Lawyer condemns 'lies' over Guantanamo detainees' release

The lawyer for three British residents arrested hours after returning to the UK from the US Guantanamo Bay detention centre today condemned the Government for “lying” about their release.

Clive Stafford Smith, who is acting for all three men, described the Government’s actions since they returned to British soil as “reprehensible”.

Omar Deghayes, 38, Abdennour Samuer, 34, and Jamil el-Banna, 45, were all released from the controversial camp in Cuba yesterday after years of being held without charge or trial.

They arrived back in the UK on board a charter jet last night but both Mr Deghayes and Mr Samuer were arrested immediately, and Mr el-Banna also taken into custody early this morning.

Mr Stafford Smith said: “These guys have been kicked so many times. They have been tortured. To do this when there are so close to home and their families, I think, is reprehensible.

“It would have been fine if that was what they (the government) had told us was going to happen. They knew it was going to happen. I have no problem with them questioning my clients but they lied.”

He added: “Jamil el-Banna was told by an official yesterday that he would be at home with his children for the Festival of Eid.

“Five children are sitting in that house waiting, one of whom has never seen their father. It is absolutely outrageous.”

Mr Stafford Smith said Mr el-Banna and Mr Deghayes were both due in court later today, but that Mr Samuer would be released at some point during the day.