Maksim Cela, 59, a convicted murderer and terrorist, is free in Britain while fighting deportation, citing gang threats in Albania.
His name is Maksim Cela, and he’s 59. He argued sending him back would violate his rights. He fears rival gangs in Albania might harm him.
This has cost British taxpayers a lot of money. Cela tried to stay in the UK on asylum and human rights grounds. He arrived from Spain.
He was detained after leaving prison in Albania. He served time for murder and terrorism there. He got bail while they decide if they’ll deport him. This means he is currently free in Britain.
Initially, a judge rejected his asylum claim. But a new claim was accepted. He argued rival gangs threatened him in Albania. He based it on human rights articles about right to life. Also, no torture or degrading treatment is permitted.
The Home Secretary appealed. Accepting his claim was ruled an “error of law.” A hearing will decide if Cela stays in the UK. It began on March 31.
Even if he loses, he can appeal again. More appeals let him stay in Britain. A former Home Office Minister called the case “lunacy.” He thinks judges should remove Cela.
The Home Office says they are challenging Cela’s appeal. The government wants to remove foreign criminals. They don’t think they should be free in Britain. They removed 2,925 criminals since the election. They claim this is a 21% increase.