Bomber's widow in 7/7 inquiry call

12 April 2012

The widow of London bombing ringleader Mohammed Sidique Khan has backed calls for an independent public inquiry into the "dreadful events" of July 7.

Hasina Patel, 29, was released without charge on Tuesday night by police investigating the July 7 attacks.

She was one of three people arrested in connection with the 2005 bombings in the capital who were freed by the Metropolitan Police.

A fourth remains in custody.

Speaking on behalf of Ms Patel and the Patel family in Dale Street, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, solicitor Suresh Grover said Ms Patel was using this opportunity to support calls for an independent public inquiry.

Mr Grover said: "Police still need to explain the reason and timing of our arrest. Why were we arrested after two years? Why did they take such a drastic step when we have always co-operated with them?

"Our family has a good and strong reputation in this area. Our mother Farida Patel has worked hard in the community and her work has been recognised through many community awards. Yet our lives have been made unbearable by police action. We are victims too.

"Despite the ordeal, we have always expressed our sympathy for the victims of the London bombings and today we take this opportunity to support their demand for an independent public inquiry into those dreadful events."

Mr Grover was pressed on whether Ms Patel condemned her husband's involvement in the 2005 bombings. He said: "I think she's very clear that her husband was involved and anybody involved in those events should be condemned."

Asked whether she specifically condemned Khan, he said: "I can't be as clear as that. I can't speak on behalf of Hasina Patel. She has asked me to make a statement. She has sympathy with the victims and she condemns those people who carried out those dreadful bombings."

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