of an offence If you would like to Human Rights in the Age of problem rather than a Muslim of “justifying” or “glorifying” ter- nominate an Islamophobe Democratisation and Terrorism' problem; that the Muslim com- rorism which under the proposed organized by the Malaysian munity must be involved in the legislation could include legiti- from whatever walk of life, Society at the University of Essex review and drafting of existing mate acts of resistance against please visit our website: and ‘Muslim Youth in Europe: and new anti-terrorism legisla- invasion and occupation and www.ihrc.org.uk/islamophobia Addressing Alienation and tion; that the media are behaving banning certain Imams from Extremism’ at Wilton Park and irresponsibly; and that more entering Britain. Most shocking the ‘Politics and Terrorism’ con- detailed statistics are needed on of all perhaps was Blair’s state- ference held at the Royal United how anti-terrorism powers were ment that the Government will Services Institute.. being implemented. Such issues proscribe the non-violent group On 16 December 2004, the have been previously highlighted Hizb-ut-Tahrir. House of Lords made their his- by IHRC in recent reports. In such a climate of fear, toric ruling that the detention April also saw the acquittal armed officers shot dead at point without charge of over a dozen and release of the eight Algerians blank range an innocent, Muslims in Belmarsh prison for accused of the so-called “ricin unarmed Brazilian Catholic, three years was unlawful due to poison plot” following a six- Jean Charles de Menezes on the the discriminatory nature of the month trial. In total, the men London Underground. It soon detention. Under the legislation, spent over two years in the noto- emerged that the police had only foreign nationals could be rious Belmarsh maximum securi- secretly imported a lethal ‘shoot interned without charge. In ty prison. The releases were yet to kill’ policy from Israel back in January 2005, the Home another indication of the weak- 2002. Nevertheless, the police Secretary announced new propos- ness of British intelligence. Over denied that such a policy was in als which made a mockery of the 100 arrests were made in the anti- force when confronted by IHRC House of Lords judgment. He terror sweep that netted the men on several occasions. As a result, called for the introduction of with 9 charged and only a single IHRC has suspended all formal house arrest and control orders conviction. relations with the police until this to be placed upon terror sus- The UK was censured in June policy is suspended. pects, both foreign and British at 2005 by the European On 30 April 2005, over 50 the whim of the Home Secretary. Commissioner on Human Rights, Muslim organizations from vari- The proposals were introduced Mr Alvaro Gill-Robles, for its ous strands of thought came into law under the Prevention of anti-terror policies. Among other together to organize a non-parti- Terrorism Act in March 2005 and things, his report emphasised the san and non-sectarian Muslim immediately applied to the absolute prohibition on evidence Anti-Terror Civil Rights March. Belmarsh detainees upon their extracted through torture, con- The Muslim Unity March saw an release. IHRC produced a brief- demned the imposition of con- estimated 3000 Muslims march ing on the new laws entitled trol orders as contrary to the together from Marble Arch to ‘Britain: An Outpost of Tyranny”. European Convention of Human Paddington Green police station, IHRC also held a panel discus- Rights and called for the intro- notorious for its detention of ter- sion entitled 'Dissent and duction of single equality legisla- ror suspects. On 16 August 2005, Detention: Before and After tion standardising protection in almost 40 Muslim organizations 9/11’. all areas. once again came together to issue In February, Home Office Following the London bomb- a joint statement against the minister Hazel Blears infuriated ings in July, the process of Prime Minister’s proposals to Muslims by commenting that demonisation and victimization criminalize Islamic political Muslims should be ready to be of the Muslim community was thought. The number of signato- disproportionately targeted by rapidly accelerated. IHRC and ries continues to grow and cur- anti-terror laws because the ter- others stressed that the perpetra- rently stands at almost 100. rorist threat emanated from the tors should be judged as crimi- To read IHRC’s reports on the Muslim community. Hazel Blears nals, their faith being of no rele- anti-terror laws, the IPCC or the repeated these comments follow- vance. Nevertheless, the Muslim police, please go to our reports ing the London bombings. Such community came under severe and briefings page at comments do not reflect the actu- pressure to root out “extremists” www.ihrc.org.uk. al reality of the situation in in its midst. The Government Britain. Statistics show that of the adamantly refused to draw any Fahad Ansari 4 IHRC Prisoners of faith IHRC: campaigning for prisoners of faith since 1997

here have been notable cases this Tireless campaigning and support for Dr Sheikh Omar Abdul-Rahman Nureddin Sirin had been convicted in year in this campaign. Our work Hassan al-Turabi helped ensure his release October 1997 by Turkish State Security in support of other campaigns and from prison by the Sudanese government Court, a semi-military court, and sen- long running prisoner cases e.g. on 30 June 2005. He and other members tenced to 17 and a half years imprison- Tthose of Imam Jamil Al-Amin and of the opposition Popular National ment for helping to organize a Quds Day Shaikh Omar Abdul-Rahman continue. Congress have faced government persecu- (Jerusalem Day rally) in the Sincan Other cases have been resolved successful- tion and imprisonment for over five years. province of the Turkish capital with Mayor ly and sadly former prisoners have been Dr al-Turabi, now in his early 70s, had Bekir Yildiz. He was charged with being a targeted again and have found themselves been imprisoned without charge since member of the Lebanese Hizbullah and incarcerated again. March 2004 for speaking out against the supplying pictures to the rally in support government’s scorched earth policy in of Palestine. The trial was conducted in a Darfur. In July 2004, Dr Turabi and other tragicomic manner due to the interference DR HASSAN AL-TURABI prisoners began a hunger strike in protest of the Turkish army. The Turkish Secret at their continued detention and torture Service testified that Nureddin was not a President of the Sudanese in rat-infested cells. When releasing him, member of Hizbullah and the pictures he Popular National Congress President El- Bashir ordered the release of supplied to the rally were available in any all political prisoners and removed all journalistic library. restrictions on political activities for all He had been singled out by the political parties. Dr Turabi stated that he oppressive regime for his outstanding per- believes his release was due to ‘internal Sheikh Omar Abdul-Rahman sonality among the Muslim media and the and international pressure.’ public and his anti-Israeli stance. It was part of a long, cruel and vicious plan that was directly targeting Islam and its values TAYSIR ALOUNI IHRC continues to support and campaign in Turkey. Nureddin Sirin went through for the release of Sheikh Omar Abdul Al-Jazeera Journalist great hardships and suffering during this Rahman, the elderly Egyptian sheikh seven and a half year period imprison- imprisoned in the US in 1995 under sedi- ment. He was subjected to physical and tion laws last used during the American psychological torture and deprived of civil war. Sheikh Omar is blind, suffers many basic rights. However, despite all from diabetes and is repeatedly tortured these hardships he has never compro- and abused by prison guards. IHRC has mised his struggle against injustice, his also launched a campaign to free Sheikh support for Palestinian rights, or his Omar’s attorney, Lynne Stewart (65), who beliefs. was convicted in February 2005 of “aiding In this difficult period IHRC and its terrorism” due to her representation of campaigners supported Nureddin Sirin Dr Hassan the Sheikh. She now faces up to 40 years in al-Turabi and never left him alone. IHRC mobilized prison. By targeting and convicting Lynne a legal team for Sirin’s case. The team Stewart, the U.S. Justice Department went to Turkey and tried to visit him in hopes to make an example of an attorney prison in order discuss the case. with a long history of progressive political Meanwhile the case was taken to the IN MEMORY OF beliefs as well as a reputation for vigorous- European Court of Human Rights. IHRC ly advocating on behalf of those whose also put tremendous pressure on the A MUJAHIDAH lives have been entrusted to her. Turkish government through the cam- paign to release Sirin. Sirin states that this FOR HIJAB pressure was a big comfort for him in the latter stages of his imprisonment.. Finally, as a result of these efforts the government Nurulhak Saatcioglu, one of the became obliged to release him. well-known figures in the struggle Imprisoned journalist Taysir Alouni Subsequently Sirin’s case succeeded in the against the hijab ban in Turkey, died ECHR. In April 2005 the court found that after a regrettable accident in August In February 2005, IHRC opened a cam- Turkey had violated his right to a fair trial 2005 at the age of 26. She had faced a paign to free al-Jazeera journalist Taysir under Article 6 of the European possible death penalty along with other Alouni. Taysir Alouni, a Syrian-born Convention on Human Rights. members of her family for attending a Spaniard, is currently in prison in Spain Nureddin Sirin is now free and is run- demonstration against the hijab ban in on charges of membership of a “terrorist ning a website called “kudusyolu” (path of Malatya, in October 1998. Since then organisation”. He was arrested in Quds) in order to support the struggle in she had been arrested and released September 2003 in his home in Granada, Palestine. several times. In total she spent 16 but 5 weeks later was released on bail, after In other developments in Turkey months in prison for Hijab. the court heard his health was suffering. Mehmet Ali Tekin and Hasan Kilic, for- He was rearrested in November 2004 and mer journalists in Selam Newspaper, were has been in custody without bail ever released in July 2005. They had been since. Taysir is being kept in horrific con- Nureddin Sirin, imprisoned in 1998 jailed in May 2000 as a part of the govern- ditions such that his health has deteriorat- ment policy that aimed to suppress Islamic ed significantly. NUREDDIN SIRIN voices in Turkey. IHRC had launched an The allegations stem primarily from an intensive campaign to secure their release. interview conducted by Taysir with Usama bin Laden in October 2001, during which Having spent seven and a half traumatic ALI BELHADJ the latter called for jihad. Taysir is credit- and long years in prison Nureddin Sirin Former Deputy-Head of ed as being the only journalist based in was finally released in November 2004. Afghanistan in October 2001 to show the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) Nurulhak Saatcioglu world what the US war machine was doing Nureddin Sirin addressing press to one of the world's poorest countries. and supporters upon his pictured on the right. Ali Belhadj was arrested and imprisoned Taysir also covered the invasion of Iraq in release in November 2004 by Algerian police in late July 2005 after March 2003 and miraculously survived the Nurulhak and her family; mother voicing his support for resistance fighters US bombing of the Aljazeera Baghdad Huda Kaya, sisters Intisar and in Iraq. Ali Belhadj was previously sen- bureau which killed his colleague, Tariq Nurcihan Saatcioglu are well-known to tenced to 12 years in a military prison in Ayub. Due to his work in Iraq and the British Muslim community due to 1992 for "threatening state security." He Afghanistan, Taysir was awarded a peace the IHRC hijab campaigns. The family was released in July 2003 on condition prize in December 2003 by the Francsica made great sacrifices for the sake of that he would not engage in politics, Mateos foundation, a Spanish NGO dedi- hijab and underwent many hardships. preach, attend public meetings or make cated to international cooperation and May Allah accept the sacrifices that speeches. Belhadj now faces charges of social work in Spain. Previous recipients of have been made and help the family in "praising acts of terrorism, inciting mur- the prize include the Dalai Lama and their difficult time. Please remember der and distributing subversive leaflets." Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Nurulhak in your prayers. Algeria is notorious for its use of torture Kyi. IHRC views Taysir’s detention as part and abuse of prisoners. IHRC has now of the continued witch-hunt against reopened the campaign to free Ali Seyfeddin Kara Muslims where even journalists are being Belhadj. imprisoned on suspicion of terrorism. IHRC 5 CAMPAIGNS: Political prisoners, ethical consumerism and extradition The following are some of the cam- Campaigners were requested to rural development programme in paigns that IHRC initiated or sup- contact their local collection points the East Hararge coffee growing ported in the last year. to raise awareness of the true region of Ethiopia. nature of the scheme. This resulted OPERATION in numerous organisations who BABAR AHMAD CHRISTMAS CHILD were used as collection points writ- ing to IHRC and Inminds to dis- Corin Redgrave from Peace & Progress, Massoud Shadjareh from If there has been one case which (OCC) tance themselves from this racist IHRC and Mudassar Arani, solicitor with the family of Babar Ahmed has symbolised the crumbling of project - most simply were not outside Bow Street Magistrates, April 2005 A joint campaign by IHRC and the British legal and political aware of the bigotry behind Innovative Minds last November process, it is that of Babar Ahmad. Operation Christmas Child. Workman ruled that Babar could related charges. Nadir is a member was against Operation Christmas It has been over one year since be extradited despite a great deal of the opposition Islamic Salvation Child. OCC was exposed by a Babar Ahmad was arrested and of evidence that he would face ill- Front which makes him especially series of articles in the Guardian OXFAM detained on a US arrest warrant in treatment, torture and even exe- at risk of persecution, torture and last year as a project used by August 2004. Since that time, cution if extradited. The Home possibly death if he is extradited to Samaritan’s Purse to pursue the Following months of campaigning Babar has been imprisoned with- Secretary is to rule in September Algeria. The Algerian government conversion of children and their and a series of discussions, Oxfam out charge in HMP Woodhill whether he will extradite Babar to has a brutal reputation of persecut- families. Samaritan’s Purse is head- announced in February 2005 that while he awaits extradition to the the US. In April 2005, HSBC ing members of the opposition. In ed by Rev Franklin Graham, advi- it would not be renewing its 1 year US on charges of terrorism. closed down Babar’s bank July 2005, Nadir began a three sor to US president George W. contract with Starbucks. This cam- IHRC has fully supported the account which was being used to week hunger strike in protest at the Bush, and well known for his bigot- paign was launched by IHRC and Free Babar Ahmad campaign support his elderly parents. indefiniteness of his detention and ed views, that have targeted Innovative Minds with the support launched by his supporters and IHRC called on campaigners to the lengthy delays in his case. This amongst others, Muslims, Hindus of Friends of al-Aqsa, the was present at the noisy demon- express their disgust by closing left him extremely weak and ill due and Catholics. OCC involves the Palestinian Return Centre, the strations held outside the Bow their own HSBC accounts. to his arthritis problems. IHRC sending of shoe boxes full of pres- Muslim Association of Britain, and Street Magistrate’s court during IHRC has also been at the fore- urges campaigners to continue to ents for children in developing the Scottish Palestine Solidarity the various extradition hearings front in demanding justice for pressure the Foreign Office to countries. Unknown to most Campaign to protest Oxfam’s deci- during the year. The fundamental Babar Ahmad against the anti-ter- intercede on Nadir’s behalf. donors, the shoe boxes are used by sion to collaborate with pro-Zionist flaw with the Extradition Treaty is rorist police officers who subjected missionary organisations to pro- multinational coffee chain that no evidence need be pro- him to a brutal life-threatening OTHER CAMPAIGNS mote Graham’s idea of Christianity Starbucks in October 2004. Under duced in order to extradite assault during his initial arrest in described by other Christian lead- the agreement, Starbucks agreed British citizens to the US. On 17 December 2003. IHRC has been Nadir is one of many prisoners ers as ‘racist’ and ‘poisonous’. to contribute £100,000 to Oxfam's May 2005, Judge Timothy outraged by both the Crown abroad whose cases IHRC has sup- Prosecution Service and the Independent Police Complaints ported, not all of whom can be Commission which ultimately named. Some like Majid Al- ruled that disciplinary action could Massari and Lynne Stewart lan- only be taken against one police guish in prison in the USA, with lit- Don’t forget officer. Having boycotted the hear- tle attention. Others like Burmese ing as a show trial, Babar and his activist Mohamed Shamsul Anwarul wife were summoned to attend the Haque do not even get that much. hearing which found ‘no case to IHRC is conscious of the fact that so answer’ against the police officer many thousands of cases go unno- Guantanamo charged. To add insult to injury, ticed and urges campaigners to the tribunal commended the offi- contact their local IHRC co-ordina- cer involved for his “great brav- tors or become one (See page 10) in his year saw the return of campaigners and campaign place by camp guards and inter- ery.” order to campaign long-term for all British citizens groups. IHRC has put together rogators. some of these cases and bring sus- detained at Guantanamo a simple campaign pack to Back in the UK and other NADIR REMLI tained help to individuals and caus- Bay’s notorious prison address the demands of those countries where detainees have es that fall from the spotlight. Tcamp. IHRC was at the men currently on hunger strike been returned, the ex-prisoners Nadir Remli is a British national IHRC campaigned vigorously forefront of protests against the at the camp. Exhausted by the face discrimination, media facing extradition to Algeria from for the return of the British decision to have them arrested continued brutality of the harassment and even denial of Italy. Nadir was arrested in Guantanamo detainees, in conjunc- on arrival and detained for camp’s regime, these men have travel papers. All this without February 2005 on arrival at Milan tion with the Guantanamo Human questioning by the police (see decided that hunger striking is actually being charged or airport. IHRC launched the cam- Rights Commission (www.guan- picture of wreath laid outside their only option to raise aware- proven guilty of any crime. paign to release Nadir and have tanamohrc.org). We have now pro- New Scotland Yard, pictured ness of what is happening to The message for campaign- him returned to Britain immedi- duced campaign material to cam- page 7). However the plight of them. Sexually humiliated, ers is simple and clear: Don’t ately following his arrest. Nadir paign for the release of those left – these men and also those left beaten and tortured, these men forget Guantanamo. Please go has been living in Britain since another group forgotten like the behind has become increasingly- are denied the basic rights of to the Campaigns page at 1982 and has been a British marginal to news coverage. human beings, let alone those of www.ihrc.org.uk to download the thousands of other detainees held national for over a decade. He is The Guantanamo prisoners prisoners. The hunger strikers packs. globally in the so-called ‘war on ter- married to a British woman and are slowly being forgotten, have also claimed that the abuse ror’. has five young children. Nadir is a despite the best efforts of many of the Qur’an still routinely takes Amirah Ali For more information on our law-abiding citizen who has never campaigns, please visit our website been in trouble with the police. www.ihrc.org.uk. Nadir’s extradition has been sought by Algeria on terrorism- Fahad Ansari

Guantanamo prisoners continue to be routinely abused. 6 IHRC Conference: Conference: Towards a New End the Occupation Liberation Theology: hen Injustice is Law, Reflections on WResistance is Duty” “ was the powerful message which hundreds of stu- Palestine dents and activists in Ireland took home with them at the conclusion of the “End the Occupation” con- ference, held in Dublin on 21st and 22nd March 2005. The event was organized by FOSIS Ireland in conjunction with IHRC. Through a series of lectures and films examining the occupa- tion of lands such as Chechnya, Kashmir and Palestine, delegates were reminded of their clear Islamic duty to fight injustice and oppression wherever it might be and whoever it might be against. Discussions also revolved around the occupation of Northern Ireland, the struggle against apartheid, the new US-led Ghada Ramahi and Rima Fakhry discuss freedom and resistance Rabbi Yisroel Weiss addressing Crusade against Muslim coun- the crowd at UCD, Dublin n 12 June 2005, IHRC Dr Ilan Pappe (Palestine), Rima tries, the media portrayal of occu- Oand NEDA organised an Fakhry (Lebanon), Fr Joe pation, and the misrepresentation international conference McVeigh (Ireland), Dr Saied of the Islamic movement as a The talks were supplemented Cassiem, the physical embodi- on Palestine entitled: ‘Towards a Ameli (Iran), Reverend Steven whole. by a series of workshops where ment of the word ‘resistance’. New Liberation Theology: Sizer (UK) and Rabbi Yisroel Prominent activists, academics delegates were armed with the Discussing the concept of Jihad Reflections on Palestine’ in the Weiss (USA). Leah Tsemel, the and writers of all faiths and from necessary skills to actively assist in Islam, he called upon the Brunei Gallery in the School of celebrated human rights lawyer places as diverse as South Africa, the resistance from this side of world not only to recognize the Oriental & African Studies. from Tel Aviv also sent a mes- the USA, Palestine and the UK the world. These concentrated on right of the oppressed masses to Religion, particularly in the sage to be read out at the confer- were gathered together under the media monitoring and response, resist oppression, but to also Palestinian context, has been ence, and Archmandrite Atalla banner of justice including political campaigning, economic advance, arm and activate the portrayed as a hindrance to Hanna addressed the audience IHRC’s Massoud Shadjareh as struggle and assisting prisoners oppressed masses in order for peace and not as a methodology via the telephone. well as Carlo Nero and Yvonne and their families. Delegates were justice to prevail. The Imam’s for liberation. The day was split into three Ridley from the UK. Ireland was also shown two heart-wrenching powerful lecture drew thunder- Muslim, Christian and panels, each with a question and represented by anti-war activist Jewish clerics discussed the role answer session: The Right of Mary Kelly, Republican activist films during the conference: ous applause from all delegates, of faith in liberation struggles. Return; the Right to Resist and Danny Morrison and Professor Carlo Nero’s ‘Dissent’ focused on Muslim, Jew, Christian and Over two hundred activists, aca- the Method of Resistance. The Vincent Durac. Imam Achmad Chechnya while ‘The Tak Bai Atheist alike. Imam Cassiem demics and clerics from a variety entire proceedings can be Cassiem (South Africa) and Imam Massacre’ portrayed the brutal stressed the ultimate message of of faith and non-faith back- watched on-line at Muhammad al-Asi (USA), massacre of Muslims in Thailand the conference: without justice, grounds packed the venue to lis- www.ihrc.org.uk and a DVD Neturei Karta spokesperson last Ramadan. The moving there could be no peace, as peace ten to a wide array of interna- should be available soon. A Rabbi Yisroel Weiss (USA) and Dr footage evoked strong emotions emanates from justice; and the tional speakers from as far away book based on the conference is Ilan Pappe (Palestine) also attend- in the audience with many dele- only means of building this more as South Africa and the US. planned for next publication ed. The Deputy Prime Minister of gates crying towards the end. peaceful and just society was, Guest speakers included Imam next year. Chechnya, Akhmad Zakaev, The idea of struggle was essentially, jihad. Achmad Cassiem (S Africa), addressed delegates by way of a emphasised in the final talk of Imam Muhammad al-Asi (USA), Amirah Ali pre-recorded message. the conference by Imam Fahad Ansari Palestine in Our Hearts

he last year has seen. Centre. IHRC organised a protest nomic struggle against Zionism Despite some very signifi- outside the venue to demonstrate with the production of new larger cant developments in the against the atrocities committed by boycott cards containing a list of last year including the Israeli forces over the last 57 years pro-Zionist companies. The cards Tdeath of Yassir Arafat, the and to commemorate Al-Nakba also contained information on how intended withdrawal of the Zionist (the catastrophe) that this 'celebra- the boycott works, recent successes entity from the Gaza Strip and the tion' also marks i.e. the disposses- and other useful information. In waning and end of the al-Aqsa sion of the Palestinian peoples, the February 2005, IHRC, in conjunc- Intifada, the oppression of the ethnic cleansing of Palestine and tion with the Palestinian Return A devastated Palestinian people continues. the continued violence and killings Centre, Friends of al-Aqsa, the home and life More land is being usurped, more perpetrated against the Palestinian Muslim Association of Britain and in Gaza families are being made homeless, people. Protestors were joined by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity more trees are being uprooted and the Orthodox Jewish Rabbis of the Campaign and Innovative Minds, listed above, IHRC has been joined land of Palestine and Masjid al-Aqsa more innocents are being brutally Neturei Kerta. persuaded Oxfam not to renew its and assisted in its activities by Neda, is so central to the collective heart of murdered by the Zionist killing On 12 June 2005, IHRC and soon-to-expire contract with pro- Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the Muslim world that any attempt machine. As a result, although the Neda organised an international Zionist coffee shop chain Starbucks Justice for Palestine Committee, the to desecrate it will lead to another Intifada may have ended tem- conference on Palestine entitled: which also agreed to contribute Federation of Student Islamic Intifada both inside and outside porarily within Palestine, the mani- ‘Towards a New Liberation £100,000 to Oxfam's rural develop- Societies, Stop Political Terror, Hizb- Palestine on an academic, political fold struggle to liberate it continues Theology: Reflections on Palestine’ ment programme in the East ut Tahrir and the Orthodox Jewish and military level. From the cradle from abroad. in the Brunei Gallery in the School Harare coffee growing region of group Neturei Karta. to the grave, people of justice will IHRC has continued its co- of Oriental & African Studies (see Ethiopia. Activists campaigned to As usual IHRC helped organise struggle to liberate Palestine in operation with other organisations page 2 for full report). Religion, ensure that Oxfam continued to the Al-Quds Day march at the end of whatever way they can. Without jus- in supporting the struggle. It also particularly in the Palestinian con- adhere to the humanitarian values Ramadan 2004. This year we were tice, there can be no peace as it is organised a number of events and text, has been portrayed as a hin- and principles which have guided it honoured to have read out from the from justice that peace emanates. In campaigns including the annual drance to peace and not as a throughout its history. platform, a message from former the meantime, it is the duty of every protest against the celebration of methodology for liberation. The racist nature of Zionism is so prisoner of faith, Nureddin Sirin. single Muslim and person of con- Al-Nakba by British Zionists. On Muslim, Christian and Jewish cler- abhorrent to the human conscience Sirin, a Turkish journalist, spent 7 science to do all within their reach 12 May 2005, the Zionist ics discussed the role of faith in lib- that the growing pro-Palestinian years in prison in Turkey as a result to protect al-Aqsa, Palestine and its Federation of Great Britain and eration struggles. camp consists of activists and cam- of his pro-Palestinian activism (see oppressed people. Northern Ireland held a celebra- IHRC continued to support paigners from a variety of back- page 4 for full report). tion at the Wembley Conference Innovative Minds’ campaign of eco- grounds. In addition to the groups As Sirin’s account retold, the Fahad Ansari IHRC 7 Struggling for Justice, Fighting the Double Standard

t has been another painful end to such an atrocity and partic- demonstrators calling for an end year for all those who love jus- ipated in demonstrations against to poverty, corruption and human tice. It has been almost three it. rights abuses. In addition to call- years since the illegal inva- As more and more cases of US ing for an end to British support Ision and occupation of Iraq and British soldiers accused of war for the Uzbek dictator Karimov, and the tales of oppression, tor- crimes and crimes against human- IHRC is trying to send an inde- ture, rape and deaths of innocent ity emerge from the debris, the pendent team of observers on a Iraqis continue to reach us. hypocrisy of the West is again fact-finding mission to the region. Despite the US announcing in exposed as the few found guilty In September 2005, IHRC pro- May 2003 that major combat face only reduction in military duced a new report exposing the operations were over in Iraq, there rank, monetary fines or very tragic situation of the forgotten is no sign yet of an end to the vio- lenient custodial sentences. IHRC Muslims of Burma. lence. Although there is no official participated in numerous events In the wake of the Asian tsuna- count of the number of civilians and conferences such as the mi, IHRC was able to quickly who have been killed since the Oxford Human Rights highlight abuses committed by invasion, unofficial figures vary Symposium in May in which the oppressive regimes exploiting the from 20,000 to well in excess of issues of War Crimes and disaster for their own nefarious 100,000. Accountability were examined. ends. Indonesia and Sri Lanka On Laylat-ul Qadr last The discussions concluded that both used aid as a weapon, deny- Ramadan, the true horror of history has shown us that where ing assistance to some of the most ‘shock and awe’ emerged from there is occupation for self-inter- oppressed. The international Iraq when US occupation forces est, atrocities are inevitably com- spotlight brought to bear on this, launched a brutal offensive on mitted by occupation forces and particularly in Sri Lanka helped Fallujah. For three weeks, war that those higher up the chain of ease the situation. crimes and massacres were com- command almost always escape IHRC was also active in its sup- mitted against its citizens, as US unpunished. This climate of port of the Chechen people. In a forces imposed a complete media impunity actively encourages even IHRC advisor Imam Achmad Cassiem addressing follow up to a briefing produced and humanitarian blackout on the more abuses to take place. the Stop the War rally in March 2005 in June 2003, IHRC wrote a brief- city. The US onslaught resulted in IHRC’s Massoud Shadjareh ing on the plight of Chechen the deaths of thousands contributed to the publication, "Do Federation (UK)’s campaign tion of Muslims in southern refugees in neighbouring coun- of civilians and the destruction Human Rights Travel?" with against the visit of the Chief Thailand came to a head with the tries. IHRC has also actively sup- of thousands of homes, schools Helena Kennedy QC, Christine Minister of Gujarat, Narenda brutal slaughter of 84 unarmed ported the newly formed Save and mosques. Refugee accounts Loh and Heiner Bielefeldt (avail- Modi, to Britain. Modi, the main Muslim protestors. IHRC urged Chechnya Campaign and its speak of civilians carrying white able to buy from The British architect of the Gujarat genocide, campaigners to express their out- launch event, the Save Chechnya flags being gunned down by Council www.britishcouncil.org.uk) was forced to cancel his visit after rage with a boycott of the Thai Exhibition in September 2005. American soldiers and corpses in which he argued that this activists exerted enormous oppo- tourism industry. IHRC also pro- For more information on this visit being tied to US tanks and being Western double standard in the sition. Campaigners showed Modi duced the first part in a report on www.savechechnya.org. paraded like trophies. The implementation of human rights that mass murderers would not be the situation of Muslims in south- IHRC’s support for interna- Guardian’s Jonathan Steele later norms only serves to alienate those allowed to come and go as they ern Thailand. In May 2005, the tional causes continued in the described Fallujah as this decade’s who suffer the worst human rights pleased. plight of the oppressed Muslims form of campaigns, briefings, unforgettable monument to bru- abuses – amongst them Muslims The last year also saw numer- of Uzbekistan was brought to the reports and campaigns highlight- tality similar to the Spanish city of from many ethnicities and schools ous massacres of Muslims partici- world’s attention after troops ed throughout this newsletter and Guernica in the 1930s. IHRC of thought. pating in peaceful protests in vari- opened fire on a peaceful protest on our website www.ihrc.org.uk. urged campaigners to write to the In March 2005, IHRC sup- ous parts of the world. In in Andijan massacring up to a Foreign Secretary demanding an ported the Indian Muslim Ramadan, the systematic persecu- thousand unarmed peaceful Fahad Ansari

tion. Still they were arrested, Muslim community. This sent a despite the fact that the majority clear signal to the police that they Beyond the call of duty of MSF members had agreed on can do and say what they like but this position - with interesting the Muslim community will exceptions. The MSF walked out always talk to them. Is it any in protest at the decision of the wonder that the MPS felt they - police shoot-to-kill MPS. Sadly a few individuals could go beyond the call of duty decided to go back immediately to start carrying out their pro- to meet the police, without secur- gramme of shoot-to-kill? he leaders of the Safety Forum. Sadly, the MSF no longer accept that a civil ser- ing an apology from the police or Metropolitan Police disintegrated into another 'talk vant or an employee of the MPS negotiating any benefits for the Raza Kazim Service (MPS) have con- shop' monopolised by a few indi- can be part of an organisation like sistently used dialogue viduals, undermining the MSF as MSF in order to monitor and Twith the Muslim commu- a platform for the diverse Muslim hold the police accountable. It is nity for the last four years to veil community to articulate its con- no wonder that this is what the their Islamophobia, blaming cerns. IHRC felt that sitting in MPS wants to promote. Our police prejudice on the lack of these meetings was no longer of experience of the Muslim com- cultural education of their front- much benefit to the Muslim com- munity's interaction with the line police officers. This veil was munity. police this last year shows, that shedded with the horrific assassi- The Muslim community Muslim organisations have a long nation of a Brazilian Catholic, needs to learn that the eagerness way to go. As founder members Jean Charles de Menezes, in of some of its self-appointed rep- of MSF we still support the cause Stockwell. In meetings with the resentatives to comply with the but have felt in the current cir- MPS, IHRC has consistently chal- prejudicial requests of those in cumstances that we should lenged the police as to whether power undermine the prospects express our lack of confidence in such a policy had been in place of having an equal and just rela- its current executive. since 2002. The MPS denied tionship between communities It is also critical for the The Palestine Internationalist is an on-line journal this - which the killing of De and institutions. The disintegra- Muslims and other communities for activists looking for accessible and detailed Menezes exposed as a lie. tion of the MSF into a police- to note that the MPS has also information on key issues relating to the With the advent of extra judi- friendly rubber-stamping organi- become a tool of politicians. cial killings in the MPS as a mat- sation is a case in point. Instead of looking after the secu- Palestinian struggle for liberation. ter of policy and the consultation We will continue being treated rity of the people, it has helped Each issue has contributions from scholars process proven to be a farce, like third class citizens, unless we the White House and Downing and activists of different faiths and none, discussing IHRC felt duty bound to sever all stop acting like the grateful lack- Street secure their public image. the often overlooked issues of importance. formal relations with the police. eys of an oppressive master. The When the Guantanomo Bay pris- Volume 1, Issue 1 looks at The Right of Return. This was after four years of so- recent experience of MSF high- oners came back IHRC led MSF called dialogue, during which lights the importance of not hav- arguments that the returnees time IHRC helped to found and ing Muslim representatives with should not be arrested and taken Please visit www.palint.org initially chaired the Muslim conflicts of interests e.g. we can to Paddington Green police sta- 8 IHRC Muslims' Expectations in Britain: An Update on the BMEG Project

he question of British 2004 in the House of Lords. Muslims are often charged with experienced by Muslims in their debate surrounding the hijab. The Muslim identity is one Among the distinguished panel ingratitude to their government day to day life. The issue of discrim- fifth investigates British Muslims’ which has preoccupied the were Baroness Helena Kennedy and wider society. Volume 1 has ination had become even more expectations of the law, and minds of hundreds of thou- QC, Baroness Pola Uddin, served as a reply to these charges. pressing following the events of addresses the debate on minority Tsands of Muslims through- Professor Paul Kennedy and Significantly, the majority of 9/11. The report is an attempt to rights, in particular the rights of out Britain. For decades, Muslims Professor Scott Lucas, who sat respondents saw little or no contra- identify the causes and the extent Muslims to a separate system of of all types of backgrounds, nation- of general discrimination. In sum: family law based on sharia. alities and ideologies have been the report suggests that negative Three more reports will be com- struggling to come to terms with views about Islam and Muslims piled, inshaAllah, before the com- their Islamic identity within British have a role for negative behaviour pletion of the BMEG project. The society. What does it mean to be a experienced by many Muslims. As sixth examines the role of the British Muslim? What are our obli- many as 80 percent of respondents media, TV, radio, press, and litera- gations as British Muslim citizens? reported that they have somehow ture in demonising Islam and Most importantly, as British experienced discrimination Muslims. The seventh investigates Muslim citizens, what are our because they are Muslim. The the experiences of British Muslims expectations of the British govern- extent of discrimination is enor- at university, exposing the discrimi- ment and British society? mous in comparison to earlier sur- nation many face while studying. The purpose of the British veys. The IHRC survey in 1999 The eighth, and last, report is essen- Muslims’ Expectations of the showed that discrimination was tially an acknowledgement of the Government (BMEG) research already high with 35 percent of contribution of Muslims and Islam project, which was launched in July respondents reporting discrimina- to Britain and British society. 2004, is to determine what exactly tion; in 2000 this had risen to 45 So what has the outcome been so we, as British Muslims, expect from percent. Now after the 7/7 London far? The importance of the findings this country. This is greatly needed bombings the situation is indeed of the BMEG reports have already because, unfortunately, the current Baroness Pola Uddin, Dr. Saied Reza Ameli and Baroness Helena dire. We have already seen a rise in been acknowledged by figures in debate as directed by the govern- Kennedy QC at the reports' launch. discriminatory action, so it is very government and Parliament, other ment and mass media is focused important that the government policy makers and academics. For almost entirely on the expectations alongside report authors Saied diction between being a good takes on board the report's findings example the second report has been that the society and state has of Reza Ameli, Arzu Merali and British citizen and a practising and recommendations. referred to in parliamentary debates British Muslims. It is about time Manzur Elahi. Muslim. Many cited their faith as The findings of volume 3 on on religious hatred, mental health that the expectations of the British At the time of writing a third the reason for their loyalty. Over education and schools negates the proposals and anti-terrorism meas- Muslims be heard and acknowl- report – on education - was pub- 50% disagreed with the statement view that Islamic faith schools are ures. In Europe several organisa- edged. This research aims to voice lished and two more – on law and that the British government counterproductive in fostering a tions and even governments are the concerns and views of Muslims hijab - are ready to go to press. respected British Muslims, with just sense of citizenship and create seg- looking at ways of fostering such a from the ground, rather than Recent debates surrounding cit- over 10% agreeing with the state- regation. It shows that under- conversation with Muslims in their responding to government and izenship have directly impacted on ment. achievement can be combatted by countries, as well as commissioning other agendas or imposing our Muslim communities. Muslims faith schools, because they foster a similar research. We hope and pray own ideas and thoughts. As such are decried as disloyal by virtue of How does this report fit culture of inclusion. Furthermore, that the effects of this work will be the BMEG explores the meaning of some of their perceived religious into the broader debate the report highlights several prob- long-term and that this type of British citizenship for Muslims. beliefs. Their marginalisation is lems with mainstream schools and engagement between citizens and The two first reports were often blamed on their own lack of on citizenship? the national curriculum, which, those supposedly representign launched on the 16th December affiliation to the UK. Worse still among other reasons, cause under- them, becomes a model for all com- achievement and a sense of isola- munities. Volume 2 looks at the nature and tion and segregation. extent of general discrimination Karin Lindahl NOMINATE MUSLIM The fourth report addresses the CONTRIBUTORS Talks and Events: TO SOCIETY Spreading the Word

HRC has continued to hold which IHRC participated include Chechnya held at the House of seminars, talks and events (see Politics and religion in a Post 9/11 Lords. The Islamic Human Rights Commission Iconference reports on page 2). World, Islam and Human Rights IHRC has also been a key par- Other events included Dissent and in the Age of Democratisation and ticipant in community unity events wishes to acknowledge Muslim professionals Detention: Before and after 9/11 Terrorism at the University of post 7/7, including the Greater of all fields who have contributed to British with Imam Achmad Cassiem and Essex, All Our Tomorrows: The London Authority community Mu’allim Ibraheem Al-Zakzaky Future for Human Rights, Have leaders’ meetings, as well as other Society. who discussed their own experi- your say on stops and searches events that promote just and We are publishing a report that profiles the ences as prisoners of the apartheid under anti-terrorist powers, Imam peaceful measures to address the contribution of Muslims to the UK. regime in South Africa (Cassiem) Mahdi Justice & Globalisation, divisions between communities.. and Sani Abacha’s dictatorship in Human Rights and Islam at If you know would like to nominate someone Nigeria (Zakzaky), as well as their Cambridge University and A Raivi Shams Rahman and for publication in the 8th volume of our British concerns about the increasingly Memorial for the Fallen Heroes of Amirah Ali brutal nature of political crack- Muslims Expectations of the Government downs worldwide. Project, please send the person’s name, field IHRC held a number of Know Your Rights training days (pic- of occupation, and any contact details tured) relating to the rights of peo- available to: [email protected] ple who may be questioned by police or approached by security services. These training days Nominations help to empower Muslim commu- nities in the UK. to be received by IHRC speakers also participat- 31st October 2005 ed in various overseas conferences, including ‘Muslims in a Secular Democracy A European Comparison’ in Berlin, a ‘Peace in Palestine Conference’ in Malaysia, and a conference on the relevance of Karbala in the contemporary world held in Toronto. Other important events in Participants at a 'Know Your Rights Workshop' in Cambridge IHRC 9 IHRC makes And hold fast, all VICTIMS OF SECTARIAN VIOLENCE of you, to the its voice Rope of Allah, heard in and be not consultations divided among yourselves ...”

n His Book, Allah calls on Muslims to be Iunited - nowhere more compellingly Multan, Pakistan, October 2004 than in Surat Aal’Imraan (3), ayah 103. Hence, the Islamic Human Rights Commission launched its initiative “Charter 3:103” to promote unity amongst Muslim groups. Charter 3:103 was estab- lished in 1997 as a platform for Muslims to speak out against sectarianism, national- ism, racism and other divisive ideologies and movements. Disunity is a scourge, which benefits no- one except the enemies of Islam. Our failure, as Muslims, to establish unity is directly linked to our failure to establish justice. The latter cannot follow Articulating Islamic human rights to the media without the former. Allah willing, groups throughout the Karbala, Iraq, March 2004 lhamdolillah, IHRC has had a busy year. United Kingdom, indeed throughout the We pray that the work we have undertaken world, will sign up to the Charter. But more A importantly, may Allah grant that Muslim is accepted by Allah s.w.t. in His way. The following are just some examples of how we have groups everywhere will begin to shape their spread the message of our work – work which we statements and actions according to this hope reflects the aspirations of the thousands of fundamental imperative of Islam. Then, committed supporters that we have world-wide. finally, Allah willing, we can begin to turn IHRC has a regular presence in national and the tide, and bring justice to a world that is international print, on radio and TV as well as crying out for it. online. IHRC has also been asked for advice by For more information on the Charter various media outlets on how to tackle and how to sign up to it, please contact the Islamophobic reporting and unconscious office on (44) 20 8904 4222 or email stereotyping. [email protected]. Other media related projects include our continued campaigns against biased and mis- Karin Lindahl Zaria, Nigeria, February 2005 representative broadcasting e.g. the ‘Panorama’ programme featuring the MCB and Islamic Foundation, as well as ‘The Myth of Islamophobia’ on Channel 4. IHRC is also represented on the oversight Are you a UK Taxpayer? panel of the Radio 4 Today programme / University of Newcastle Citizens’ Jury project. More details can be found at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/reports/poli- If so please help Islamic Human tics/citizenjury_reading_20050908.shtml IHRC members have been asked to advise, Rights Commission Trust give expert evidence and sit on a variety of pan- els and committees. These include the he Islamic Human Rights NOTES: POWER enquiry looking into how political par- Commission Trust is a charity Islamic Human Rights ticipation and involvement may be increased Tregistered in the UK (number You can cancel this and deepened in Britain. Massoud Shadjareh is 1106120 ) that raises money to fund Commission Trust declaration at any time by notifying the chari- currently a member of the Stop and Search purely charitable work. This includes DETAILS OF DONOR ❏ as Gift Aid donations. Community Panel. IHRC has also made various e.g. work to raise awareness about ty. human rights or to ensure that exist- If in the future your cir- submissions on consultations with regard to Title …...... … I wish to donate by: cumstances change ing human rights laws are being prop- anti-terror measures, immigration issues, forced Forename(s): ❏ Visa Electron and you no longer pay erly enforced. It could also provide marriage and various other issues. IHRC was ...... ……………...... …….. ❏ MasterCard tax on your income relief to victims of human rights abus- asked by the British Council to present the Surname: ❏ Switch and capital gains es and their families. British perspective of community relations to ....…………………...... ❏ Solo equal to the tax that If you wish to donate money that the charity reclaims, visiting delegates from the Muhammadiyah Address: ❏ Maestro movement from Indonesia. will be used for purely charitable pur- you can cancel your ………………...... declaration. IHRC’s research continues to be cited in aca- poses as defined by the Charities Commission you can send donations Card number: If you pay tax at the demic and policy related literature and ...…...... higher rate you can to the Islamic Human Rights ...…...... researchers and officers have given advice and ……………………………….... claim further tax relief interviews on many topics, including women’s Commission Trust. Please make Switch issue number: in your Self- rights, anti-backlash measures, structural dis- cheques payable to the Islamic …………...... …...... Assessment tax Human Rights Commission Trust or return. crimination, and anti-terrorism laws to a variety Post Code : Valid from date: pay by credit or debit card by filling in If you are unsure of institutions and researchers including the ……………...... your details below and send it with the ...…...... whether your dona- University of Essex, University of California – completed form below. UK tax pay- Tel No : Expiry date: tions qualify for Gift Berkeley and New York Law School. ers are able to utilise Gift Aid when ……...... … Aid tax relief ask your Additionally IHRC has been consulted and ...…...... local tax office for donating to Islamic Human Rights E-Mail : quoted extensively by various EU reports on Today’s date: leaflet IR 65. Commission Trust, by ticking the rele- Islamophobia, the work of the Open Society as ………...... …...... Please notify the vant box(es) below. This means for well as the International Helsinki Federation charity if you change every £1 you donate IHRCT will be Signature: your name or address. and was represented in Baroness Pola Uddin’s I want the charity to treat able to reclaim a further 28p. ❏ the enclosed donation ...…...... Please note the Muslim Women Talk programme. charity cannot fund You can also call the office and of £ ………………...... Date: IHRC has also continued to work at an inter- any political work or donate with your credit or debit card ❏ all donations I make from ...... national level on Palestine, and was the host of on 020 8904 4222. Please make lobbying for a change the date of this declaration in existing law (please the conference of the International Union of sure you state that you want it to be a until I notify you otherwise ❏ I would like a receipt see page 12 if you are NGOs Defending Palestinian Rights, in London GIFT AID donation. in March 2005, as well as a meeting of UK-based interested in donating to all of IHRC’s work international campaigners on the issue of boy- PLEASE RETURN TO: ISLAMIC HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION May Allah s.w.t. reward all your TRUST, PO BOX 598, WEMBLEY, HA9 7XH including its non-chari- cotting Israeli goods and pro-Israeli companies efforts. Ameen. table work). as a means of securing a just and lasting peace in Palestine. You can also donate online by visiting www.ihrc.org.uk 10 IHRC

- to love all that the Almighty loves and to hate all the Almighty hates. And verily the Almighty hates all oppressors. We Muslims are quick to groan Volunteer Now! about how we are consistently robbed of our rights, our posses- sions and our dignity. But we sel- The experience of an IHRC Volunteer dom truly understand why. Is it solely because we are Muslims? Is it because we are easy targets? Is it n the modern world it is cal suffering. There are however actual individuals who build hos- to prosper you don’t need an because we have been asking for becoming increasingly hard- less tangible methods of making a pitals and roads in the developing abundance of organised evil it? If it is because we are Muslims, er for Muslims living in positive impact. There are many world, who travel to places suffer- people. No. You only need for then why do we find so many peo- Britain to contribute in any organizations that operate behind ing from famine and disease and good people to remain apathetic ple who are non-Muslims Ifashion to the Ummah. Most the scenes, out of the limelight, hand out food and vaccines. and idle. To have knowledge and throughout the world in the same of us spend our early years study- doing work that’s importance and This work is often forgotten not act on it is to not really have boat as us? And if it is because ing in a system that does not rep- relevant but which is not at first but its effects ensure that those that knowledge at all. To have the Muslims are easy targets then why resent our values, specifically, so apparent - organisations like the whose suffering does not qualify knowledge required to act in an have we been singled out by the that upon finishing our education Islamic Human Rights for the 6 O’Clock News are not informed manner and remain powers that be as the greatest we can spend the rest of our lives Commission. Why is its relevance forgotten. passive is not just stupid, but a threat to the New World Order? working for faceless money-grab- not immediately apparent? There is a proverb that about failing. It’s a failing of character, We have been singled out bers intent on exploiting anyone Because there is no dazzle, no sums up the problem of the mod- it’s a failing to yourself, its a fail- because we are a people of strong and everyone as much as they can glory. However the work they do is ern world. The jist of it (without ing to society and worsely, it’s a conviction; because Muslims without too much hassle. unarguably as important as the the actual wording) is that for evil failing of your duty to please Allah more easily recognise the nature This structure has created a of western rule as there are society in which real job satisfac- Muslims suffering in not just one tion is rare, and contribution to of the wars being imposed by the society even rarer. However those great powers on others in the complaining about the lack of world, but nearly all; because we the former rarely discuss the lat- truly have the capacity to be a ter. In a modern society each threat to the unilateral takeover individual is trained to con- of the world's resources by the tribute to the economy, but con- NATO club, at every level, and tributing to the economy is just because it is our duty to do so; not enough. People wish to con- because it is the duty of Muslims tribute to the human experience, to be the champions of the and not just work to make a day oppressed. to day living. They want to make You might ask, ‘What does this an impact in a positive manner have to do with the issue at and not just die as unremem- hand?’ Volunteering at a place bered, downtrodden and under- such as the Islamic Human Rights achieving souls. Commission in any capacity is an Some become scientists to experience, and maybe if Allah make advancements in their spe- wills it, a career that Muslims cific fields, with the aim of raising should consider the standard of living. Others Help at events and join in protests become doctors to alleviate physi- Humza Qureshi

For your Parallel Imports & Generics. Direct Importers and License Holders of a wide A MESSAGE FROM range of products. Very competitive prices for independent pharmacies. For more information, please contact us: THE VOLUNTEER 01376-521 250 / [email protected] CO-ORDINATOR

eing part of the Islamic ●Distribute our materials BHuman Rights ●And much more… Commission has always Volunteering is helpful to us been a very important part of my but also helps you in developing life. It was a means through your own personal skills and which I felt I was constructively broadening your mind. It is an helping or making myself aware excellent way to become familiar of the state of the Muslim with what practical action you Ummah. It had always been a can take to pursue justice and necessity for me as consideration preserve human rights. You for humanity is something that also become aware and keep up is demanded by Islam. to date with the current Your Non-Profit Pharmaceutical Buying Group. There has always been a bat- Join the office team issues/challenges and persecu- Investing in your pharmacy and charity projects. tle of the conscience between tion facing the Muslim Ummah. Help your pharmacy save money and help saving supporting aid work or human state of the Muslims or we are IHRC is a voluntary based rights work. They are both as venting our frustrations in the organisation. Your financial other human beings lives. important as each other and wrong ways. Channelling our help goes a long way. IHRC To Join/For more information, please contact us: both deserve our time and anger and motivation in the produces various items such as 01376-521 250 / [email protected] money. However I feel that in right direction is more beneficial Eid cards and T-shirts which you the Muslim community human for those who we are distressed could help us sell. We would rights work is sadly neglected. I for and achieves far greater also greatly appreciate a one-off find this shocking as over 80% of results. IHRC gives people the donation or a more long-term human rights abuses in the opportunity to fulfil their obliga- standing order. GET INVOLVED world are against Muslims. Are tion to humanity. For further information on we that naïve that we cannot There are many ways to do any of the above please call us on even see what is happening something positive and volun- 020 8904 4222. If you are inter- Join our international campaigners email list around us, recognise the injus- teer for the IHRC. ested in becoming a volunteer by sending an email to: tice and at least attempt to pro- for the IHRC please send in tect ourselves if not others from ● Become a volunteer coordina- your C.V. and covering letter to [email protected]. an increasingly hostile world? tor in your local area PO Box 598, Wembley, London, The influence we have is not ●Help in admin UK, HA9 7XH. Alternatively YOU'LL GET EMAILS even skimming its potential as ●Join our research team you can email [email protected]. we are either choosing to be ●Be a Campaigner ON OUR LATEST CAMPAIGNS AND ALERTS. oblivious to the deteriorating ●Help in Media Monitoring Abidah Merchant IHRC 11

continued from page 1 As we go to press the UN has support- the Christian community after HAVE YOU BEEN THE VICTIM ed a call by the British Prime minister Srebrenica or any of the other bloody tions with them in its wake. This is for all countries to outlaw incitement to events in the Bosnian war. Why OF ISLAMOPHOBIA? why we are set to challenge the gov- terrorism. Who will define what ter- should Muslims consider themselves to ernment’s support of the school that rorism is and how it is incited? We be different? HAVE YOU BEEN ABUSED, has denied a schoolgirl her right to have already seen the labelling of some It is worth noting that whilst the education because she wears a jilbab. liberation struggles as terrorism be it in Serb forces were advancing on DISCRIMINATED AGAINST, It dictates that we campaign for the Palestine, Chechnya, Sudan, India or Srebrenica back in 1995, the UN VILIFIED OR EVEN ATTACKED rights of those held in Guantanamo China. At the same time we see the Special Representative called Belgrade Bay and other prison camps world- most grotesque state-sponsored terror- and suggested that as a UN soldier had BECAUSE YOU ARE MUSLIM? wide, it demands that we stand up for ism labelled as defence of the realm or allegedly been killed some days earlier all those oppressed in Burma by that action against terrorism. by Bosnian troops, the advance on regime as well as those oppressed by In these anti-terror measures Srebrenica – a safe haven for refugees- the oppressed, be it Muslims in world-wide, Muslims are singled out as might in fact be seen as a response to Report it in confidence through Myanmar or Roma in Eastern Europe. especially dangerous because of our Bosnian Muslim terrorism. It is now IHRC’s on-line reporting form at: This is why we have stated that the religious beliefs which are somehow an all too familiar excuse for murder. British government’s proposed anti- meant to define us as more prone to Perhaps in ten years time, Jack Straw or www.ihrc.org.uk/incidents terrorism measures are not only committing acts of egregious violence. his successor will also say he is sorry. impractical and counterproductive, Whilst this is a fallacy, the legacy is that At IHRC we believe we should not wait they are morally wrong – they target Muslims now face policies that dictate in the hope of hearing a few paltry It is important to report these incidents, the weakest communities and how they dress, what they can say and words of apology some day. This demonise them further in the psyche even by way of interference in mosques newsletter is filled with some examples even if you do not want your identity to of wider society. That scale of demoni- and madrasah curricula, what you can of the work we have initiated and be known and you don’t want any further pray for. Our devotion to prayer, our undertaken, often in conjunction with sation precedes genocide. We saw it action taken. So long as a record is before the Holocaust in 1930s belief in an eternal paradise that we other organisations to promote a just Germany. We saw it in the 1980s should all aspire to, mark us out as and peaceful world through civil soci- made, we can build up a true picture before the Bosnian war; we saw it dangerous fanatics, and worse still, ety action: protests, campaigns, letter- of the type of hostility that before Srebrenica. potential terrorists. In a post 9/11 writing, research etc. If the international community is world it is often argued, sometimes by We ask you to join us in this strug- Muslims face today. truly sorry about its inaction in weary Muslims that the label of terror- gle against the injustices that – whoev- Srebrenica, then levelling the playing ist should be expected given the events er they target – ultimately undermine THIS SERVICE IS field in terms of the action it will take to in New York and Washington four the humanity of all. Join the struggle ENTIRELY CONFIDENTIAL. prevent further disaster is essential. years ago. Yet no such tag accrued to for justice – join and support IHRC. ✃ IHRC Reports, Campaign Packs & Miscellaneous Items Order Form

Please tick the box next to the items you want and fill in abreast of IHRC campaigns is to join our e-mail list. LEAFLETS your name, address and contact details on the form over- Please e-mail [email protected] to join. leaf and send your payment to: IHRC, PO Box 598, ❏ Know Your Rights (May 2000) Leaflet written ❏ Wembley, HA9 7XH, United Kingdom. If your are based Boycott Zionism Pocket sized card This latest card by acclaimed human rights solicitor Mudassar outside the UK, please contact IHRC before purchasing gives details of pro-Israeli companies on the boycott list Arani and published by IHRC is an invaluable items, as there may be additional postage costs involved. in a handy pocket size for you to take wherever you go. guide for anyone concerned by the activities of Please make cheques payable to ‘Islamic Human Per batch of 50. (If you require only a few copies please the British Secret Services, and police. It explains Rights Commission’. Please allow 28 days for delivery call the office: 020 8904 4222) how to deal with approached from the security for items other than Eid cards. If you require any of the services and police. following before Eid 2005 please specify when you send ❏ Boycott Marks & Spencer / Boycott Zionism us the order. Leaflet (Sept 2005) Per batch of 50 (If you require only ❏ Know Your Rights part II (Nov 2003) Leaflet a few copies please call the office: 020 8904 4222) outlining what to do if you are stopped by security REPORTS services whilst travelling and your rights under ❏ Protest Flyer for French hijab ban. A previous ver- new immigration and nationality laws in the UK. Most IHRC reports are available to download from our sion of this leaflet was handed out at the IHRC /IIWO web-site without charge, or can be e-mailed to you. If you vigil outside the French embassy on the 11th Jan 2004 VIDEOS & DVD’s require a hard copy please send £4 (unless otherwise but can be used to raise awareness amongst Muslims stated) for each report you require. Our list of reports and non Muslims communities regarding the hijab ban in All Videos are £7 inc. postage and packing from from 1997 – is available on-line now www.ihrc.org.uk France. Per batch of 20. the UK ❏ ❏ Who Will Guard the Guardians? A survey of IPCC French Hijab ban: Letter to British foreign secre- ❏ Towards a new Liberation Theology: failings in the case of Babar Ahmed. tary Jack Straw MP. (Sept 2005) Updated campaign let- Reflections on Palestine (DVD). A seminar from ter to British Foreign secretary. This can also be used as June 2005. Available late October 2005. ❏ Burma's Muslims - the Oppressed of the a model for (with relevant adjustments) for Foreign minis- Please call the office for more details. Oppressed (October 2005) A review of societal and gov- ters in various countries. Per batch of 20 ernment oppression of Muslims in one of the world’s ❏ The Hidden Victims of September 11: ❏ most closed nations. Oppressed in the name of freedom’ postcards Conference Video Featuring Yvonne Ridley, the (Oct 2003) Per batch of 25. Specially printed cards late Sulayman Abedin and Mudassar Arani, with ❏ Anti-Muslim Hostility & Hatred Assessment regarding the plight of women discriminated against for papers from Sultana Tafadar and Natalie Garcia (November 2005) Looking at the period Feb 2004 to April wearing hijab. Currently being used to campaign for hijab 2005 This report aims to shed light on the degree and rights in Turkey. Please specify which cards you require. ❏ Human Rights, Justice & Muslims in the ❍ extent of anti-Muslim hostility. Findings take into account Recep Tayyep Erdogan, Turkish prime minister wake of 9/11 Seminar from Oct 2001 over three hundred articles over a 10 month period. ❍ Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU Commissioner for exter- nal relations BOOKS ❏ Terror in the name of anti-terrorism: The UK in ❏ 2004 (Sept 2005) A comprehensive look at what is wrong Charter 3:103 (Sept 2005) Per batch of 10 (If you ❏ The Oath by Khassan Baiev (2003). with current anti-terror laws an proposals in the UK. require only a few copies please call the office: 020 8904 Hardback, pages 354, Hodder & Stoughton; Based on IHRC’s submissions to the Home Office, this 4222) Charter 3: 103 is a document which outlines sim- ISBN. 0-7432-2011-0 A Chechen surgeon guide has been designed for activists and campaigners. ply the Qur’anic verse which calls for unity amongst recounts his story of immense courage under fire. Muslims. First 15 ordered signed by the author. £24 includ- ❏ Dual Citizenship: British, Islamic or Both – ing UK postage & packaging Obligation, Recognition, Respect and belonging (Nov ❏ Prisoner of faith: Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, 2004) The first in the British Muslim’s Expectation of the USA More details on how to campaign for the blind ❏ Among the Divine Evidences of the 3rd Government Series, looking at the crunch issues of citi- Sheikh imprisoned under laws not used since the Millennium by Cehl Fakeemeeah. 109 pages zenship and belonging for Muslims in the UK. Cost £7 American Civil war. With Muslims being arrested daily, A&Z Design Consultancy, 2003. Cehl there is danger of Sheikh Omar being forgotten – do not Fakeemeeah was a prisoner of faith. This book ❏ Social Discrimination: Across the Muslim Divide let this happen. looks at some of the issues surrounding (Dec 2004) The second installment in the BMEG series Fakeemeeah’s imprisonment as well as discours- ❏ dealing with abut-muslim prejudice in the current political Prisoner of Faith: Ali Belhadj, Algeria, IHRC have es on the nature of Allah. This book costs £5.50 climate. reopened the campaign in support of ex-FIS leader, Ali inc postage and packing Belhadj who had recently completed a politically-motivat- ❏ Secular or Islamic? What Schools do British ed 12 year jail sentence. Now he has been detained ❏ Globalisation, Americanization and British Muslims want for their Children? (July 2005) Volume 3 without charge since July 2005 for publicly supporting Muslim Identity by Dr. Saied Reza Ameli. 340 of the BMEG deals with an important question dealt with the right of self defence in Iraq. pages (1 Aug 2002) Islamic College for Advanced by every parent. It analyses the problem facing under Studies (ICAS); ISBN: 1904063020. This book is ❏ achieving Muslim children. Prisoner of Faith: Taysir Alouni, Spain, The Al by one of IHRC’s founders, looks at the develop- Jazeera reporter renowned for his coverage of the brutal ment of British Muslim identity and the challenges ❏ An International Oddity: Iraq’s Journey (Nov 2004) Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Having narrowly escaped to it from the globalisation of Hollywood culture. Based on IHRC’s briefings on Iraq over the last two death in Iraq from a US targeted bombing on al-Jazeera This book costs £14 inc postage and packing. years, this report looks at different aspects of the conflict offices, he returned to Spain for a holiday. The authori- – from various arguments used to define the allies inva- ties have since arrested him accusing him of belonging BANNERS sion of Iraq, to the allies use of cluster bombs and its to an Al-Qaeda terrorist cell in Spain. He is now under dubious legality house arrest awaiting trial with a serious heart condition. These banners can be displayed as posters or used at demonstrations and vigils. Printed in ❏ ❏ Hijab & Democracy: The ways of and against Babar Ahmed, UK. Babar Ahmed has been held in colour on canvass. They cost £7 each including Secular Fundamentalism (Nov 2004) Based on IHRC Belmarsh prison without charge since Aug 2004 and is postage and packaging. briefing, this report looks at the movement for and facing extradition to the USA for alleged and unsubstan- against women in hijab in Europe at the current moment. tiated terrorist activities. If extradited he could face tor- ❏ Whose side are you on? Boy and tank Chapters look at the international law, human rights as ture and even the death penalty. design. 32” x 47” well as good and bad practice. ❏ Nadir Remli, Italy. British citizen arrested in Italy, ❏ The world Stopped Nazism, The World ❏ Dissent, Difference and Terror: A Review of Global imprisoned since Feb 2005 with no evidence against Stopped Apartheid, The World Must Stop Anti-Terrorist Laws (Nov 2004) Based on IHRC briefing, him. He faces extradition to Algeria, a known human Zionism. With a small Zionist flag crossed this report is a compilation of work by various authors right violator. Due to a lack of progress in his case Nadir through. 32” x 47”. looking at governmental moves in various countries that has resorted to hunger strikes effectively silence dissent and criminalise minorities and LANYARDS refugees in the name of anti-terror. ❏ Guantanamo Bay Detainees, Cuba, IHRC continues its struggle to ensure that all detainees in Guantanamo ❏ Lanyards with Palestinian flags print £2 each. IHRC CAMPAIGN PACKS Bay are given access to due process and other funda- Ideal for clipping keys or mobile phones to mental human rights or released immediately. The abus- IHRC campaign packs are also available to download es that are taking place have forced the detainees, some EID CARDS from the website: www.ihrc.org. If you require use to send of whom where children when imprisoned, into hunger you hard copies, please send us £1 per item as below to strikes and suicide attempts – so please act now Please see overleaf for details. help with postage and packing. The best way to keep We deal with criminal, ARANI & family, civil cases, and CO.SOLICITORS 43a South Road proceedings against Southall the police. Middlesex UB1 1SW We undertake national United Kingdom and international work DX: 42051 Southall in order to assist in the Tel: +44(0)20 8893 5000 Fax: +44(0)20 8893 5506 abuses taking place as Emergency Number: a result of the so called +44(0)709238 6816 Email: alleged war on Terror. [email protected] www.aranisolicitors.com Support Justice, Help IHRC

IHRC has grown and developed through the generous donations of EID CARDS EID CARDS EID CARDS its supporters without whom, we QUR’AN SET 1 QUR’AN SET 2 ARCHITECTURE could not have survived. Please remember us this year with your du’a and your financial assistance. Please help us in whatever way you can – a small monthly contribution (see supporters’ form below) is as valuable as a generous one-off donation. If you wish to donate solely to IHRC’s charitable work, please complete the form on page 9. Otherwise please fill in the appropriate form on this page. There are many worthy causes, and we request that you remember IHRC’s work when donating, in the best way that you can. May Allah s.w.t. reward all your efforts in this world and the next. Ameen. ✂ EID CARD ORDER FORM Become an IHRC supporter Amount of packs required QUR’AN SET 1 @ £3.50 / pack ______Supporters of IHRC get free copies of STANDING ORDER BANKERS FORM To the credit of QUR’AN SET 2 @ £3.50 / pack ______IHRC reports (those paying concession- Islamic Human Rights ARCHITECTURE @ £3.50 / pack ______ary rates get a selection) and reduced Name(s) of the account holder(s) Commission rates on other items. Concessionary sup- ______a/c no: 06759807 Total Payment enclosed: £ ______porters are encouraged to donate £5 a ______Sort Code 12-24-81 month. Without this type of regular sup- ______VOLUNTEER INFORMATION FORM port – however small, IHRC would not be Account number: ______Upon receipt of this order and subse- able to operate. ❏ Address: ______quently the same amount on this first I would like more information on how to volunteer ❏ ______day of each month until further notice, I would like a Media Monitoring Response pack Title: _____ First Name: ______debit my / our account. ______To: The Manager (name and address of your bank) Address: ______ONE OFF DONATION FORM Signature(s): ______Please find enclosed a donation of £______Sort Code: ______❏ Zakat ❏ Sadaqah I would like a receipt ❏ ______Post Code: ______Please pay (tick choice): Name: ______Telephone: ______❏ Date: £5 / month (students/ unwaged) Address: ______Fax: ______❏ £10 / month ______❏ £15 / month ______E-mail: ______Please return this form to us at: ❏ £25 / month ______❏ Islamic Human Rights Commission £50 / month Telephone: ______Contacting you by e-mail or fax may ❏ Other (please specify) £ ______PO Box 598, Wembley, HA9 7XH, save IHRC money. If you would prefer Please state amount in words United Kingdom. E-mail: ______not to be contacted this way please tick ______Islamic Human Rights Commission ______is a not for profit company. Please make all cheques payable to here ❏ Islamic Human Rights Commission