Guantanamo families accuse Blair of blocking release

[T_i_B]

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/legal/story.jsp?story=479785

Families of the British detainees held in Guantanamo Bay have accused the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary of blocking their sons' early release from prison.

Louise Christian, solicitor for three of the nine families, identified the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, as the only obstacle to the men's release.

"I think the US has been prepared to release them without a trial but the British Government has been acting as an obstacle to them being returned," she said. "It's been the case for some time that the Government is opposed and the feeling has been that David Blunkett is the reason."

Ms Christian said that she suspected Mr Blunkett was concerned that he may be criticised if the suspects, who have been held for two years, were not charged with criminal offences in this country.