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Terror raid men 'fit stereotype' | Terror raid men 'fit stereotype' |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The lawyer for three men arrested in anti-terror raids said they were targeted as they fit the "terrorist" stereotype. | |
Solicitor Amjad Malik told BBC's Asian Network that the men felt discriminated against because they are Muslims and he says they are innocent. | |
He said: "Anybody who has a beard and goes to prayer cannot be considered a threat to national security." | He said: "Anybody who has a beard and goes to prayer cannot be considered a threat to national security." |
The men held in Liverpool, Manchester and Clitheroe were not charged. | |
Of the 12 men arrested in the raids, 11 were Pakistani nationals, with 10 holding student visas. One was from Great Britain. | Of the 12 men arrested in the raids, 11 were Pakistani nationals, with 10 holding student visas. One was from Great Britain. |
Deportation orders | Deportation orders |
Mr Malik, who was asked by Pakistan High Commission to represent the students, believes the government has been too quick to ask for their deportation. | Mr Malik, who was asked by Pakistan High Commission to represent the students, believes the government has been too quick to ask for their deportation. |
He said he will help with the appeal against their deportation orders before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. | He said he will help with the appeal against their deportation orders before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. |
He said: "The secretary of state has a huge responsibility to protect the public but will have to create a balance between the interest of individuals as well as the state." | He said: "The secretary of state has a huge responsibility to protect the public but will have to create a balance between the interest of individuals as well as the state." |
Faced criticism | Faced criticism |
He said because no charges had been brought against the men they should be allowed to continue their studies. | He said because no charges had been brought against the men they should be allowed to continue their studies. |
Police faced criticism after prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to justify bringing any charges against the men. | Police faced criticism after prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to justify bringing any charges against the men. |
Lord Carlile of Berriew QC will look at the case as part of his ongoing role as independent reviewer of terrorism laws. | Lord Carlile of Berriew QC will look at the case as part of his ongoing role as independent reviewer of terrorism laws. |
Greater Manchester Chief Constable Peter Fahy, defended the arrests, saying he was not "embarrassed". | Greater Manchester Chief Constable Peter Fahy, defended the arrests, saying he was not "embarrassed". |
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