Amnesty's plea for Guantanamo detainee

The fate of former British resident Ahmed Belbacha hangs in the balance following a deal struck between his US captors and the Algerian state.

Mr Belbacha has not been convicted of a crime and has been cleared for release, but is in legal limbo as no country will grant him asylum.

Forced to flee Algeria after death threats from the armed group Group Islamique Arme (GIA), Mr Belbacha initially sought asylum in Britain, studying and working in Bournemouth.

While visiting Pakistan in 2001, he was kidnapped and sold for a bounty to the US as an alleged terrorist.

He has been tried and convicted in absentia in Algeria to 20 years imprisonment on what his lawyers argue are spurious charges.

On Wednesday US attorney general Eric Holder signed a "mutual legal assistance treaty with Algeria" which Mr Belbacha's supporters fear could clear the way for his being sent back to certain imprisonment and possible torture.

Last night, Amnesty International UK director Kate Allen said: "It is totally understandable that Ahmed Belbacha is concerned that a new US-Algeria deal could mean he's sent to Algeria despite the human rights dangers.

"As with other Guantanamo prisoners, we're insisting that Mr Belbacha shouldn't be exposed to fresh danger by being sent where his human rights may be placed at risk. This is certainly the case with Algeria.

"And there should be no question of the US and Algerian authorities producing 'diplomatic assurances' supposedly guaranteeing safe treatment. These, as we've seen in other cases, simply can't be trusted.

"As someone who has previously lived in the UK, the best solution is that the UK authorities end the deadlock and uncertainty by offering a safe haven to Mr Belbacha."

Legal action charity Reprieve, which represents Mr Belbacha, has submitted an emergency plea urging the US not to repatriate its client.

Reprieve lawyer Tara Murray said: "As attorney general, Mr Holder travels to Algeria. All signs now point towards Ahmed's imminent forced transfer to torture and persecution. We implore the European nations of Ireland, Luxembourg and the UK to stand up and put an end to Ahmed's agony."