Judge attacks 'absurd' terror policy

A High Court judge today issued a scathing attack on Home Secretary Charles Clarke's "absurd" treatment of four men detained under emergency anti-terror laws.

Mr Justice Ouseley spoke out at an appeal hearing for four Belmarsh detainees accused of having links with al Qaeda.

The new setback for the Government came as its anti-terror Bill hit new trouble in the Lords.

The Home Office conceded more than a month ago that it was ready to release the detainees, but rows have continued over strict bail conditions.

The judge said Mr Clarke's strategy was in chaos, adding: "We have the absurd situation here today where three of the four men have been in

detention far longer than they needed to be while we argue over the precise degree of freedom they should have."

The Home Office revealed in a fax sent to the court overnight the details of the bail conditions it is seeking.

They include electronic monitoring, a curfew between the hours of 5pm and 7am and strictly monitored access to the internet.

Lawyers for the Home Office told the immigration appeal hearing today that they are in principle in favour of granting all four bail.

The four foreign suspects, are Jordanian Mahmoud Suliman Ahmed Abu Rideh, 33, and three known only by initials.