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Kassim
Here is the story of Abou El Kassim Britel, an Italian citizen serving a 9 year prison sentence in Morocco "on an unsafe conviction obtained through extraordinary rendition and torture" (Fair Trials International).
According to Fair Trials International, in the case of El Kassim Britel, who has has been on hunger strike since 16 November 2007:
- The conviction was obtained through torture;
- No evidence had been gathered in Italy on which to charge Mr Britel;
- In Morocco, Mr Britel was refused access to his lawyer prior to trial so was unable to provide him with instructions;
- He was also refused access to the Italian Embassy;
- No prosecution witnesses were produced for cross-examination;
- No witnesses or documentary evidence were allowed to be presented on behalf of the defence.
More info on the website of Fair Trials International.
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An open letter of Kassim's wife, Khadija (December 5th, 2007):
Why Kassim struck since November 16th?
Abou Elkassim Britel, the only Italian citizen, as we know, victim of extraordinary rendition is on hunger strike since November 16th in prison of Äin Bourja, Casablanca.
His protest for improved prison conditions and against acts of serious violence in the past and present, is now aiming to obtain his release, as announced on 19th November.
My husband has signed and sent a clear statement to the Moroccan Ministry of Justice on 3rd December, at this regard.
His decision is firm and reasoned. Concern for his life is very serious, but, we reiterate, this is the only action possible.
Abou Elkassim Britel suffers facts of unprecedented severity in terms of human and civil rights from 2002.
The case is followed by several international NGOs.
I cite only the most recent intervention: Amnesty International has added the story of Abou Elkassim Britel in the report about Italy at UN Committee against Torture in April 2007; on November 14th, 2007, Fair Trials International wrote to the ministers D'Alema and Mastella to support the immediate release.
In February 2007, the European Parliament "calls on the Italian government to take concrete measures to obtain the immediate release of Abou Elkassim Britel" in the 'Resolution on the alleged use of European countries by the CIA for the transportation and illegal detention of prisoners'.
I ask that the Italian government will activate immediately to restore this own citizen to his life and to his family, and avoid a dramatic conclusion of which it would be responsible.
And we hope we are given an answer, even personal, because the continuation of this silence towards us makes increase our anxiety beyond measure
Khadija
