IN NOVEMBER last year, CAGE International Director Muhammad Rabbani came back to the UK from a trip overseas. As he passed through Heathrow, police took various electronic device from him – and demanded that Rabbani hand over his passwords.
Rabbani refused to let the police have the passwords, because the information on his devices include witness evidence from a torture survivor which was drawn up as part of legal proceedings. Rabbani refused to let the police have access to that statement – which is “legally privileged” and should not be seen by police until it is finished and formally released in court.
As a result of his refusal, Rabbani was arrested under anti-terror legislation. Yesterday, 20th June, he appeared in Court – and pleaded “not guilty” to the charges which the CPS had brought against him.
The case has serious implications for journalists and lawyers – especially those involved in human rights cases. Rabbani had previously made it clear that he has not taken his stance because he wants to be some kind of individual hero, but he does want to stand up for the principle of not giving the police prior access to confidential material.
It was a brief hearing, at which Rabbani had to confirm his name, address and date of birth. He was then charged with a single count under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which was that “on November 20 2016, at Heathrow airport, he did wilfully obstruct, or sought to frustrate, an examination or search”.
Rabbani is being represented by well known human rights lawyer Gareth Peirce. She told the court that the hearing of the case will have to consider whether police had been acting lawfully when they stopped Mr Rabbani and asked him to give them the PIN number of his phone.
Having entered his plea, Rabbani was released on unconditional bail. The case will be heard at the same court on 25th September. Rabbani thanked those who had gone to today’s hearing to show their support for him and the stand he is making and said that he believed he would be found innocent at the hearing of the case.
Ibrahim Mohamoud, speaking on behalf of CAGE, said, “Rabbani’s courage and principle in these circumstances has been an inspiration to the community. We continue to support him in his efforts to protect the privacy of us all, and to end the constant harassment at airports.”
•For more information about CAGE, go to: https://cage.ngo/
•Read more about it: CAGE Director faces prison to protect privacy Facing prison to protect privacy – Rabbani’s story Facing prison to protect privacy – what others say
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