Reprieve slams new 'disappearance'

Former Guantanamo detainee Abdul Aziz Naji disappeared after being forcibly returned to Algeria by the US earlier this month, in a case which echoes that of former British resident Ahmed Belbacha.

Since his forced return, no-one has heard from Mr Naji and the Algerian government has given mixed messages about what may have happened to him.

Reprieve is currently fighting to prevent the forced repatriation of Mr Belbacha and has lodged an emergency injunction to stay any such move.

But the charity fears that this latest incident shows the determination of the US to send people back to a legal "black hole."

Reprieve attorney Tara Murray told the Star: "In terms of Mr Naji the US has proven its intent to forcibly repatriate people to Algeria despite the serious concerns of human rights groups who have lobbied the government against doing this.

"We just don't know what's happened to Mr Naji. No-one has heard from him.

"The Algerian government has consistently prohibited access to or information regarding Mr Naji."

The case has potentially massive implications for Mr Belbacha, who has already been sentenced in absentia to 20 years in jail in Algeria on ambiguous charges.

Ms Murray said: "This was a completely illegal sentence and Mr Belbacha had no legal representation.

"We have been trying for months now to get information about the charges and the trial but have been unable to do so.

"If the US sends Mr Belbacha back it will be sending him to a black hole."

Reprieve is appealing to the British government to exert pressure on the US administration on Mr Belbacha's behalf.