The BBC has won the right to interview a terrorist suspect held for seven years without trial after a “ground-breaking” victory over the Government.

Barbar Ahmad, the British Muslim who denies terror-related charges and is fighting extradition to the US, will be allowed to give his side of the story in front of the Corporation’s cameras. The High Court ruled that is was in the public interest due to the the case’s exceptional nature.

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke said he would not appeal the ruling but will negotiate with the Beeb about how and when the interview should take place.

BBC home affairs correspondent Dominic Casciani, who made the application to interview Ahmad, said: “The European Convention on Human Rights says that journalists have freedom of speech and our courts recognise that the media plays a vital role in reporting matters of public interest.

“It was on that basis that we challenged a decision to stop us interviewing Babar Ahmad. We argued that his case was exceptional and only a broadcast interview would allow the public to hear what he had to say and learn about his story and the way his case has been handled.

“So, this case was about the public’s right to know and the Justice Secretary’s right to restrict. That’s a tough balancing act for any judge.

“The High Court’s decision breaks new ground for British journalists – but it does not mean that we could now expect to interview any prisoner we please.”

(Link: The Drum)

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