Five men arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near a British airbase used by American forces are back out on the streets.
Yes, it appears that suspected terrorism now comes with a “see you later” type of “punishment” – just like what happens in the American injustice system.
British counterterrorism police arrested the five men, ages 23 to 25, early Sunday near RAF Fairford after receiving reports of three suspicious vehicles traveling toward the base. They were initially detained on suspicion of explosives offenses and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
RAF Fairford isn’t exactly some sleepy little landing strip. The strategically important base hosts U.S. forces and has been used by American bombers involved in strikes against Iran.
Yet by Monday afternoon, all five suspects had been released on police bail. Because why not? I’m SURE they won’t be out there doing anything destructive. After all, they remain under investigation and according to British authorities are subject to “stringent conditions” restricting their movements and contact with others.
Police are also examining whether the incident could involve people acting knowingly or unknowingly on behalf of a foreign state. Meanwhile, Newsmax reports [1] that Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the “hands of a foreign actor” were involved, although British authorities have not publicly reached that conclusion. Iran has denied involvement.
So, to recap: terrorism investigation, explosives suspicions, strategically important military base, possible foreign-state connection – and bail.
What could possibly go wrong?