Imran Farooq murder case: Lawyer terms evidence handed by UK 'compelling'

LONDON: Pakistan’s lawyer in the UK in the Imran Farooq murder case, Toby Cadman, said Britain handed “compelling evidence” to Islamabad in the investigations pertaining to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

Cadman said those involved in the murder and conspiracy of the MQM's slain founding leader, Dr Imran Farooq, would not be able to get away from justice — nine years after the assassination in Edgware.

In an interview with Geo.tv, Cadman — after returning from Pakistan where he had formally handed over the UK Central Authority’s letter to officials in Islamabad — said: “On assessment of the evidence, we believe that there is sufficient evidence to prove the charges. The evidence consists of number of pieces of material.

"It contains death certificate to prove killing, post-mortem report which explains nature of the death, items used in carrying out the execution, CCTV of the three accused, movement of the accused, a number of forensic expert statements that deal with the analysis of the knife used, the clothing, fingerprints, the accused handling the item and a number of different items.

"There is a lot more in the file," he added.

The three accused — who include Mohsin Ali Syed, Moazzam Ali Khan, and Khalid Shamim — are in the police custody.

Camdan, the lawyer, said there was a strong possibility that the evidence could lead to several big names in the MQM's Pakistan and London factions.

“There could a number of consequences for a lot of people. Pakistan could ask the UK through further mutual legal assistance for the conspirators and abetters in the murder of Dr Imran Farooq.

"Many people could be implicated as a result of what will unfold in coming days. There’s a possibility that more people could be implicated after confessional statements are made,” he added.

Cadman also shed light on the MQM's founder, who resides in the UK and told this correspondent during a recent appearance at the police station that incitement inquiry against him was baseless and “politically motivated”. The lawyer, however, said the Metropolitan Police was investigating that case independently.

"It’s not uncommon for someone who has been confronted with weight of evidence to say that the allegations are fabricated. The irony is that the case is built on his own words. It’s a matter of record that he gave the speech, matter of record that an act was carried out and someone was killed.

"That death was a sad result of the speech and it’s for the courts and jury to determine in this country. The suggestion that allegations are a mere fabrication doesn’t require an answer on the basis that a decision will be made on his words.”

The lawyer said the police was diligently working on the case and that words uttered were strong evidence, especially since his incitement speech from London resulted in a death; that cannot be denied.

It was difficult to prove incitement charges, Cadman said, and that was why the police was working hard and taking a long time to ensure the evidence is strong enough.

“The police want to be particularly sure that the evidence is strong enough and that requires them to carry out additional probe. He was bailed back for further questioning, he was questioned last week.

"He gave a no-comment interview.”

The News had revealed last week that the British government has agreed to cooperate with Pakistan under the mutual legal assistance formula in Dr Imran Farooq case and the UKCA confirmed its assistance to Pakistan in writing.

The UKCA had agreed to cooperate under the mutual legal assistance formula by which all evidence obtained during the murder inquiry would be shared and used to convict those involved.

Cadman, on the other hand, would be back in Islamabad in two weeks to appear before the anti-terrorism court where the trial would formally commence.