Explosives charge suspect alleges torture

A British man today claimed he was tortured by British, American and Pakistan intelligence agents following his arrest.

A British man today claimed he was tortured by British, American and Pakistan intelligence agents following his arrest.

Salahuddin Amin, 29, made a brief appearance at Bow Street Magistrates Court in London today where he was charged with conspiring to cause an explosion.

Afterwards his lawyer, Fariquain Shah, issued a statement on Amin's behalf in which he claimed mental and physical torture.

Outside court Mr Shah read a statement which had been dictated to him by his client.

In his statement Mr Amin said: "In the name of God, the most merciful and gracious, I, Salahuddin Amin, was born in the UK and I am a British citizen with all my family resident in the UK.

"On April 2 2004 I surrendered myself to the authorities in Pakistan and was detained in the most despicable conditions for over 10 months.

"Throughout my detention I was tortured mentally and physically and subjected to interrogation by British, American and Pakistani intelligence authorities.

"On February 8 2005 I was finally released without any criminal charges.

"But when I entered the UK, to my surprise, I was arrested and charged with conspiracy to cause explosions in the UK.

"I completely deny this charge. I have faith in God Almighty and I'm confident that the British judicial system will deal with my case in a just manner.

"My only crime is that I took it on myself to provide water and food and shelter to the widows and orphans of the Afghan war.

"I would never do anything that would cause harm or injury to people in the UK."

Amin was detained at Heathrow Airport last Tuesday when he flew in from Pakistan.

During his brief hearing in front of District Judge Nicholas Evans today, bearded Amin, wearing glasses, a brown corduroy jacket and dark trousers, gave his name, date of birth and an address in Luton.

He was charged under Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

He was jointly charged with Omar Khyam, Anthony Garcia (also known as Rahman Adam), Nabeel Hussain, Jawad Akbar, Waheed Mahmood and a youth.

The charge said that they "unlawfully and maliciously conspired together and with Mohammed Momin Khawaja and with others unknown to cause by explosive substances an explosion of a nature likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property in the United Kingdom."

Amin was remanded in custody until February 23 when he will appear at the Old Bailey.