Bin Laden’s right hand man has had his latest attempt at freedom thwarted after officials feared he was likely to commit more terror acts if released from jail.
The 48-year-old Rangzieb Ahmed was caged for life in 2008 after being linked to bombers who killed 52 people in London on 7th July 2005.
But a risk assessment conducted by the Parole Board found it was likely he was still ‘susceptible to indoctrination’ and could reoffend if released onto the streets.
The news comes after the government pledged to release many criminals early in a bid to ease prison overcrowding – with the plans sparking concerns for public safety.
Speaking of Ahmed’s plea for freedom, a report said: ‘Having considered the index offence, past behaviour and the other evidence before it, the panel listed as risk factors those influences which made it more likely that Mr Ahmed would reoffend.
Rangzieb Ahmed arriving at Heathrow Airport from Islamabad. The 48-year-old Rangzieb Ahmed was caged for life in 2008 after being linked to bombers who killed 52 people in London on 7th July 2005
Osama bin-Laden is seen in this undated photo in Afghanistan. A Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman said October 4, 2001 that it had seen sufficient evidence provided by U.S. investigators to allow an indictment against Osama bin Laden
‘The sentencing Judge had found that Mr Ahmed was dedicated to the cause of Islamic Terrorism, with Mr Ahmed believing it was his religious duty to do so.’
The finding continued: ‘At the time of his offending, the panel considered Mr Ahmed’s risk factors to include his need to redress injustice, a need to defend against threats and Mr Ahmed’s need for identity, meaning and belonging.
‘He had a need for status and excitement and a need to dominate others.
‘Mr Ahmed was considered to be susceptible to indoctrination and held views that justified offending.
‘The panel also considered his interpretations of his faith to be an additional risk factor.’
Officials said Rochdale-born Ahmed will be eligible for another parole hearing in due course.
Last year reports told how he was left fuming after prison chiefs banned him from making pizza and cakes at HMP Buckley Hall in Rochdale.
His imprisonment attracted attention in 2009 too when the Conservative MP David Davis accused the UK government of ‘outsourcing torture’.
Mr Davis said the government allowed Ahmed to leave the UK and enter Pakistan where he was detained under torture, and that British intelligence and police agencies had full knowledge of this.
Ahmed lost his appeal over the claim.Â
The one-time cab driver, who has received legal aid totalling almost £1 million for all his proceedings, was last rejected for parole in September 2022 after officials judged he was too dangerous.
Ahmed is not the only convict being considered for release – Mohammed Zahir Khan, 45, a vocal supporter of the Islamic State is also under review.
Khan was managing a shop in Sunderland when he was arrested after posting his support for the terror group on social media.
He also called for the death of Shia Muslims and was convicted in Newcastle Crown Court in May 2018 of stirring racial hatred and encouraging terrorism.
In 2019, Usman Khan, who had been released halfway through his 16-year sentence, killed Saskia Jones and Jack Merritt before being shot dead on London Bridge.
In February 2020, Suddesh Amman attacked and stabbed people in south London just a few days after being released from prison.
Both these incidents prompted emergency legislation that prevented the automatic early release of terrorism offenders.
Khan attempted to overturn the ban but his case was eventually thrown out by the High Court in July 2020.
