Johnson releases top terror suspect

7th September 2009

Home secretary Alan Johnson has released one of the UK's top terror suspects, according to reports.

The Times suggests that Johnson was forced to lift a control order on the man known only as 'AF' to avoid disclosing secret evidence about him.

The order had been imposed as authorities had alleged AF had links to an extremist Libyan organisation.

The man, who has both Libyan and British nationality, was one of three men who won a landmark ruling in July that stated the control order was unfair.

The law lords ruled that the suspect had been denied a fair hearing prior to detention, without being provided with details of the cases against him.

At the time, Johnson said the government would contest each case vigorously, although this would mean disclosing the evidence against the men.

Last month AF's solicitor received a letter saying that the home secretary was revoking the control order, despite no reason being provided.

The other two suspects are also likely to have their control orders revoked.

Barrister Lord Pannick QC, who led the man's legal team, told the Times: "The home secretary has some explaining to do.

"Does he now accept that there was no need for the control order which imposed severe restrictions on AF, or does he still think there is a need for controls but is unwilling to provide details of the allegations against AF?

"If the latter, does he accept that the control order regime is defective and should be scrapped?"

The Home Office refused to comment on the reports. A spokesman said: "We do not comment about control orders."

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