Thaindian News

London, June 13 (IANS) At least 100 prisoners — including 10 Islamists and two Al Qaeda-linked terrorists — would be released by British authorities by 2012, sparking fears that they might threaten the upcoming London Olympics.

Most of the jailed criminals were convicted for their involvement in bomb plots and conspiracy to murder, The Sun reported.

Security experts have warned that terrorism remains the greatest threat to the London games expected to attract over 500,000 spectators.

There were fears of chemical and biological attacks, and public transport may be the most likely target.

Jonathan Evans, chief of British intelligence agency MI5, said: “We know some of them are still committed extremists likely to return to their terrorist activities.”

Harry Fletcher, of probation officers’ union NAPO said: “Many are still seen as a high risk. Budget cuts mean fewer trained staff are available for supervision.”

The 10 Islamists include Qaisar Shaffi, henchman of Al Qaeda commander Dhiren Barot. Shaffi, 32, was jailed in 2007 for conspiracy to murder.

Fellow Al Qaeda recruit Omar Abdur Rehman, 27, admitted a conspiracy to cause explosions. He researched on how to disable crucial security systems.

Both of them were sentenced to 15 years but will now be released because of parole and time on remand.

Kazi Nurur Rahman, 32, jailed for nine years in 2006, has been freed. He was caught by MI5 when he tried to buy missiles to blow up a passenger aircraft.

Shoe bomber Saajid Badat - trained in Al Qaeda camps - plotted to blow up a jet but lost his nerve.

Muslim-convert Kibley da Costa, 29, was jailed in 2007 for helping run terror training camps in the New Forest and Berkshire.

Zahoor Iqbal, 33, was involved in shipping military and electronics kits to Al Qaeda.