Home Office shock at suspect’s release
The Home Office has expressed its shock following a decision to release a man with suspected links to terrorists.
Judges decided to release the man, known only as “G”, on bail after he claimed that his detention had made him psychotic.
After two years of detention without trial G, of Algerian origin, was freed on bail by the Special Immigration Appeal Commission (SIAC). He will now be held under house arrest.
However, the commission concurred with home secretary David Blunkett that the Algerian was a danger due to his alleged links with al Qaeda.
Prison minister Paul Goggins commented: “In the case of G, what we find extraordinary is SIAC agreed with the assessment of the evidence but nonetheless they decided to release him on bail.”
But SIAC made the case that the risk could be managed if G remained under a situation of virtual house arrest.
While released he will be constantly watched, will only receive visitors approved by the Home Office, and will not have access to the internet or a telephone.
Additionally those responsible for his release say that G’s mental deterioration makes him less likely to become involved in any potentially dangerous activity.
A source from the government told the BBC that the decision to release him went against common sense and maintained the man could still pose a threat
