Public’s jail interview bill
A BBC interview with a terror suspect is costing the public almost £500,000.
Babar Ahmad, 38, was whisked away from his top-security prison cell to spend SEVEN HOURS filming a controversial chat with journalists.
The interview is expected to last just a few minutes when broadcast on BBC2’s Newsnight tonight.
Prison staff and civil servants had to be taken off normal duties so that Ahmad could be interviewed at Long Lartin prison in Worcestershire last week. A source said: “The whole job was a massive headache and took up most of the day. Ahmad was delighted to be the centre of attention.”
The interview only took place after the Government lost a legal battle. Officials had rejected a BBC request to interview Babar, but the decision was overturned by the High Court after a judicial review that cost taxpayers thousands in legal fees.
The public’s final bill — including staff costs, the court case and BBC costs — is estimated at £500,000.
Ahmad, who was arrested in 2004, is wanted by the US for allegedly plotting to kidnap and murder along with money laundering and aiding terrorists. The former IT worker denies involvement in terrorism and has not been charged with any offence. Ahmad is fighting against extradition to the US, where he faces life in jail if convicted.
The European Court of Human Rights is due to rule on his case next week.
The BBC said: “We went to court because the case raises matters of significant public interest. The judges agreed with our position.”