FOSIS letter to the Home Office

Dear Home Secretary,

We, the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS), are writing to express our concern over the recent arrests of Pakistani students in the North of England. The twelve students were arrested in a series of raids on the 8th of April, followed by an intense media storm. The Police did not charge any of the young men arrested of any terrorism related activities put forward and eleven of these men, foreign nationals, have subsequently been passed over to the UK Border's Agency for deportation.

We have been troubled by the statements from the Home Office which note of action to “remove these individuals on grounds of national security”, following not a single terror-related charge being brought against any of them. If a visitor to the United Kingdom breaks the laws of the country we would most certainly support their removal, pending a rigorous, open and transparent appeals procedure. However, the public have not seen any judgment that justifies the deportation of these students, rather a presumption of guilt and a contemptuous attitude. Further to this, termed a threat to national security, we fear that these students are now in very real danger of being arrested by the Pakistani authorities who have a notoriously poor human rights record.

It is fundamentally important now that we clarify what is a "threat to national security", and how can one constitute as a 'threat' but be innocent by the law? This paradoxical statement is difficult to accept and as it stands, combined with anti-terror legislation and recent operations, continue to fuel the growing disillusionment of many Muslims towards the government; threatening to undo many years of progress. We are concerned that the tireless efforts of Muslim organisations (including our own) through various schemes towards political engagement of Muslim youth, tools to preventing extremism, threaten to be undermined.

Further to this, we note the international student body is a crucial asset, helping to solidify the UK's position as a global hub. Not only do they provide financial stability to our universities, they bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and innovation; enhance our understanding of the world, and promote plurality and meaningful diversity in our society. These very students however, are now at a high risk of feeling marginalised by government policies and practices. These practises not only damage the UK's reputation abroad, but also alienate and isolate students and deter future applicants.

In our opinion, it seems there is not much in place to safeguard the rights of the accused, particularly international students. This operation was rushed, and the fact that the students continue to suffer trauma, incarceration and deportation in the hands of the government, with no form of compensation or even apology, sends a worrying signal and sets a dangerous precedent for international students. This episode is not isolated; decisions seemingly rushed without transparency includes the case of Hicham Yezza at Nottingham University.

We appreciate the substantial and serious task facing our intelligence agencies - taking action can lead to just as devastating consequences as inaction. It would be easy to forget the many cases where plots have been foiled and attacks deterred, and a great deal more of which we will not, and may not be able to have heard about.

To conclude, we seek clarification on the legality of the means by which international students who are wrongly arrested under anti-terrorism legislation can be deported without due process; and on the precedent that the current, and previous episodes have set.

Secondly, we would like to have assurances from the Home Office that international students, particularly from countries including Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan, will receive protection from and support against discrimination; that university Vice Chancellors, staff, and Students Unions will be fully notified of the situation; and that the rights and privileges enshrined in the law will be granted to all those who find themselves in such situations.

We look forward to your response.

Yours Sincerely,

Faisal Hanjra
President, Federation of Student Islamic Societies