your village voice

Double Jeopardy

Via blood and Treasure. This is proof, if any was needed, that the British government cannot be trusted with the sweeping powers it demands.

Seven Algerians, including four who were cleared at the Old Bailey in April of involvement in the alleged ricin plot, were detained yesterday pending their deportation on the grounds that they are a "threat to national security".

Human rights groups raised concerns last night that the seven face deportation to Algeria. A spokesman for Liberty said: "We are very concerned that as the majority appear to be Algerian, they are likely to be deported there. Observers and the UN have repeatedly pointed out violations of human rights by Algeria."

Jurors who acquitted four Algerians involved in the ricin plot trial told the Guardian they were angry their verdicts were ignored and were concerned the men would face torture or death if deported. "If anyone has grounds for asylum in this country, it is these men," one said.

posted by Mr K @ 10:15:00 AM