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MCB raises serious concerns at alleged Whitehall leak |
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T H E M U S L I M C O U N C I L O F B R I T A I N
13 February 2007
Press Release
The MCB has written to the Home Secretary and the Attorney General expressing serious concern at an alleged leak of information to the press by Whitehall on the raids in Birmingham involving Muslims arrested on suspicion of criminal activity.
The MCB has requested an immediate and wide ranging investigation to find out whether there is any truth to media reports of advance and secret briefings on operational matters by Whitehall. It has further requested the Attorney General to consider drawing up and publishing a protocol reminding all concerned of their duty not to undermine, prejudice or compromise the right of the accused to a fair trial.
“There is a real and growing concern that Muslims accused of any criminal activity are being tried and condemned by the media without due process and that their right to defend themselves in courts is being seriously prejudiced and undermined. We are not making representations to seek special treatment for Muslims accused of crimes. We are asking that they be allowed a level playing field on which to conduct their defence”, wrote Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, MCB Secretary-General.
[ENDS]
Notes to Editors:
The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK's largest Muslim umbrella body with over 400 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools.
Media enquiries should be addressed to the MCB Media Office on 0845 26 26 786 or 07956 353 738. Email:
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Non-media enquiries should be addressed to the MCB Office at The Muslim Council of Britain, PO Box 57330, London E1 2WJ. Tel: 0845 26 26 786 Fax: 0207 247 7079
This press release and other MCB publications and information are available on the MCB website at www.mcb.org.uk .
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