BRITAIN: The last four Britons to be released from US custody in Guantanamo Bay were arrested under the Terrorism Act following their return to Britain last night.
An RAF C-17 aircraft carried the men home after almost three years held in legal limbo, amid calls for compensation and an ongoing campaign to clear their names. However, within an hour of touching down at RAF Northolt the four men - Moazzam Begg, Martin Mubanga, Richard Belmar and Feroz Abbasi - were on their way to Paddington Green police station for forensic medical examination prior to questioning by officers from the Met's anti-terrorist branch.
The Pentagon said the men had been released following representations by the British government and assurances given by London "that the (former) detainees will not pose a threat to the US or its allies". British Home Secretary Mr Charles Clarke said a decision on whether to bring charges was a matter for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Clarke said the police had discussed the case with members of the Muslim community and recognised the strong feelings about the return of the men to the UK. However, he said, "we have an absolute duty on behalf of all communities to investigate the circumstances leading to the men's detention". Scotland Yard confirmed the four had been arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which refers to alleged involvement in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
It was stressed they would first be seen by a forensic medical examiner to ensure they were fit to be detained and questioned.
The source also confirmed they would be allowed a telephone call, access to a lawyer, and, due to the circumstances, to see a relative.
The relief of relatives of the four men was tempered yesterday by anxiety about their mental and physical health. In a handwritten letter declassified by the US authorities last year, Mr Begg claimed he had been subjected to "vindictive torture" and death threats in Guantanamo.
Awaiting his son's return yesterday, Mr Begg's father Azmat told the BBC: "I have got mixed feelings. I am not very excited for the simple reason that (he has suffered) mental torture for three years and I don't know what that has done to him. At the same time I am happy my son is coming home."
Mr Belmar's sister Jeanette also told the Today programme: "I am really worried because if he wants to start his life again he will have that behind him - 'Richard Belmar, Guantanamo Bay prisoner'."
Actor Corin Redgrave, co-founder of the Guantanamo Human Rights Commission, said: "It is wonderful news that the four British detainees (have returned) but we must continue our campaign to clear their names. Any move by the British authorities to treat them as if they were suspected terrorists only worsens the wrongs that have been done to them."
Mr Clarke is expected to give his response today to the Law Lords' ruling that the British government's detention of seven foreign nationals is unlawful.