HOWZAT

Earlier in court he had spoken through a translator to confirm his name, date of birth and address as Dollis Hill, before glancing to the gallery where his family and supporters sat.

The court heard claims that Mr el-Banna, who had been granted refugee asylum in Britain before his arrest in 2002, had helped recruit people into terrorist training camps in Afghanistan and Indonesia in order to ultimately fight jihad and holy war.

Mr el-Banna’s lengthy extradition hearing is to begin on January 9 and if convicted he faces 15 years in a Spanish jail.

Mr el-Banna, Mr Deghayes and Mr Sameur, are residents of Britain, but not citizens.

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What has motivated Spain to act now is a mystery, America has had Mr el-Banna in custody for five years and laid no charges

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However Mr el-Banna’s five children, including his oldest son who repeatedly wrote to Tony Blair asking the former Prime Minister to intervene for his father’s release, are all British citizens.

As Mr el-Banna left court about 4pm, Mr Deghayes appeared in relation to his charges. His mother Zohra Zewaw, and sister Amani Deghayes had been at the court all day.

The families, who have not seen the detainees since they were sent to Guantanamo Bay, are said to be angry at their treatment by the authorities, claiming they were not warned of the arrests, which coincided with the Eid al-Adha.

Lawyers for the three men, who were allegedly tortured during their time at Guantanamo Bay where they were held without charge, said they would fight any attempt to extradite them.

All three had agreed to voluntary security arrangements – thought to include monitoring by and regular contact with security agencies - requested by the Government.

A number of other former Guantanamo detainees have been subjected to control orders including the wearing of electronic tags, observing curfews and having restricted access to mobile phones and the internet.

Speaking later outside court, Redgrave described Guantanamo Bay as a “concentration camp”.

“I am very happy I am able to be of some small assistance for Jamil and his wife. It is a profound honour and I am glad to be alive to be able to do this,” the 70-year-old actress said.

“Guantanamo Bay is a concentration camp. It is a disgrace that these men have been kept there all these years and today Jamil will be back home and justice has been done.”

She added: “He is an incredibly strong man, he is a hero but he should not have to be a hero. Justice is being done and being seen to be done and that is the most important thing in the world for democracy and for us.”

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