International   

Radical Muslim cleric detained in Britain

Move follows Blair's tough policy against extremists

LONDON: British authorities on Thursday detained and announced plans to deport 10 foreigners suspected of posing a threat to national security, including a radical Muslim cleric described by officials as Osama bin Laden's ``spiritual ambassador in Europe.''

An official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, confirmed that the Palestinian cleric Sheik Omar Mahmood Abu Omar, also known as Abu Qatada, was in custody.

The move, coming days after Prime Minister Tony Blair announced plans for tough new policies against extremists, are another indication of the dramatic impact of last month's bombings in a country where radical Muslims until recently found something of a haven.

The cleric's lawyer Gareth Peirce condemned the arrests. Her firm said in a statement the detenus had not been allowed to see their lawyers.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke gave the 10 foreigners a ``notice of intention to deport,'' the Home Office said.

``The circumstances of our national security have changed, it is vital that we act against those who threaten it,'' Mr. Clarke said in a statement.

The detentions come a day after Britain signed an extradition agreement with Jordan, where Abu Qatada was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment for involvement in a series of explosions and terror plots.

The Home Office said the foreigners would be deported once Britain is assured they would not face torture of mistreatment in the countries to which they were being sent.

Bakri held in Beirut

Radical cleric Omar Bakri was arrested in Lebanon. Last weekend, Bakri left Britain, where he had lived for 20 years, amid speculation that he could face treason charges. He flew to Lebanon, where his mother lives.

The cleric founded the now-disbanded radical Islamist group al-Muhajiroun, which came under scrutiny in Britain, particularly after some of its members praised the Sept. 11 attacks. — AP

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Edict on women in elections an offence
Malaysia for talks with Indonesia over haze
Eliot's letters to come under the hammer
Rushdie on Man Booker Prize list
Arms consignment from Iran seized at Iraq border
Radical Muslim cleric detained in Britain
Nobel physicist faces prison term
UAE decision on sponsorship of expatriates
Pakistan hints at supporting Japan on U.N. seat
Britain to ease nuclear sanctions against India

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu