Euro-MP Condemns Conservative Vote on Guantanamo Bay

4.00.00pm GMT Wed 10th Mar 2004

West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne has condemned Conservative MEPs for today voting against a report calling on all detainees at Guantanamo Bay to be either released or charged.

Speaking after the European Parliament endorsed a report by Ole Andreasen a fellow member of the European Liberal Democrat group, Liz Lynne said:

"How long do the Conservative MEPs think a person should be locked up without charge for? No democrat can possibly defend the treatment of the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay.

"None of the men being held there have been charged let alone been found guilty of any crime. To imprison people for two years without any charge or access to legal representation cannot ever be justified.

"According to International law, all of the men are entitled to the presumption of innocence; but if there is evidence which justifies a prosecution, the authorities should act accordingly. If there is no evidence of wrong doing these men should be freed."

ENDS