January 27, 2010: England's Supreme Court overruled a decision by the Treasury to freeze the assets of  5 suspected Islamic terrorists. The seizure orders were issued by the British Government in 2006, following a UN resolution calling on member states to undertake steps to obstruct the flow of funds to terrorist organizations. The High Court ruled that the Government was not authorized to freeze the bank accounts and assets without having the approval of Parliament and struck down the Treasury regulations as overreaching.  

More than 50 suspected terrorists living in the UK have been placed on the Treasury's list. One of the petitioners, Mohammed al-Ghabra,  is alleged to be an associate of both the July 21 bombers and the trans-Atlantic airlines bombers and was identified by American law enforcement authorities as having supported "al-Qaeda and other violent Jihadist groups, facilitating travel for recruits seeking to meet with al-Qaeda leaders and take part in terrorist training."  Until today's court ruling, the listed terrorists were only allowed to spend £10 a week and were required to apply to the Treasury for permission to spend additional money, even on household items and food. Anyone who provided them funds was liable for criminal prosecution.

It is not certain, however, that the Islamic terror suspects will be enjoying the fruits of their victory any time soon.  The British government has pledged to introduce "fast-track legislation" in Parliament which, once approved, would allow the Treasury to quickly reinstate the orders to freeze the assets.

For a news story about the ruling click here