Emergency law blocks automatic early release of 50 convicted terrorists
The Terrorist Offenders (Restriction of Early Release) Bill was drawn up following the Streatham terror attack in which Sudesh Amman, 20, stabbed two people.
Emergency legislation to block the automatic early release of terrorist offenders has become law just two days before one extremist became eligible to be freed.
The legislation, which will affect around 50 prisoners, was passed by MPs last month and backed by the House of Lords on Monday, but finally received royal assent on Wednesday.
Announced in the House of Commons by Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans, the Terrorist Offenders (Restriction of Early Release) Bill ensures offenders serve two-thirds of their sentence before they are considered for release.
They will be reviewed by a panel of specialist judges and psychiatrists at the Parole Board before they are let out.
All terrorist offenders will also be subject to safeguards upon release, which could include notification requirements, restrictions on travel and communications, and imposed curfews.
Sunderland shopkeeper Mohammed Zahir Khan – who was jailed for four-and-a-half years in May 2018 after posting material supporting so-called Islamic State on social media – was due for release on February 28.
The change follows a terror attack in Streatham on February 2 which saw Sudesh Amman, 20, stab two bystanders with a knife he had grabbed from a shop.
Amman – who was shot dead by two police marksmen during the incident – was jailed in December 2018 for spreading extremist material and had been released from prison midway through his sentence just days before the attack.
The law will apply to offenders sentenced for crimes such as training for terrorism, membership of a proscribed organisation, and the dissemination of terrorist publications.
Mr Evans told MPs: ‘I have to notify the House in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967 that Her Majesty has signified her royal assent to the following Act: Terrorist Offenders (Restriction of Early Release) Act 2020.’
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland that ‘no terrorist should be released early only to kill and maim on our streets’.
He continued: ‘Protecting the public is Government’s first duty and our message is clear – enough is enough.
The Bachelor US host confirms producers 'forced' finalist to discuss their virginity
‘From today, terrorist offenders will only be released before the end of their sentence if the independent Parole Board is satisfied they no longer pose a threat, and they will face the strictest possible conditions and monitoring upon release.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.