UK to face human rights criticism

[Talon]

UK to face human rights criticism

Europe's human rights watchdog is expected to criticise the way in which the UK treats terror suspects.

European Human Rights Commissioner Alvaro Gil Robles is expected to say control orders violate basic rights - a claim that is denied by the government.

The measure effectively places a person under house arrest if the home secretary believes it is necessary.

Lib Dem Mark Oaten called on the government to consider alternatives to control orders as a matter of urgency.

Control orders were brought in after law lords ruled that the previous system of indefinite detention for suspects breached human rights laws.

If the home secretary suspects someone of supporting terrorism, they can be forced to stay at home under curfew.

Other restrictions can include electronic tagging of suspects and bans on telephone or internet use.

The courts do have a role in authorising control orders, but the grounds for a judge refusing an order are restricted.

As part of a wide critique of the government's position and rhetoric on areas like anti-social behaviour and asylum, Mr Robles is expected to say that control orders do violate basic human rights.

'Rushed legislation'

The government is likely to argue that the measures it has introduced are a necessary response to the problems that Britain faces.

The treatment of asylum seekers is also likely to come in for criticism.

Mr Oaten, the Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesman, said he believed Mr Robles' report would spell "the beginning of the end" for control orders.

He said the orders were put in place after the government "panicked" following the law lords judgement and introduced "rushed legislation" at the beginning of the year.

"At the time many of us argued that this was not satisfactory, that there would still be human rights concerns over the regime of control orders," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Phone tap evidence

Unless the government comes up with alternatives in its new anti-terrorism legislation, announced in last month's Queen's Speech, it could face legal challenges to the orders over the next six months, he said.

"We are happy, as an opposition party, to look at alternatives to control orders - for example, acts preparatory for terrorism as a new criminal offence," said Mr Oaten.

"Also, looking at ways in which we can allow intercept communication to achieve proper prosecutions in the normal way."

Mr Oaten added: "I certainly think the home secretary needs to look very carefully at this report.

"What I don't want to see happen is the government resisting this and to start denying it."

Parliamentary ping pong

The Prevention of Terrorism Act, which introduced the control orders, was only approved by peers after a marathon debate on the powers earlier this year.

The political stalemate over the Act only ended when the prime minister promised to let MPs review the law in one year.

Under the new law, the interim orders, which are thought to be similar to the bail conditions already imposed on the suspects, will have to be referred to a judge for confirmation within seven days.

A new draft anti-terrorism bill was introduced in the Queen's Speech giving MPs and peers time to consider its merits before it became law in the spring of 2006.

Ten people are currently held under control orders.

Story from BBC NEWS:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/uk_p...ics/4071968.stm

Get stuffed, national security.

[__Kratos__]

Don't feel bad... America is getting a lot of fire on human rights. Sure, we had those idiots in that one jail and a couple other problems but wow these groups go after rumors and claim they are true! Makes me pretty mad.

[BurnSide]

Even Canada is getting backhanded by these bloody Amnesty bleeding hearts. How the hell should terrorists and criminals be treated?? Should we give them money? Stick them on TV and congratulate them for their crimes?????

[Talon]

Should we give them money? Stick them on TV and congratulate them for their crimes?????

Thats what they did to the Lockerby bomber, his prision room cost £1/4 million

[girty1600]

Even Canada is getting backhanded by these bloody Amnesty bleeding hearts. How the hell should terrorists and criminals be treated?? Should we give them money? Stick them on TV and congratulate them for their crimes?????

663177[/snapback]

Unfortunately, that seems to be the consensus for the vocal minority. It amazes me the extent people will go to protect the rights of known criminals.

So we can't put then in jail, track them, tap their phones until when? How many crimes does a person need to commit in order for their human rights to take a back seat to the rights of the common person to live, work and raise a family in relative safety?

[twpdyp]

Amen brothers and sisters, I am in complete agreement with all of the posts thus far on this thread. Get stuffed indeed, in America the phrase is "Get ****ed"

(note to moderators sorry but if it is bad please forgive me and edit accordingly)

In any language wanting security and then complaining about how that security is provided is to quote Jack Nicklson

Jack Nicholson (Col. Jessup): Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Whose gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinburg? I have more responsibility here than you could possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago, and you curse the marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. That Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And that my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. I know deep down in places you dont talk about at parties, you don't want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then question the manner in which I provide it. I prefer you said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand to post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to!

I love that quote.