An individual linked to al-Qaeda who reportedly claimed involvement in the 7/7 London bombings has been granted freedom by a British judge, receiving well wishes as he prepares to be released. Haroon Aswat supposedly admitted his role in the 2005 attacks that resulted in the deaths of 52 individuals and in the 9/11 incident in New York, where nearly 3,000 people lost their lives. He disclosed this information to fellow inmates while serving a 20-year sentence in the US for plotting to establish a terrorist training camp in Oregon.
Following his deportation to the UK in 2022, Aswat was placed under the Mental Health Act but is now scheduled to leave a secure mental facility to reside with his family in Batley, West Yorkshire. Despite concerns raised by Met police’s top terror officer Det Chief Supt Gareth Rees about Aswat posing a security threat, court documents reveal that Aswat, now aged 50, recently appeared in front of Sir Robert Jay at the High Court.
During the High Court hearing on April 1, police sought a notification order to monitor Aswat, but a legal loophole prevents monitoring psychiatric patients, meaning he will not be subject to electronic tagging. Det Chief Supt Rees expressed apprehension about Aswat’s intentions to reconnect with al-Qaeda, citing concerns about national security and public safety.
In the court session, Mr. Justice Jay inquired about Aswat’s well-being and release plans, to which Aswat responded positively, stating his readiness to return to his family in Yorkshire. Mr. Justice Jay advised Aswat to abide by his treatment plan and stay away from past activities that led to his imprisonment.
Aswat’s appearance in the High Court marked his first public sighting since returning from the US, where he pleaded guilty to severe terrorism charges. Although Aswat was never formally charged in connection with the 7/7 attacks, his involvement was indicated by phone calls made by the bombers to a device linked to him. Notably, Aswat was detained in Zambia shortly after the bombings, possessing a terror manual and suspected bomb components, leading to his deportation to the UK under a US arrest warrant.
In response to concerns about potential threats to national security, a government representative emphasized that law enforcement agencies have the necessary tools to address such risks posed by former terrorist offenders. Mr. Justice Jay has been contacted for comment via email.