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9/11 accused wins pay-out ruling 9/11 accused wins pay-out ruling
(10 minutes later)
A pilot wrongly accused over the 9/11 attacks in the US has won his legal battle for compensation.A pilot wrongly accused over the 9/11 attacks in the US has won his legal battle for compensation.
Lotfi Raissi, an Algerian-born British resident, was arrested in the UK shortly after the attacks amid claims that he was a key member of the plot.Lotfi Raissi, an Algerian-born British resident, was arrested in the UK shortly after the attacks amid claims that he was a key member of the plot.
He was held in custody for nearly five months before being released when a judge found there was no evidence to link him to any form of terrorism.He was held in custody for nearly five months before being released when a judge found there was no evidence to link him to any form of terrorism.
The Ministry of Justice has said Mr Raissi was "eligible" for compensation.The Ministry of Justice has said Mr Raissi was "eligible" for compensation.
It is believed that the claim could run into thousands of pounds.It is believed that the claim could run into thousands of pounds.
Two years ago the Court of Appeal said Mr Raissi was the victim of the "heightened emotional atmosphere" at the end of 2001 and ordered ministers to consider compensating him.
LOTFI RAISSI CASE 1997: Qualifies as commercial pilot in the USAttends flight school in UK to further his career21 Sept 2001: Lotfi Raissi arrested at London home28 Sept 2001: Released then rearrested on extradition request12 Feb 2002: Released from prison24 April 2002: Judge quashes extradition requestJune 2004: Applies for compensation14 Feb 2008: Court of Appeal orders ministers to consider compensation26 March 2010: Court of Appeal tells the government it has 28 days to decide whether to compensate
Last month the court said that Justice Secretary Jack Straw had 28 days to decide once and for all whether the government would compensate the pilot.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said it had written to Mr Raissi "and after careful consideration of all the relevant material available" had decided to let him know he could apply for compensation.
"The Independent Assessor, Lord Brennan QC, will now be asked to consider the amount to be paid to Mr Raissi. Ministers play no part in determining the amount," the spokesman said.
Mr Raissi was arrested at his home near Heathrow Airport 10 days after the attacks on the US.
He was released a week later - but then arrested again after the US issued an extradition request.
He spent four-and-a-half months in London's Belmarsh Prison, one of the maximum security jails used to hold terrorism suspects.
Mr Raissi won his case in April 2002 when a judge said there was no evidence against him.
But Mr Raissi said he has not been able to get a job with any airline since his arrest. He has previously said he wanted an apology from the government.