Raissi: Time innocence is recognised

LONDON, England -- Outside court Lotfi Raissi's solicitor, Richard Egan, flanked by the Algerian pilot and his wife, Sonia, read a statement on behalf of Raissi. (Full story)

"As the district judge said, there is no evidence that has been produced in this case to substantiate any involvement in terrorism.

"There was talk at one stage of terrorist charges but none have been brought and none could be brought.

"So these proceedings have been brought from start to finish from trivial allegations of non-disclosure which in turn have not been substantiated.

"The district judge has shown there was no evidence of any criminal activity.

"Mr Raissi has been held for five months on the basis of wholly unsubstantiated allegations before being released on bail. Not only that but he and his family have had to endure the finger of suspicion being pointed at them. At the very least one would hope for an apology.

"It was clear to us from an early stage that he was an innocent person. After exhaustive inquiries by the FBI and our own police nothing has been substantiated. Bearing in mind the length of time this case has already gone on it is absurd to suggest there is still an ongoing investigation into Mr Raissi.

"It is time the whole sorry farce came to an end. It is time his absolute innocence was recognised."