Abdel Hakim Belhaj, a Libyan revolutionary commander turned politician, made his offering challenging British government claims that a new secret courts had to be introduced to prevent large payouts, after a £2.2 million was paid to another dissident.
Belhaj is demanding a pound each from the British government, former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and Sir Mark Allen, former head of counter-terrorism at MI6.
In a letter published in the Independent, Belhaj says,
"Various media reports I have seen suggest that our motive for bringing this case is to enrich ourselves. I wish to lay this misconception to rest."
"But we have come to court in Britain because we believe your courts can deliver justice. We are primarily bringing this claim to secure a public judgment, recognising the wrongs we have suffered.
"I have seen press reports of ministers seeking to justify secret trials on the basis that the government has to pay large settlements to protect national security. You can now settle this case at little cost to the UK taxpayer. There will be no harm to the security of the British people for the government and Messrs Straw and Allen to accept their responsibility, and apologise to me and my wife."
"To Messrs Allen and Straw: We are not seeking an apology from you out of vindictiveness. As you know, we have neither named nor pursued the other more junior officers and individuals named in the same documents that identified Sir Mark Allen. This is because I believe responsibility for my wife's and my suffering must ultimately lie with those in command."
"Our position remains the same as we expressed to the British government over a year ago: we are ready to move forward, but we cannot do so until we see that justice is done. "
Reprieve legal director Cori Crider said,
"What our clients want from the government is an admission, an apology and an explanation of how this was allowed to happen"
"Fatima Boudchar and Abdul-Hakim Belhaj are asking for justice - and the token 'payment' will cost the PM the price of his latte."
"The next time the government repeats its mantra that secret courts will save the public purse, remember: this family was willing to walk away for £3."
