Seven international terror suspects are being held in Manchester.
They include men thought to be among Al-Qaeda’s most dangerous operatives.
The men, who were moved to Strangeways this month, are being kept in a dedicated unit the high-security wing. A number face extradition to countries around the globe in connection with terror offences.
The group includes alleged associates of Osama Bin Laden – including a man described by intelligence experts as one of his senior lieutenants.
Others have allegedly been involved in plotting high-profile Al-Qaeda ‘spectaculars’ in America and Africa.
Richard Vince, governor of HMP Manchester, said the group would be treated ‘with the same level of humanity and decency as any other prisoner who has not been convicted’.
He stressed there was no cause for public alarm, adding: “We are a high-security prison and have an excellent security record.
“We manage high-risk prisoners on a daily basis and have all the capacity to manage these prisoners safely and securely in the same way as our other Category A prisoners.
“We are working very closely with Greater Manchester Police and law enforcement agencies to make sure any potential impact on communities is minimised and managed.”
A spokesman for HMP Manchester – a designated centre for holding terrorist prisoners – confirmed a dedicated unit had been set up to hold the men.
Deportation
All are facing deportation on national security grounds, or extradition to face allegations of terrorism or terror-related activity in other countries.
HMP Manchester, just north of the city centre, is the north of England remand centre for Category A prisoners – those whose escape would be deemed highly dangerous to the public, police or national security.
The 1,269-capacity prison, also takes prisoners from Greater Manchester’s courts.
A prison spokesman confirmed the men were being held ‘in high-security conditions, in response to the assessed level of threat they pose to the public’.
He added: “The prison is working with partner agencies, including the UK Borders Agency and the Home Office, to hold them securely and to assist the progression of their cases.
“These transfers have taken place to enable the Prison Service to best manage its high security estate.
“On the unit the detainees will have access to a regime that is in line with their Category A status and local Category A policy and procedures.”
