The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
We learn that Abu Hamza has been given leave [=permission] to appeal.
(I'm staying off the merits - I don't want to be the one who finds out whether the Contempt of Court Act 1981 applies to Blogs)
I wonder whether this is wise - tactically, I mean. I can see that it is arguable (as Sir Igor Judge said) that the circumstances of his prosecution might benefit from appellate discussion - but what if he's successful ? Then the Americans will want him extradited, and he'll be back in prison while that's worked out. He will say 'Human Rights' and the USA will make promises about what they will/not do (eg send him to Gitmo). Embarrassing, but he'd presumably still be extradited (see the NatWest Three), and if convicted by a USA judge (no comment) would surely be sentenced to a lot more than his UK 7 years (3-4 years allowing for parole etc).
(I'm staying off the merits - I don't want to be the one who finds out whether the Contempt of Court Act 1981 applies to Blogs)
I wonder whether this is wise - tactically, I mean. I can see that it is arguable (as Sir Igor Judge said) that the circumstances of his prosecution might benefit from appellate discussion - but what if he's successful ? Then the Americans will want him extradited, and he'll be back in prison while that's worked out. He will say 'Human Rights' and the USA will make promises about what they will/not do (eg send him to Gitmo). Embarrassing, but he'd presumably still be extradited (see the NatWest Three), and if convicted by a USA judge (no comment) would surely be sentenced to a lot more than his UK 7 years (3-4 years allowing for parole etc).
posted by Richard Heald | 11:08:00 pm
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