A former British prison detainee suspected of being a senior member of a terror group has been deported to Algeria

BBC News:

The man, believed to be a suspect identified only as "I", was returned to Algeria after dropping his appeal against deportation.

He is the second Algerian terror suspect to be removed on national security grounds in two days.

On Friday, an Algerian known as "V" was returned after dropping his appeal.

Britain is seeking to sign a "memorandum of understanding" with Algeria, aiming to guarantee that anyone returned there will not be ill-treated.

"I" was held for three years without charge or trial under the controversial Internment Powers.

Home Secretary John Reid said the Algerian had been a senior member of the Abu Doha group and had undergone mujahideen training in Afghanistan.

A Home Office spokeswoman said on Saturday: "An Algerian national representing a threat to the UK was today exported to Algeria.

"The individual had withdrawn an appeal against deportation and is the second Algerian national being deported to Algeria on national security grounds.

"The British government is grateful to the Algerian authorities for their co-operation in facilitating the deportation of this individual.

"A number of others are appealing against deportation and their cases are currently before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac)."

Ministers are currently unable to forcibly deport terror suspects to Algeria because human rights laws say they cannot be returned to a country where they may face torture or ill-treatment.

In previous Siac hearings, "I" has appealed against his imprisonment and said it was "unjust, unfair, wrong, misconceived, discriminatory and for political purposes".

He has a previous conviction for credit card fraud.

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