Mirza thanks the people of Leeds for their support (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Mirza thanks the people of Leeds for their support

December 13, 2006 5:12 PM

(From left) Cllr Kabeer Hussain, Amjad Hussain, Cllr Mark Harris, Mirza Tahir Hussain and Cllr Javaid Akhtar Leeds City Councillors Mark Harris, Javaid Akhtar and Kabeer Hussain recently paid a visit to Mirza Tahir Hussain at a secret location. Until last month Mr Hussain was facing execution after eighteen years of imprisonment on death row in Pakistan. After a long-running campaign to have the sentence commuted, Mirza was finally released in mid-November. Despite the media frenzy following his release, Mirza is quietly trying to adjust to life back in the UK.

The reunion proved to be a joyous occasion as Mirza and his brother Amjad thanked the councillors for their efforts. Mirza looked healthy and relaxed, in stark contrast to the forlorn figure he cut whilst in captivity. Councillor Mark Harris, Deputy Leader of Council and Leader of the Leeds Liberal Democrat Group said, "Despite the horrific ordeal that Mirza has endured he appears to be slowly re-adjusting to life back in England. Mirza and Amjad stressed their gratitude to the people of Leeds for their support throughout his imprisonment."

Councillor Javaid Akhtar (Lib Dem, Gipton & Harehills) added "Seeing Mirza in the flesh really was fantastic. He looked fit and healthy. When you compare him now to how he appeared when he was first released, the contrast is staggering."

Councillor Kabeer Hussain (Lib Dem Hyde Park & Woodhouse) commented, "Hopefully Mirza will be back in Leeds soon and his life returning to some semblance of normality."