Afghan asylum cases dismissed

Hostages spent days on the runway at Stansted

Five Afghan asylum seekers who arrived in the UK on board a hijacked plane have had their appeals against being sent home rejected.

In total, 16 asylum seekers have lost their appeals against Home Secretary Jack Straw's decision to return them to Afghanistan.

They are expected to make a further appeal to the Immigration's Appeals Tribunal.

Fifteen cases have yet to be heard.

A solicitor representing five of the Afghans says that all 31 asylum seekers from the hijacked jet could escape being returned home on a point of law to be introduced later this year.

Solicitor David Enright said article three of the European Convention on Human Rights says that no-one seeking asylum in the UK can be removed against their will.

But a Home Office spokesman said the European Convention would not prevent the Afghans from being sent home.

Judge Dunn, sitting at the Immigration Appeals Centre in London, said the five claims did not show a "well-founded fear of persecution".

The hijacked plane carrying 164 passengers and crew arrived at Stansted Airport in February.

After five days the hostages were released.