Saudi tries to stop cash freeze

A prominent Saudi Arabian businessman is seeking High Court permission today to challenge a government order freezing his UK assets after allegations that he was linked to al Qaeda.

Yassin Kadi was named in a list of individuals with suspected terrorist connections by the US and British governments on 12 October. In a statement issued through solicitors Peter Carter-Ruck, Mr Kadi said he had never supported, financially or otherwise, any terrorist activities, terrorist group or individual.

As a result of Mr Kadi's "wrongful and unlawful" inclusion on the list, he had suffered serious personal and professional prejudice and damage. The Treasury had failed to provide any evidence to support his inclusion on the list and had acted "on the dictation of the US Treasury", his solicitors said.

Mr Kadi's interests include banking and diamonds and the charity Blessed Relief. His permanent home is in Jeddah. His solicitors' statement added: "Basic principles of fairness require that Mr Kadi be given some information to enable him to know the case against him."