Terrorist convicts abuse ECHR to let them gather and plot attacks

BRITAIN must leave the European Convention on Human Rights to prevent terrorists using it to plot carnage while behind bars.

- BY MICHAEL KNOWLES Home Affairs Editor

Jonathan Hall, the UK’s terror watchdog, said jihadis are gaming the system to force prison chiefs to let them congregate.

They have successfully used Article 8 of the ECHR - the right to respect for a private life and family life — to claim they should not be held in separation centres, despite fears they could radicalise others.

Mr Hall, the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation and State Threats Legislation, warned that some of the country’s most dangerous criminals are exploiting a series of rulings to argue who they should be allowed to socialise within jails.

They claim “any decision they disagree with is contrary to Article 8”, he said.

MPs warn this “loophole” will lead to taxpayers shelling out millions in compensation for “evil criminals”.

Robert Jenrick, of Reform UK, said “there’s a serious risk a prison officer might be killed”, while Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the ECHR lets criminals have an “easy ride” behind bars.

Mr Hall detailed how the “application” of Article 8 has “sprawled over the last few years”.

In one of three cases he cited, Nadir Syed, who plotted to behead someone on the street, successfully claimed his rights were being hindered because he was segregated.