Darford MP hails Abu Hamza decision 'victory for common sense' (From News Shopper)

Darford MP Gareth Johnson calls Abu Hamza decision 'victory for common sense'

1:01pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in News By George Sargent

DARTFORD MP, Gareth Johnson, has hailed the defeat of radical cleric Abu Hamza al-Masi’s latest appeal against extradition to the US as a “victory for common sense”.

The European Court of Human Rights ruled on September 24 that the extradition of Abu Hamza, and four other terrorism suspects, could go ahead.

The Home Office has said it aims to extradite them within three weeks.

The decision means the men can now face terrorism charges in the US.

In reaction to the Strasbourg court’s decision, the Conservative MP said: “This decision is a victory for common sense and ensures that those who seek to disrupt and destroy our country face the full force of the law.

“Radical extremists such as Mr. Hamza cannot and must not be allowed to incite and preach terrorism in our democracy in this way.

“It is a pity that the process took so long but I am pleased that the right decision has prevailed in the end.”

Mr Johnson spoke in Parliament in April 2012 about Abu Hamza’s status.

He asked the Home Secretary, Theresa May, if the radical preacher “will remain deported from this country” once he was deported.

She replied: “I want what I have called a sustainable deportation.”

The terrorist suspects had argued their human rights would be violated if they were deported, saying they could suffer inhumane treatment.

The Court ruled this would not be the case.

Since the European Court of Human Rights decision, Abu Hamza al-Masri has launched a High Court attempt to avoid extradition to the US.