This is a guest post by Josh Robinson
In what has hitherto been my only other guest-post on Harry’s Place, the text below appeared, with minor time-related variations, about a year ago. In the comments that appeared below that post, I found for I think the first time that I agreed with the comments made by Benjamin and TheIrie; the experience of disagreeing with some of the contemptible swamp-dwelling scum who regularly post on this blog was, however, not a new one. Meanwhile, the moral compass that is Morgoth conviced me – by taking the position contrary to my own – that I have taken the correct position on this particular matter.
There are doubtless fuckwits reading this blog who believe that the police and security services can do no wrong, and it follows from the fact that a not-guilty verdict is not proof of innocence that we should not help those who have been wrongly imprisoned – for three years, between the ages of 17 and 20 – and subsequently acquitted of all charges. There are doubtless other fuckwits who take the fact that Sidali is facing charges in Algeria – ruled by a regime far from the liberal democracy that this blog supports – as evidence of his guilt. Apparently being opposed to a military dictatorship is a luxury only afforded to white liberals in the UK, not to those who find themselves in the unfortunate predicament of living under it.
However, there are also likely to be people who wish to support Sidali. For this reason, the text of my post from a year ago is repeated, with the necessary alterations, below:
In 2002, Sidali Feddag, then aged 17, was arrested in conjunction
with the so-called ‘ricin plot’ and held on remand for over two years before his acquittal in April 2005. The trial at the Old Bailey – the longest held there in history – found that there was no ricin and no plot. As a minor, Sidali could not be detained with adult prisoners and thus spent his life between the ages of 17 and 20 in solitary confinement, often for 23 hours a day.
One might think that his would be a good case for compensation. Or at least counselling and some sort of support from the criminal justice system of which he was a victim. But the UK government is seeking to deport Sidali to Algeria, where he was born – where he would likely face further imprisonment without trial.
Sidali is seeking asylum in the UK, but the Home Office has been slow to respond to his application. He has been living with families who have supported him since leaving prison, and are helping him in his next steps. He completed an access course to higher education, and is now three years into a law degree at Birkbeck. His fourth year is due to start in October 2008. However, because Sidali has still not received refugee-status he is liable for overseas fees of almost three thousand pounds a year, well beyond his reach.
Please consider making a donation towards Sidali’s tuition fees. You can also read further information about how donations will be used.
The website also contains further information about Sidali, which includes the following paragraph that perhaps makes the case most strongly why readers of Harry’s Place might want to support him:
Despite his experiences, Sidali loves Britain and wants to build a life here. He’s a great admirer of our jury system and free press. He believes there are few other countries in which such a political trial could have a fair outcome. For the future, he hopes to do well in his degree and build a successful legal career here in the UK. With your support, there is every reason to believe he will fulfil his ambitions.
The website also contains extensive further information, including press reports, about Sidali’s case.
