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08/02/2006
Police defend Hamza investigation
Police have defended the length of time taken to prosecute radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri.
Egyptian-born Hamza, 47, was jailed for seven years on charges of inciting hatred and racial hatred.
Scotland Yard confirmed that Hamza, the former imam at Finsbury Park mosque, had been investigated several times over a number of comments he made between 1999 and 2004. However, he had not been prosecuted because the Crown Prosecution Service said that there was insufficient evidence.
The decision to prosecute Hamza was finally made in 2004, following the seizure of more than 3,000 audio and video tapes from his home.
In a statement, Scotland Yard said: "Hamza was first arrested on March 15, 1999 for conspiracy to kidnap and was subsequently released without further action after advice from Treasury Counsel that there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.
"A number of complaints made by Hamza were received between 1999 and 2004. All of these complaints were thoroughly investigated and involved close liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service. In all cases, either no offence had been committed or there was insufficient evidence to prosecute."
Scotland Yard also said there was "no evidence" to support claims that Hamza had preached to three of the July 7 London bombers at Finsbury Park mosque.
According to reports in two newspapers, Mohammad Sidique Khan, Shehzad Tanweer and Jermaine Lindsay all attended sermons given by Hamza at the mosque.
However, Scotland Yard said: "We have no evidence at this stage that any of those involved had connections with Abu Hamza and anyone who has any relevant information should contact us."
Hamza could still face extradition to the US on further terrorism charges upon his release from jail in Britain.
(KMcA)
Egyptian-born Hamza, 47, was jailed for seven years on charges of inciting hatred and racial hatred.
Scotland Yard confirmed that Hamza, the former imam at Finsbury Park mosque, had been investigated several times over a number of comments he made between 1999 and 2004. However, he had not been prosecuted because the Crown Prosecution Service said that there was insufficient evidence.
The decision to prosecute Hamza was finally made in 2004, following the seizure of more than 3,000 audio and video tapes from his home.
In a statement, Scotland Yard said: "Hamza was first arrested on March 15, 1999 for conspiracy to kidnap and was subsequently released without further action after advice from Treasury Counsel that there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.
"A number of complaints made by Hamza were received between 1999 and 2004. All of these complaints were thoroughly investigated and involved close liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service. In all cases, either no offence had been committed or there was insufficient evidence to prosecute."
Scotland Yard also said there was "no evidence" to support claims that Hamza had preached to three of the July 7 London bombers at Finsbury Park mosque.
According to reports in two newspapers, Mohammad Sidique Khan, Shehzad Tanweer and Jermaine Lindsay all attended sermons given by Hamza at the mosque.
However, Scotland Yard said: "We have no evidence at this stage that any of those involved had connections with Abu Hamza and anyone who has any relevant information should contact us."
Hamza could still face extradition to the US on further terrorism charges upon his release from jail in Britain.
(KMcA)
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