| An Algerian who has been held without trial or charges since 2001 under anti-terrorism laws was freed by the British government Monday, his lawyer said. The prisoner, identified only as "D," was among eight people rounded up on Dec. 17, 2001, under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act passed within weeks of the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States. Home Secretary David Blunkett announced Monday that "D" would be freed, and a short time later the man's lawyer, Natalia Garcia, said his client was released. As a matter of policy, the Home Office declines to give the exact time or location of such releases. Seventeen people were eventually arrested under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act and held without charge, and 11 remain in custody with the release of "D," the Home Office said. "D" appealed his imprisonment in October when the Special Immigration Appeals Commission backed Blunkett's decision to lock him up. The commission described the prisoner as a "practiced and accomplished liar." On Monday, Blunkett said that "the weight of evidence in relation to 'D' at the current time does not justify the continuance of the certificate" authorizing the detention. |