Pilot verdict shows need for fairer extradition treaty

5.08.56pm GMT Thu 14th Feb 2008

Commenting on the landmark ruling that the pilot Lotfi Raissi is entitled to seek damages for unlawful arrest following his imprisonment awaiting extradition to the US, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"Today's ruling demonstrates how this Government has risked serious miscarriages of justice by entering into an inherently unbalanced treaty with the United States, which seriously undermines the rights of British citizens.

"Somebody in Mr Raissi's position today would not be in the Court of Appeal but languishing in an American prison, under current extradition rules.

"The Government must undertake an immediate review of the Extradition Act and reopen negotiations, so that we can have the same protections enjoyed by US citizens."