Press Release - 9/11 Terror Suspect loses extradition battle to Spain

Press Release from Farid Hilali

A Moroccan man wanted by Spain in connection with the 9/11 attacks has lost a four year extradition battle after the House of Lords overturned a High Court decision in April 2007 which held his detention was unlawful and that he should be extradited to Spain.

Farid Hilali, 39, has been held in British prison without charge since September 2003, but it is unclear exactly how Spain will put him on trial because the Spanish Supreme Court unanimously has already held in relation to the trial of so called Al-Qaida Spanish Cell in September 2006 that is there is no connection to between Spain and the events in 9/11 attacks. More interestingly the Spanish Supreme Court also held that the only evidence which the Spanish have relied on to seek Mr Hilali's extradition was obtained unlawfully and inadmissible.

The US 9/11 Commission report also found that there was no Spanish link to the 9/11 attack and despite being sought by Spain for 9/11 the USA have never regarded Mr Hilali a suspect.

In a statement released by his solicitor today Mr Hilali said

"today is a disgraceful day for British values. I am very disappointed at the way the British have harassed me over the last 9 years even though I have never been charged or convicted of any criminal offence.

In 1999 I was tortured in the United Arab Emirates and Morocco in the presence of British MI6 officers because I refused to become a spy for them. My extradition to Spain is a smoke screen to conceal Britain's true intentions of sending me to Morocco to face torture leading to death. If I am ultimately sent to Morocco and tortured Britain will be held legally and morally responsible.

I am a victim of British state terror. Before lecturing the world on justice, democracy and human rights Britain should get it own house in order first."

By Mr Farid Hilali

• Statement from Farid Hilali's solicitor
• Justice for Farid Hilali - background from www.helptheprisoners.org, produced with assistance from Arani Solicitors
• Action Alert - Protest farid Hilali's extradition - PLEASE TAKE ACTION