Sister of Babar Ahmad calls for time before government extradition (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Sister of Babar Ahmad calls for time before government extradition

5:10pm Tuesday 25th September 2012 in News By Alexandra Rucki

The sister of a man who faces imminent extradition to the US on terrorism charges is calling for time for a private prosecution to be heard in the UK.

On Monday The European Court of Human Rights gave its approval for the extradition of five terrorism suspects from the UK to America.

Babar Ahmad and Syed Talha Ahsan, both of Tooting, are accused of running a jihadist website which gave material support to terrorism.

The court denied the men the right to appeal, a move welcomed by the Government, and the decision means the men could all be extradited to the US within days.

Earlier this month businessman Karl Watkin, of Newcastle, launched a private prosecution against the pair.

He told the BBC he instructed his lawyers to prosecute because the crimes took place in the UK and the CPS has not acted.

Dr Amna Ahmad, 34, is calling on the Home Secretary to halt her brother's extradition until the Director of Public Prosecutions decides whether private prosecution can go ahead.

She told the Wandsworth Guardian: "We believe it should never have got to this stage in the first place.

This evidence was nine years ago, they could have examined it and put him on trial in the UK courts.

"They by-passed it and sent it to America. This is an abuse of due process, he should be prosecuted for crimes in the UK.

"We are calling on the Home Secretary to not extradite until decision about private prosecution is made.

"In all honesty the fight goes on and it won't stop until we see justice.

"There must be British justice for British citizens."

MP Sadiq Khan, who has been campaigning against the extradition of the pair, said: "Many local residents, as well as the family, friends and campaigners of these two men will be disappointed that Babar Ahmad and Syed Talha Ahsan have not been granted a final appeal by the European Court of Human Rights.

"The charges they face are serious, and they should face a trial, but this issue has always been about where the trial should be held - in Britain or in America.

"There is still the outstanding issue of the private prosecution which Karl Watkins is bringing against them.

"There is no point in a decision being made once these two men have been extradited."

Abu Hamza, Adel Abdul Bary and Khaled al-Fawwaz also face being sent to the US for terrorism offences.