September 20, 2004
Sorry, Mate...
An Algerian national was released from prison today. He had never been charged with anything. He was held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act so he didn't have to be chrged with anything. All that was required was for MI5 to suggest he might be connected in some way with terrorism. They couldn't come up with any evidence, so David Blunkett ordered that he be let go.
After three years. That's right, "D" sat in a maximum security prison, probably in solitary confinement for three years.
"D" is probably a supporter of terrorism. He was jailed in France for being a supporter of a banned organisation, Groupe Islamique Armee. But it shouldn't take three years to decide whether there is evidence that he has violated UK law. Ideally there should be some sort of evidence before arrest, but the Government has given up that principle long ago.
It is an understatement to say that "D" is not a happy camper. If he wasn't already a terrorist, I would think the Government has given him plenty of motivation to become one.
Posted by david at September 20, 2004 11:48 PM | TrackBackThe length of time it takes to decide whether or not anyone is entitled to be here under any circumstances seems ridiculously long and, of course, it always costs the taxpayer a small fortune.