PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Malaysia Should Not Host Iraqi Criminal

London, 20 February 2003

Indict, a London-based human rights organisation that works for prosecution of Iraqi war criminals, has called upon the Malaysian government not to allow Taha Yassin Ramadan, the Iraqi Vice President, to attend the upcoming Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

"Taha Yassin Ramadan is a criminal who is responsible for the deaths of thousands of people," said Charles Forrest, Chief Executive Officer of Indict. "Ramadan has been under criminal investigation in the UK and Belgium. He is potentially subject to indictment by Belgian authorities under the same law used to investigate war crimes allegedly committed by Ariel Sharon. Malaysia should not receive this man as an honoured guest."

Indict has collected evidence showing Ramadan's responsibility for war crimes committed during Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, and genocide committed against Kurds, Shia and Marsh Arabs inside Iraq. "Ramadan is responsible for mass slaughter and the use of chemical weapons against innocent civilians. He is not entitled to any kind of immunity under international law," stated Forrest. "Under the Genocide Convention, to which Malaysia is a party, all states are obliged to arrest or extradite perpetrators of genocide. Malaysia should seriously consider whether it is wise to allow Ramadan to come to Kuala Lumpur."

For additional information contact:

Indict
+44-207-840-0190
info@indict.org.uk