Rachid Ramda, an Algerian asylum seeker, has
been detained in Belmarsh maximum security prison for the
last nine years - even though he has not been convicted of
any crime.
Rachid was initially arrested on an extradition warrant from
France in 1995 in connection with bomb attacks in Paris. In
June 2002, the High Court refused to extradite him after it
found that the key evidence provided by the French
authorities was inconsistent and had been obtained by
beating and otherwise ill-treating another man arrested in
connection with the case. It found that there was a 'real
risk' that Rachid would suffer ill-treatment if he were sent
back to France.
Rachid spent the first six years of his detention in a
Special Secure Unit (SSU), where his mental and physical
health suffered. But he now acts as a lifeline for others
and interprets for some of the men held without charge under
the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001.
Right to education
After his six years in SSU, Rachid got access to
education and completed an Open University course in English
literature. He would like to study another two Open
University subjects this year. However, the prison
authorities have raised a variety of objections; the latest
is funding. If Rachid is to enrol for the courses in time
for the new term he needs to pay around £500. His solicitor
is appealing for donations to raise this sum. If you would
like to make a contribution, please send a cheque made out
to 'Birnberg Peirce & Partners' (with a note saying it is
for Rachid's education) to Rachid's lawyers: Daniel Guedalla,
Birnberg Peirce & Partners, 14 Inverness Street, Camden
Town, London NW1 7HJ. Any surplus funds raised will be spent
on educational materials.
By Harmit Athwal
15 September 2004
%20enjoins%20justice.gif)
