Terror suspect Daniel Khalife at large as probe launched into prison escape
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has launched an independent investigation after a suspected terrorist escaped from prison 'clinging to a delivery van'.
Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, a former soldier accused of terrorism, went missing in his cook's uniform from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday. There are fears the fugitive - who has been missing since 8am on Wednesday - might try to flee the country. It has been reported that he escaped from a prison kitchen by clinging to a delivery van.
Mr Chalk told the Commons: "I've asked for the preliminary findings to be with me by the end of this week, and an assessment will be made then about what can properly be put in the public domain. I have also decided there will need to be an additional independent investigation into this incident and that will take place in due course." Mr Chalk said he would leave "no stone must be left unturned" to find out how this happened.
He added: "Who was on duty that morning, in what roles ranging from the kitchen to the prison gates? What protocols were in place, were they followed second? I've ordered an investigation into the categorisation decision by HMPPS (His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service). Were all relevant matters taken into consideration in determining where in the custodial estate Daniel Khalife should be held?"
Undated handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, who went missing from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday shortly before 8am, where he was being held awaiting trial for terror offences and alleged breaches of the Official Secrets Act. He has denied all the charges against him. Khalife was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, red and white chequered trousers and brown steel-toe-cap boots, the Metropolitan Police said, and is slim, with short brown hair. He is 6ft 2in. Issue date: Wednesday September 6, 2023. (PA Media)It follows questions over the type of prison Khalife was being held at, with HMP Wandsworth - a category B prison - having the second-highest level of security. Khalife, who was awaiting trial after allegedly planting a fake bomb at an RAF base and gathering information that might be useful to terrorists or enemies of the UK, was discharged from the Army in May 2023. He has denied the three charges against him.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
Mr Chalk said he was "instinctively sympathetic" to the question about why was he in a category B estate and "that is precisely what I want to have some information about". However, he added "we have to proceed with caution", as it could turn "the whole system of categorisation on its head" with regards to offences under the Terrorism Act.
Meanwhile Mr Chalk emphasised escapes from prison are "extremely rare" and that Khalife was of "low risk" to the public. Asked if Khalife could have had any assistance in his escape, he said "all lines of inquiry are being considered".
Rishi Sunak also insisted prison escapes are "extremely rare" as a manhunt continues. Asked by broadcasters on a visit to the University of Warwick why such a suspect was not being held in a Category A prison, the Prime Minister told broadcasters: "First thing I want to say is thankfully these incidences are extremely rare.
"I can't give too many details because there's an ongoing police operation, I hope people will understand that, but I want to reassure people that public safety is of course, our paramount responsibility. The Justice Secretary has initiated already an internal inquiry into the specific circumstances around this particular individual and this case but the most important thing now is for anyone if they have any information at all that they think is relevant to please contact the police."
New Shadow Justice Sectretary Shabana Mahmood reiterated Labour's support for the police and all of those involved in the search to recapture Khalife. She said: "This is an extremely serious matter and it has highlighted catastrophic and multiple failures, not just in respect of this case, but of our wider criminal justice system. Its simply beggars belief that a man being held on suspected terror charges was able to escape a prison by clinging to the bottom of a food delivery van.
"The simplest question for the Justice Secretary today is how on earth was this allowed to happen? How is such an escape even possible? And nothing that he has said to the house today so far gets us remotely close to a full answer to this central question."
* Follow Mirror Politics on , , and .
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
