Jailed terrorist fanatics 'should be treated as prisoners of war'

Mudassar Arani, whose firm has been paid more than £1million in legal aid to represent extremists, said her clients feel it is unfair they must undergo frequent searches and curbs on meeting other imprisoned radicals.

Miss Arani, who said she was speaking on behalf of convicted Al Qaeda mastermind Dhiren Barot, said: "Why should he suffer?

"Isn't it bad enough to have to serve your sentence? Why does he have to be placed in segregation?"

Miss Arani - who also acted for July 21 leader Muktar Ibrahim and hate cleric Abu Hamza - added: "He asked me to mention prisoner of war status.

"It's something to think about. I was requested to air this in public of behalf of the clients."

She hopes to win them privileges like those once given to IRA inmates, letting them negotiate searches with prison staff, wear their own clothes and mingle freely with prison associates.

Tory MP Patrick Mercer, a security expert, said of the call for prisoner of war status: "Absolutely not. These men are criminals, and should be treated as lifers. They are there to try to atone for their hideous crimes.

"They are not soldiers, they are not warriors. They have simply broken the law."

Barot, rated among the world's most dangerous terrorists, was convicted of planning attacks in the U.S. and Britain - including one on a Tube under the Thames - with dirty bombs and gas-filled limousines.

He was moved to a Durham jail after bosses at Belmarsh in London feared he was radicalising Muslims there.

The Government already provides generous treatment to convicted terror suspects held in jail.

Extremists who are awaiting deportation are given billiards and pool sessions and computer and painting classes.