Jury still out on fate of Guantanamo 13

Date:24/07/03

THE fate of 13 EU citizens held by the US in Cuba remained uncertain this week, despite assurances that two British terror suspects will not be executed even if they are tried and found guilty by a military tribunal.

The concession to the Britons, Moazzam Begg and Feroz Abbasi, was offered by the US following a meeting about Guantanamo Bay prisoners with UK Attorney General Lord Goldsmith.

Stephen Jakobi, of campaign group Fair Trials Abroad, welcomed the move but called on EU leaders to press for a decision on the remaining 13 EU citizens held at Camp Delta.

They have reportedly been given a choice: plead guilty and accept a 20-year prison sentence or be executed if found guilty.

"Our view is that if they are not going to be charged they have to be released," he said.

Jakobi, whose UK-based group campaigns for EU citizens arrested abroad, says the Union should follow the example of the UK, whose Foreign Minister Jack Straw personally intervened on behalf of the two Britons.

"We are delighted there is some comfort for these two men's families but it begs the question: what now for the other EU detainees?" said Jakobi.

Terror suspects held at Guantanomo Bay, USA were still unsure on 22 July 2003 if they could face execution despite intervention from the UK Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith.