Anyone out there who wants to see Abu Qatada remain in the UK? That's most likely not many of you as the individual in the case attracts little sympathy, indeed widespread condemnation for his opinions. Most would agree that Britain has to be better place without him here, and deportation to Jordan, if it ever happens, will be widely welcomed. Yet, there is an argument to suggest that his release from prison is the right thing to do.
For example, and playing devil's advocate to a large extent, Abu Qatada has been detained without trial for a very long time, totalling eight years apart from a six-month gap when he was on bail. Detention without trial, regardless of the rights and wrongs of the person concerned has to be wrong. Why has he not been charged on any offence during that time? And, if there is not really a charge to be levelled at him, what was he doing still in custody.
One doesn't have to be an apologist for terrorism to observe something uncomfortable in that. Even now, though technically out on bail, he has been made subject to such strict controls that he's effectively on house arrest, only allowed away from home for an hour a time twice a day.
Also, regarding his extradition, is it the right course of action to fly in the face of human rights legislation and deport him, exposing him to the threat of torture or perhaps a trial where evidence obtained through torture is made use of? It's at least arguable that Britain, assuming it wished to be rid of h
One doesn't have to be an apologist for terrorism to observe something uncomfortable in that. Even now, though technically out on bail, he has been made subject to such strict controls that he's effectively on house arrest, only allowed away from home for an hour a time twice a day.
Also, regarding his extradition, is it the right course of action to fly in the face of human rights legislation and deport him, exposing him to the threat of torture or perhaps a trial where evidence obtained through torture is made use of? It's at least arguable that Britain, assuming it wished to be rid of h
One doesn't have to be an apologist for terrorism to observe something uncomfortable in that. Even now, though technically out on bail, he has been made subject to such strict controls that he's effectively on house arrest, only allowed away from home for an hour a time twice a day.
Also, regarding his extradition, is it the right course of action to fly in the face of human rights legislation and deport him, exposing him to the threat of torture or perhaps a trial where evidence obtained through torture is made use of? It's at least arguable that Britain, assuming it wished to be rid of him, should have worked harder with Jordan to receive assurances that no torture would occur on his return there.
It's a tough subject, but it's certainly feasible for one to be desperate to be rid of Abu Qatada, while recognising the situation thus far, detention without trial and effective house arrest is far from ideal. Hopefully the right solution to a long-standing problem will soon be realised.
Also, regarding his extradition, is it the right course of action to fly in the face of human rights legislation and deport him, exposing him to the threat of torture or perhaps a trial where evidence obtained through torture is made use of? It's at least arguable that Britain, assuming it wished to be rid of him, should have worked harder with Jordan to receive assurances that no torture would occur on his return there.
It's a tough subject, but it's certainly feasible for one to be desperate to be rid of Abu Qatada, while recognising the situation thus far, detention without trial and effective house arrest is far from ideal. Hopefully the right solution to a long-standing problem will soon be realised.