UK has spent over five million pounds sustaining clerics of hate
8 Jul 2008, 1923 Hrs

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London, July 8 (ANI): Preachers of hate such as hook-handed Abu Hamza have cost the British Government over five million pounds in legal aid and court costs.

Hamza, now facing deportation to the U.S., tops the list at 2.75-million pounds, reports The Sun, quoting the Taxpayers Alliance.

Abu Hamza's four years in jail on a seven-year incitement to murder rap have cost 150,000 pounds. He has also received 100,000 pounds in National Health Service (NHS) treatment on his arms and his family has received 500,000 pounds in benefits. His appearances in court have cost the exchequer 1.4 million pounds.

Al-Qaeda Europe envoy Abu Qatada is next on the list at 1.4 million pounds. The Government is to appeal against a decision banning his deportation. Omar Bakri, who fled the UK to Lebanon, has received 300,000 pounds in handouts.

Alliance director Mark Wallace said: "We spend millions when we should be deporting them." (ANI)