Sarah Congratulates Anas el-Banna
December 17, 2007 6:03 PM
Sarah has backed her constituent's fight for justice
Local MP Sarah Teather has congratulated her constituent Anas el-Banna on winning the New Statesman Person of the Year Award.
Anas, eleven years old today, was nominated by Kate Allen, the Director of Amnesty International, and his local MP Sarah Teather, for his work on the campaign to win justice for his Father, Jamil el-Banna. Mr el-Banna has been held in Guantánamo Bay without trial or charge for almost five years.
During the campaign Sarah, Anas and Mohammed el-Banna visited Downing Street twice to deliver petitions and letters to then Prime Minister Tony Blair. Sarah also worked with the el-Banna family and Amnesty International to organise a vigil outside Downing Street on the fifth anniversary of the opening of the camp.
On 7th August 2007, the Government finally announced that British residents at Guantánamo, including Jamil el-Banna, would be allowed to return to the UK.
Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:
"Anas el-Banna is one of the most remarkable people I have met during my time as a Brent MP. He is a brave young man whose dedication to winning justice for his Dad was a huge inspiration to everyone who worked on the campaign.
"As the oldest child, Anas assumed the spokesperson role for the whole family. Both Anas and Mohammed, and indeed all the children, have been extremely brave. This award really recognises the achievement of all the el-Bannas.
"We fought long and hard to get the Government to change their position on the British residents, and there is no doubt in my mind that Anas' poignant and articulate letters to the Prime Minister were key to our success.
"I am delighted that Anas has been recognised with this prestigious award, and have sent him my warmest congratulations. Anas' win just goes to show that, with determination and courage, a ten year old boy can change our world for the better."
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