Martha Stewart denied entry to the UK while terrorists can stay [Updated]

Martha Stewart was denied a visa to enter the UK, due to her criminal record. But since her record is only obstruction of justice, I don't think she would be much of a danger to the British public. But anyway, it's their country so they can set the rules.

But it might be helpful if they would clarify just what bizarre rule set they are following. While they keep Stewart out, they allow convicted rapists like Mike Tyson or convicted terrorists like Abu Qatada into the country with open arms (they won't even deport Qatada after his release from jail).

Either someone at the Home Office is so paralyzed from fears of accusation of racism that they can't even do their job anymore, or they are just doing their job at random. Either way, the UK's entry system is a mess.

At least they had the good sense to keep out Omar Bin Laden (the son of Osama Bin Laden). However, he and his wife are appealing the ruling, threatening to take their case to the European Court of Human Rights. See previously here.

UPDATE 23/06/2008 12:25:00 AM:
The Daily Mail has just reported that Al-Qaida member Abu Qatada will now receive £150 ($295 US) a week in benefits from UK taxpayers for his bad back. And that's not all - his wife already gets £45,000 ($88,548 US) a year in public welfare. One might be skeptical as to whether they really even need the money; they live in an £800,000 ($1,574,582) house!