Maksim Cela, a notorious gangster who was convicted of murdering a policeman and involved in terrorism, is reportedly walking free on the streets of Britain, despite his history of violence and criminal activities.
Cela, 59, was sentenced to a 25-year life term for murder and terrorism in Albania.
However, after serving just half of his sentence, he made his way to the UK.
Authorities say he used a fake passport to fly in from Spain, but he was detained shortly after arriving.
Legal Maneuvering Keeps Cela in the UK
Once in the UK, Cela launched a legal battle to avoid deportation, claiming that returning to Albania would put his life at risk.
He argued that he would be targeted by rival gangsters in his home country, and that sending him back would violate his human rights.
This claim was controversially accepted by a judge, citing the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees the right to life and prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment.
Despite a refusal of his asylum claim, Cela managed to stay in the country.
The Taxpayer’s Expense and Growing Public Concern
The case has sparked outrage, particularly due to the high cost to UK taxpayers, as Cela has spent tens of thousands of pounds fighting his deportation.
He is currently out on bail while awaiting a decision on his deportation, which has alarmed many.
The situation has led to increased concerns about the effectiveness of the UK’s immigration system and the ability to deal with dangerous criminals seeking asylum to avoid being sent home.
As it stands, Cela is free to roam British streets while he fights his case.
Upcoming Hearing Could Determine His Fate
Cela’s fate will be decided during a hearing in the Upper Tier Tribunal at the end of the month.
If he loses the hearing, he could still appeal the decision, potentially keeping him in the UK for an extended period.
This legal process, already expensive and prolonged, continues to keep Cela in the country despite his criminal history.
Outrage Over the Decision to Grant Bail
The decision to grant Cela bail has caused further outrage. Tory ex-Home Office Minister Kevin Foster expressed his anger, calling it a “scandal” that any judge could prioritize Cela’s so-called ‘rights’ over the safety of the British public.
Foster described it as “human rights lunacy,” stating that the public’s right to be safe from dangerous criminals like Cela should come first.
This ongoing legal battle highlights the complexities and frustrations surrounding the UK’s asylum and deportation processes, especially when dealing with violent individuals with a criminal past.
While Cela remains free for now, the case continues to raise questions about how the UK handles criminals who seek refuge under the guise of human rights protections.