CONFIRMATION WELCOME BUT HUSSAIN MUST BE SET FREE - MULHOLLAND

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 16th Nov 2006

Responding to the confirmation that Mirza Tahir Hussain's death sentence has been commuted, Greg Mulholland, his local MP said:

"This is fantastic news, and a real reward for the amazing campaign led by his family.

"In particular Mirza Tahir's brother Amjad deserves the highest possible praise. Even when the outlook has looked at its bleakest, Amjad has conducted himself impeccably and the dignity and strength that he has shown throughout the extremely long and gruelling process has been nothing short of awe inspiring.

"However, we are all still awaiting confirmation that Mirza Tahir will now be released. Having spent 18 years in jail, this man must not serve any longer for a crime he did not commit.

"The news that we all want to hear is that he is on the plane back to his family in Leeds where he belongs."