Former terror suspect Moazzam Begg battles for compensation
A former Guantanamo Bay detainee from the West Midlands is battling for government compensation after his trial on terrorism charges dramatically collapsed.
'Drastic' anti-terrorism laws were used to freeze Moazzam Begg's assets before he was cleared of seven terrorism charges in October 2014. Now his no win, no fee legal team say HM Treasury should pay up for the financial losses and inconvenience that he has endured.
Former Wolverhampton student Mr Begg insists that he has 'never been involved in terrorist-related activity' and that the 'unnecessary' freezing order violated his human rights.
The Birmingham man was held at the notorious US base in Cuba between 2002 and 2005 and was never charged with any offence. But he was arrested by West Midlands police in February 2014 and charged with the terrorism offences.
He was accused of attending a terrorist training camp in Syria in 2013 and of arranging delivery of a generator to the war-torn country.
His assets were frozen – with 'drastic consequences' for Mr Begg – and he was remanded in custody for seven months to await trial. However, in October 2014, the CPS made the shock announcement that the charges had been dropped.
He was acquitted and freed as a senior West Midlands police officer told the press on the steps of the Old Bailey that he was innocent.
The very next day, Mr Begg's lawyers demanded that the freezing order be overturned on the basis that it should never have been made.
However, the Treasury – while accepting that the order should be revoked – refused to quash it, a crucial distinction when it comes to compensation.
Government lawyers said they had their reasons for the decision - but refused to disclose what they were, a senior judge said.
Mr Begg, who is not entitled to legal aid, is now challenging the decision in a case which it is estimated will cost more than £300,000.
His legal team is representing him on a 'no win, no fee' basis, but Mr Begg says his access to justice could be stymied by the crushing legal costs he would face if he loses.
On Thursday, the Master of the Rolls, Lord Dyson, directed the High Court to consider whether he should be granted special protection against having to pay Treasury lawyers' bills. If Mr Begg succeeds in proving that the freezing of his assets breached his human rights, he could be in line for substantial compensation.
