§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the recent arrest of Abu Hamza al-Masri; and what his policy is in respect of Yemen's request for his deportation. [78131]
§ Mr. StrawAbu Hamza al-Masri and two other men were arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 (PTA) on 15 March. I subsequently authorised extensions of detention beyond the initial 48 hours allowed by the Act. On 18 March, all three detainees were released from detention under the PTA, re-arrested under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and given police bail to return for further questioning in mid-May after further inquiries have been made.
233WThe United Kingdom has no extradition treaty with Yemen. The law contains provision in these circumstances for a special arrangement to be considered. I cannot say what would be the outcome were such an approach to be made by the Yemen, but it would be open to their authorities, if they so wished, to pursue the possibility.