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Fri 09/07/2010
Dear all,
Please find attached this week’s News Summary. The weekly summary is intended to provide background
information to topical news stories and issues that may resonate in communities. The weekly summary also
includes links to interesting news articles that people may wish to circulate further.
This week’s summary includes coverage of the ECtHR’s decision in Abu Hamza’s extradition case and the
Defence Secretary’s announcement on troop reorganisation in Afghanistan.
You will also have seen this week’s factsheets on the Home Secretary’s announcement of changes to s44 stop
and search, the arrest of Pakistani national Abid Naseer following a US request, and the Prime Minister’s
announcement on the treatment of detainees.
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Kind regards,
Laura
Laura Dobson
Communications Adviser
RICU (Research, Information and Communications Unit)
Office for Security and Counter Terrorism
Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF
Tel: 0207 035 0478
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Weekly News Summary
Friday 9th July 2010
Key Issues
European Court rules in Abu Hamza extradition case
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) decided on Thursday that the cases of four men
facing extradition to the US – who claim that their extradition would breach their human rights – were
partly admissible.
Home Secretary Theresa May said:
“We note that the European Court on Human Rights has decided that all the applications are partly
admissible.
“We await the court’s judgment on the case. In the meantime these individuals will remain in custody.”
Key points
The four men are facing extradition to the US on terrorism charges; they are Abu Hamza,
Babar Ahmed, Syed Talha Ahsan and Haroon Rashid Aswat.
The Court has asked the UK Government to submit further observations as to why extradition
would not breach the European Convention.
The men remain in extradition custody.
Associated articles: The Guardian - Abu Hamza extradition to US blocked by European court
Defence Secretary announces reorganisation of troops in Afghanistan
Defence secretary Liam Fox announced today changes to the international force structure in southern
Afghanistan, including the deployment of the UK's Theatre Reserve Battalion to consolidate recent
success in central Helmand and the redeployment of British troops from Sangin.
Defence Secretary Liam Fox said in a statement to the House of Commons:
“In Sangin, UK forces have made huge progress in the face of great adversity. The district centre
has been transformed. Helmand as a whole is a safer place as a result of our endeavours and
sacrifices there. I pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in Sangin, and those who continue
to serve there.
“The operations in Afghanistan, though geographically distant, are of vital importance to our
national security. On the ground, we continue to make progress. There will be hard days ahead,
but the further changes I have announced today mean more manpower and greater focus for the
key terrain of central Helmand. We have the right strategy, and we are determined to succeed. “
Key points
At ISAF’s request, the UK is temporarily deploying the Theatre Reserve Battalion, the 2nd
Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, from Cyprus.
Operation MOSHTARAK has delivered significant progress in improving security, governance
and infrastructure in central Helmand over the first half of the year. The deployment of the
Theatre Reserve Battalion to this area for a short period of time will allow for a surge in effort
to ensure that this progress is both consolidated and exploited.
The temporary deployment of the Theatre Reserve Battalion is a precursor to the next, and
final stage, in the reorganisation of ISAF forces in central Helmand.
In the next stage of the phased re-organisation a US Marine Battalion will take over
responsibility for Sangin district later in the year. The UK forces currently based in Sangin will
be redeployed to central Helmand, allowing our Reserve Battalion to withdraw.
Once this is complete, there will be a coherent and equitable division of
responsibility for the security of the population in the Province between
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three brigade-sized forces: the US in the north and south, and the UK-led Task Force
Helmand in the central population belt.
Associated articles: BBC News - UK troops in Afghanistan to move out of Sangin
Prime Minister makes announcement on treatment of detainees
There has been widespread coverage of the Prime Minister’s statement to the House of Commons
about the UK’s intelligence services and allegations of complicity in the mistreatment of detainees by
other countries.
The full text of the Prime Minister’s statement can be read on the No10 website.
Key points
Serious allegations have been made about the role the UK has played in the treatment of
detainees held by other countries. These allegations are not proven but they are serious and
must be examined carefully.
The Prime Minister’s statement set out the following:
1) The Government is committed to a mediation process with those who have brought civil
claims about their detention in Guantanamo, and will offer financial settlement where
appropriate.
2) An independent inquiry, led by a judge, will look at whether the UK was implicated in the
improper treatment of detainees held by other countries that may have occurred in the
aftermath of 9/11.
3) The Government has also published the consolidated guidance for intelligence and military
personnel on how to deal with detainees held by other countries.
4) Next year, the Government will publish a Green Paper which will set out its proposals for
how intelligence should be treated in the full range of judicial proceedings, including
addressing the concerns of the UK’s allies.
Associated articles: BBC News - Torture claims: David Cameron announces inquiry
The Telegraph - David Cameron announces torture inquiry
Other News Stories from this Week
The following are interesting news items that we think people may want to circulate further:
BBC News - Trio guilty of suicide bomb plot
Three men have been found guilty of conspiracy to murder by a jury at Woolwich Crown Court in
connection with a plot to blow up transatlantic airliners. Ibrahim Savant, Arafat Khan and Waheed
Zaman will be sentenced on Monday 12th July.
BBC News - Mosque event in Leeds to mark 7/7 bombings
To mark the anniversary of the 7/7 London suicide bombings, people from all different faiths have
united against extremism at various events around the country. One event was held at the Makkah
Mosque in Leeds to remember the victims and highlight the positive contribution Muslims have made
to the UK.
The Guardian - Shaaz Mahboob: 7/7 has brought communities closer
On the fifth anniversary of 7/7, Vice Chair of British Muslims for Secular Democracy (BMSD) says that
the crimes of the London bombings have backfired and brought moderation and good sense to the
foreground.
The Telegraph - Terrorism in Britain 'mostly home grown', report says
A report by the Centre for Social Cohesion has said that two thirds of terrorist offences since 1999
were perpetrated by individuals holding British nationality.
FCO News - Foreign Secretary welcomes easing of Israeli restrictions on Gaza
The Foreign Secretary has welcomed Israel’s decision to move from a list of 120 permitted goods to a
list of specific prohibited items in Gaza. William Hague said: “This step shows that it is possible to lift
the pressure on ordinary Gazans without compromising the security of ordinary Israelis. All parties
must now work together urgently to deliver real change on the ground.”
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