Human rights groups unite for torture appeal

Law Lords to decide whether evidence obtained by torture is admissible

News, 27 April 2005

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Human rights organisations have banded together to argue before the House of Lords that evidence obtained by torture by non-UK agents is inadmissible in British courts.

In an appeal brought by 10 foreign nationals interned without charge or trial under the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, the House has agreed to hear the submissions of 14 organisations who believe that under no circumstances must torture evidence ever be heard in court.

Last August the Court of Appeal in England supported the Home Office’s submission that torture evidence is admissible if procured without the connivance of UK agents – no matter what physical or mental abuses have taken place to obtain it. Human rights organisations believes this sets a dangerous precedent which contravenes the UK's international obligations.

Organisations taking part in the appeal include Amnesty International, Doctors for Human Rights, The International Federation of Human Rights and REDRESS, the Committee on the Administration of Justice and the Law Society of England and Wales. The Law Lords will hear argument between 17 and 20 October 2005.

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