Amnesty International has raised concerns over the convictions of two Palestinians jailed for the 1994 North Finchley car bomb attack.

The human rights group believes Samar Alami, 33, and Jawad Botmeh, 31, may have been denied a fair trial and appeal hearing.

Concerns emerged this week as Alami pledged to continue her campaign for freedom.

In a letter to the Times Group, she wrote: "There have been some serious wrongs in our case. I don't know what is next but I know to somehow go on sic I can't give up."

The pair, British residents of Palestinian origin, were jailed for 20 years in 1996 for their part in bomb attacks on Balfour House and the Israeli embassy which injured 20 people. Last month they lost a High Court appeal against their convictions.

Amnesty International is concerned about non-disclosure of evidence to their lawyers during the trial and appeal, and particularly the use of Public Interest Immunity (PPI) or gagging order certificates by the Crown. Just one new piece of evidence that a terrorist threat against the embassy from a group unconnected to Alami and Botmeh had been received was disclosed on the orders of the Appeal Court.

Amnesty said in a statement: "They Alami and Botmeh have been denied their right to a fair trial because they have been denied full disclosure of all information that may have been relevant to the investigation of the bombings. Crucial questions remain unanswered concerning the role of the various intelligence services, the actions of the Israeli embassy and the nature of the initial police investigation."

December 5, 2001 10:48

MATTHEW NIXSON