Annabel Timan represents man acquitted of terrorism offences

Following a 4-month trial at the Central Criminal Court, Annabel Timan’s client was acquitted of membership of the proscribed PKK (The Kurdish Workers Party). The jury were unable to reach verdicts on two further counts of arranging meetings in support of a proscribed organisation.

The defendant was an asylum seeker who had claimed that his political activities in Turkey on behalf of a legitimate and legal Kurdish party had seen him arrested and falsely accused of being a member of the PKK. He fled to the UK where he claimed asylum and continued legitimate political activity at the Kurdish Community Centre in Harringay. The Home Office had refused his application for asylum on the basis that his activities did not risk him being perceived as a member of the PKK and that he was therefore not at risk if returned to Turkey. This issue was the basis of an abuse of process argument in the crown court. Whilst the application to stay proceedings was unsuccessful, the defendant was acquitted by the jury, and his asylum claim is being appealed.

Following written representations to the Attorney General, the decision was taken not to pursue a retrial on any count against the defendant. 

Annabel Timan was led by Rupert Bowers KC of 2 Hare Court Chambers and instructed by Paolo Martini at Cobleys Solicitors.