Two Pakistani Men Cannot Be Deported From UK Despite Being a Danger to National Security

Reports now show that two men, who are regarded as a serious danger to national security, cannot be deported to their native Pakistan. This is because the men face the risk of torture in their homeland.

The Special Emigration Appeals Commission said that Faraz Khan age 26, and Abid Naseer, age 24, cannot be forcibly removed to Pakistan. This is because of the likelihood that these two men will be mistreated if returned. Judge John Mitting and two colleagues made the ruling despite labeling Naseer an al-Qaida operative and Khan an Islamist extremist.

The judges said that there is a long and well documented history of disappearances, illegal detention, torture and ill treatment of people detained. Normally this is done to produce information, a confession or compliance.

Both of the men were among a group of 12 people who were arrested last April in a series of anti-terror raids across northern England. All were released without charge. However, authorities insisted they had thwarted a major al-Qaida bomb plot against Britain.

Britain's government has chosen not to appeal against this decision. The country's former administration has been accused by a number of ex-detainees of colluding in the torture of suspects held overseas.

Theresa May, Home Secretary, said Britain would make arrangements to protect the public from the two men. As the court agreed, they are a security risk to the UK. They are now taking all possible measures to ensure they do not engage in terrorist activity while living in the UK.

A third man, who was detained in the raids, won an appeal against his exclusion from Britain. He has already returned to Pakistan, but the judges accepted he was likely unaware of details of the alleged plot.