Karl Watkins’ Prosecution of Babar Ahmad & Talha Ahsan

Following various media reports that a private prosecution of Mr Ahmad and another British citizen, Syed Talha Ahsan, has been initiated by a businessman, Karl Watkins, Roger has written to the Home Secretary, Theresa May, asking her when these two British citizens who have been languishing in prison for a number of years will be brought to trial.

The BBC reported that Mr Watkins’ has secured admissions from Mr Ahmad and Mr Ahsan of their involvement with the websites that form the basis of the allegations against them and sent it to the DPP in addition to other evidence against them.

Mr Watkins has said that he is bringing these proceedings because of the failure of the CPS to take appropriate action.

Roger Godsiff wrote to the Home Secretary saying: " I have corresponded with you before on the matter of Babar Ahmad who has yet to be brought to trial but I have read various reports that a private prosecution of Mr Ahmad and another British citizen, Syed Talha Ahsan, has been initiated by a businessman, Karl Watkins. Mr Watkins has said that he is bringing these proceedings because of the failure of the CPS to take appropriate action".

Mr Godsiff has asked the Home Secretary to update him on the current progress of this case, particularly in light of the judgement of the European Court as to whether or not these two British citizens will receive domestic prosecutions relating to conduct that took place in the UK.