A COMMUNITY leader from Burnley is calling on the Government to review the case of two men imprisoned 15 years ago for their part in the killing of an Indian diplomat.

Coun Mozaquir Ali has joined a nationwide campaign for a review of the cases of Abdul Raja and Muhammed Riaz, whose sentences were increased by 10 years to 20 and 25 years respectively by a former Home Secretary.

He has written to Prime Minister Tony Blair, Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw and Burnley MP Peter Pike in a bid to get the Government to look again at the case against the two Kashmiris, which he says was a serious miscarriage of justice against the men, from Birmingham.

In his letters, the Daneshouse councillor says the men were convicted on "questionable" evidence and their sentences increased by a Tory Home Secretary to secure economic interest and political favour from the Indian Government.

He says the Muslim community both in Burnley and nationally expected natural justice under the Labour Government and was devastatingly disappointed when Mr Straw decided to uphold the tariff set by his predecessor.

He writes: "The extension of their imprisonment without further trial was unethical, unjust, unfair, inhumane and indeed unlawful."

He adds: "We in Lancashire are proud of you and your Government's strong belief and commitment to equality and justice, your track record so far is highly esteemed and commendable - do not let us down on this case."

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