The man suspected of being Osama Bin Laden’s bodyguard has been banned from Germany for up to 10 years after a court ruled that the decision to boot him from the country for a decade was lawful.
The man, known as Sami A., has been involved in a lengthy legal battle with the German state after it ruled that he could be deported to his native Tunisia after he was suspected of being the Al-Qaeda boss’ bodyguard when he received weapons training in Afghanistan.
His lawyers attempted to stop his deportation by claiming that he had a family in Germany, where he lived since 1997 and would face torture if he returned to his homeland.
However, German authorities were finally able to kick him out in 2018 after receiving assurances from the Tunisian authorities that he would not face torture.
In his latest appeal, Sami argued that he should be allowed into Germany in order to see his children with his lawyer Monika Ishar arguing that “there is no evidence that he is really dangerous” and that the decision to boot him was based “only on assumptions”.
His lawyer added: “He keeps in touch with his children. Most recently, he spoke with them two weeks ago via Skype. However, the calls are monitored.”
However, Higher Administrative Court of North Rhine-Westphalia court officials have now ruled that the ban should be upheld and he will remain banned from the country for up to 10 years.
Wolfgang Thewes, chairman of the administrative court, told local media: “Sami A. continues to be seen as a threat. Therefore, the protection of the German population weighs heavier than the right to deal with his children. ”
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Story By: Conor Sheils, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
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