Treason suggestion gets short shrift from experts

Times: The peer in charge of reviewing the Government's anti-terror legislation today poured cold water on proposals to use the treason laws against Islamic clerics accused of inciting violence.

Ken Macdonald, QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions, is studying remarks published in the media by three prominent radical clerics, including Omar Bakri Mohammed, to see if a prosecution could be mounted on a charge of treason.

He has held discussions with Lord Goldsmith, QC, the Attorney-General, and further talks are expected this week between the CPS and Scotland Yard.

But Lord Carlile, the barrister and Liberal Democrat peer who reviews the functioning of anti-terror laws, said today that he would be "very surprised" if any treason charges were ever brought.

"I think it's remotely possible, but treason law is very specific," Lord Carlile told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "I suspect that there are far more appropriate crimes already on the statute book that might be used." Read more