|
British Afghanistan Fighters "May Face Treason Charges"
LONDON, November 20 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - British nationals, who allegedly fought alongside the Taliban, will face immediate arrest as they arrive back in Britain, reported the British daily newspaper,
The Guardian, Tuesday.
Intelligence sources believe that around 200 British passport holders may have joined in the conflict, said the paper.
"It is understood that a range of charges - including treason - could be brought against them. The most readily available offence would be membership of a proscribed group,"
The Guardian reported.
Only in the most "crystal clear" case - where it could be proven that a person was actually engaged in combat on the ground - might bring with it a charge of treason.
The Guardian said that security sources made it clear that Britain was prepared to use the whole framework of legislation to bring to justice those who had allegedly fought with the Taliban.
"They expect that as more prisoners are taken in Afghanistan, intelligence about those involved in weapons training, preparation and fighting would build up," said the paper. "At present, they believe British nationals out there to be in the low hundreds. They already know who some are, but expect to learn more as prisoners are questioned."
Home Office Minister Lord Rooker confirmed that British citizens who got to Afghanistan to fight alongside the Taliban could be charged with treason.
He warned that criminal sanctions would be applied, including the use of Terrorism Act 2000 or Treason Act 1351, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Friends and neighbors of two British Muslim families, whose sons were reported to have died in Afghanistan, went into virtual seclusion, Agence France Presse (AFP) reported earlier this month.
The families of Aftab Manzoor and Afzal Munir, both 25, were keeping out of sight, fearing a possible racist backlash after British media speculated that their sons were traitors to their country, said AFP.
Among their neighbors in Luton's 20,000-strong Muslim community, people drew their curtains and refused to answer their front doors.
"They won't answer their doors, they won't talk to you. I am the only one who will say anything," a friend of the Munir family said.
"He was such a nice kid," said the neighbor, speaking of Afzal Munir. "I was sitting on the wall talking to him three weeks ago. They are a really good family, beautiful people."
It is widely believed that the British nationals had gone to Afghanistan to offer their help to humanitarian aid efforts.
The government and other groups dispute the figures, which say little more than a handful of Britons may be helping the Taliban.
A press release issued by Luton community leaders defended the integrity of the town's multi-cultural community, emphasizing that media coverage had misrepresented their views and beliefs.
"The vast majority of local Muslims condemn all terrorist activities," said Luton council leader, Darra Singh. "Yet, an inordinate amount of coverage has been given to a small group of activists who speak for no one but themselves."
"Stories of a local group encouraging young British men to join the Taliban have been greatly exaggerated," said Geoff Comb, Chief Superintendent of Luton police.
"We condemn all acts of violence," said religious leader Shanthi Hettiarachchi. "Terrorism is not a substitute for discussion, debate and understanding."
|
