Ludford welcomes Hussain's release

3.58.59pm GMT Fri 17th Nov 2006

Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman and London MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford today welcomed the release of 36 year old British citizen Mirza Tahir Hussain, who had been on death row in Pakistan for 18 years.

Baroness Ludford raised his case in the European Parliament to demand EU action and co-signed a letter calling on EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, to intervene. She is also a patron of NGO Fair Trials Abroad which was strongly involved in the campaign.

Sarah Ludford commented:

"I am delighted to hear that Mr Hussain has been released from prison and is now on his way home. The concerted effort of national and Euro-MPs to fight with his family for justice in this case has certainly contributed to today's positive outcome."