Monday, March 26, 2012

Insanity: Convicted Muslim terrorists released in the UK this week ahead of Olympics

(Telegraph) Two convicted terrorists, including one involved in the “liquids” plot to blow up trans-Atlantic passenger jets, will be back on the streets this week after being released from prison.

Their release, which officials cannot prevent, will add to growing concerns over the number of jailed terrorists and extremists who are being freed in the run up to the Olympics.

Nabeel Hussain was jailed for eight years in 2009 for his part in the 2006 plot to blow up aeroplanes using hydrogen peroxide disguised in soft drink bottles.

He assisted the main plotters, including fund-raising, and was found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism.

He was also said to have acted as a link between two of the key plotters – ringleader Ahmed Ali and Adam Khatib.

He is being released having served half his sentence, including time on remand.

In a separate case, Tariq Al-Daour, a former law student, will also be released have served half his time.

He was jailed for ten years in 2007 after inciting terrorism against non-Muslims over the internet.

His trail heard he had close links with al Qaeda in Iraq and he, along with two others, were the first men to be convicted of inciting murder over in the internet.

At one point, a chat room set up by co-accused Younes Tsouli, attracted a message from a purported group of 45 doctors who wanted to use car bombs and grenade rockets to launch attacks in the US.

Last year, research by the think tank the Henry Jackson Society, warned as many as 15 convicted terrorist were due for release ahead of the Olympics.

Harry Fletcher, assistant general secretary of the probation union Napo, said: “By the summer, the vast majority of people convicted in the last decade (of terror offences) will have been released.

“These two will be placed in hostels and kept under close scrutiny to maximise public protection.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesman refused to confirm the releases but said: "Public protection is our top priority. Serious offenders on licence are subject to a strict set of controls and conditions and can be recalled to custody if they breach them.

"When released from prison, all terrorist offenders on licence are managed through Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) will be risk assessed, monitored and supervised by Probation, Police and other agencies.

"Terrorist offenders subject to statutory probation supervision may also be required to comply with additional licence conditions to better manage any risk they pose."