• Home /
• Statewatch Database /
• UK: Defend Rachid Rama's right to an education

UK: Defend Rachid Rama's right to an education

01 August 2004

Rachid Ramda is an Algerian asylum seeker who has been detained in Belmarsh prison for over 9 years, despite never being convicted of an offence. Rachid's detention resulted from an unsuccessful attempt by the French government to extradite him on terrorism charges in 1995, in connection with bomb attacks in Paris. The UK's High Court rejected his extradition in June 2002, arguing that evidence had been gained through the ill-treatment of another man connected to the case. The court judged that there was a "real risk" Rachid would be tortured if returned to France. Rachid spent the first six years of his detention in a Special Secure Unit (SSU) without access to education. During this period his mental and physical health suffered. After six years in the SSU he got access to education and has completed an Open University course in English literature. With his new skills he acts as a lifeline for other prisoners detained, also without trial, under the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001. Rachid would like to study two more Open University courses this year, but the prison authorities have created the obstacle of funding. If Rachid is to enrol in the courses in time he needs to raise funds. A substantial part of the £500 needed has been acquired, but his solicitor is asking for donations to meet the total.

If you are able to help Rachid by making a contribution please send a cheque made out to Birnberg, Peirce & Partners (with a note saying that it is for Rachid's education fund). Any surplus money will be spent on educational materials. Cheques should be sent to: Daniel Guedalla, Birnberg, Peirce & Partners, 14 Inverness Street, Camden Town, London NW1 7HJ. Scotland Against Criminalising Communities http://www.sacc.org.uk/ CARF website, http://carf.demon.co.uk/index.html; Miscarriages of Justice UK