A rally to celebrate the homecoming of Talha Ahsan and the resilience of his family-led campaign and the ongoing struggle against unjust extradition laws

Outside Home office
2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF
5pm
Sunday 17th August 2014

“Wasn’t great to say goodbye?” boasted Theresa May in the cruel extradition of Talha Ahsan. Talha is a British-born citizen, who suffers from Aspergers syndrome like Gary Mckinnon, was extradited to indefinite solitary confinement in US Supermax prison housing death row inmates after over 6 years of detention without trial, charge or prima facie evidence in the UK.

Talha was declared a free man by a US judge on 16th July and was transferred to US immigration custody where he awaits – celebrating a month of freedom.

US-UK extradition is ruining the lives of too many British citizens and guests – and must be reformed urgently.

Let all gather together to say “Shame on you Theresa May”

Poetry,  comedy,  music,  nasheeds, a visual fest, New prison poetry from Talha Ahsan.

Speakers:

• Bruce Kent
• Artist Taxidriver Mark McGowan
• Marium Begg (daughter of Moazzam Begg)
• Sheila Coleman (Hillsborough Justice Campaign)
• AL Kennedy
• Father & mother of Talha Ahsan
• and many more TBC

Event covened by Talha’s brother Hamja Ahsan

Caroline Lucas MP says #WelcomeHomeTalha:

“I am so pleased for Talha, his friends and his family that they are, at long last, to be reunited. This case has highlighted the extent to which a British citizen’s fundamental rights can be breached if the US so decides. It highlights the grave flaws in UK law, such as on extradition and on detention without trial. And it highlights the amazing resilience of the human spirit, the determination to fight for justice and freedom. Talha has gone through a horrendous ordeal, including conditions in a US jail that equate to torture. I wish him the very best as he decides how best to rebuild his life, surrounded by those who love him dearly.”