A solicitor who represented three of the convicted would-be 21/7 suicide bombers has denied accusations made in open court that she attempted to bribe another defendant.


Another trial lawyer alleged that Muddassar Arani of Arani Solicitors had sent £650 in cash gifts to his client, Manfo Kwaku Asiedu.



Ms Arani told the Gazette: 'I strongly deny any wrongdoing... unfortunately I am not able to comment about specific allegations. However, it is a fact that Muslim prisoners don't have sufficient food to sustain themselves while in prison [without] purchasing food from the canteen.'



She claims prison food provision is lacking, particularly during fasting periods, and that prisoners without friends or family do not have funds to supplement their diet. A Prison Service spokeswoman said special arrangements are in place during festivals and that guidelines state prisoners' diets must comply with religious requirements.



The trial judge, Mr Justice Fulford, also criticised Ms Arani for making 'wholly unjustified complaints' about pre-trial prison visits and said two of her clients deliberately withheld proper defence statements, so lengthening the trial.



Ms Arani said she had acted in accordance with her professional duty, adding that legal professional privilege prevented her from responding to the judge's criticism regarding defence statements.



She did, however, point out: 'HMP Belmarsh was the subject of adverse comments by HM Inspectorate of Prisons on some of the grounds which were the subject of my complaints.'



A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman confirmed Ms Arani could yet face a police investigation. 'We are aware of the allegations made during the 21/7 trial but are not prepared to discuss further,' she said.



Four men were convicted for the 21/7 bomb plot and jailed for life. Two others, Adel Yahya and Mr Asiedu, face a retrial after the first jury failed to reach a verdict.



Anita Rice