This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/8250805.stm
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 2 | Version 3 |
---|---|
MI6 in 'torture' probe by police | MI6 in 'torture' probe by police |
(20 minutes later) | |
Police are investigating an incident involving an MI6 officer for possible complicity in torture. | Police are investigating an incident involving an MI6 officer for possible complicity in torture. |
This follows referral of the incident to Attorney General Baroness Scotland by MI6 - the Secret Intelligence Service - on its own initiative. | This follows referral of the incident to Attorney General Baroness Scotland by MI6 - the Secret Intelligence Service - on its own initiative. |
Scotland Yard said it had been asked to investigate "the conditions under which a non-Briton was held" and "potential involvement of British personnel". | Scotland Yard said it had been asked to investigate "the conditions under which a non-Briton was held" and "potential involvement of British personnel". |
Scotland Yard is already probing claims MI5 was complicit in abuse of a man. | Scotland Yard is already probing claims MI5 was complicit in abuse of a man. |
UK resident Binyam Mohamed claims that an officer from MI5 - the Security Service - was complicit in his torture while he was in US custody in Pakistan, Morocco and Afghanistan. | UK resident Binyam Mohamed claims that an officer from MI5 - the Security Service - was complicit in his torture while he was in US custody in Pakistan, Morocco and Afghanistan. |
The new investigation was announced in a letter from Foreign Secretary David Miliband to shadow foreign secretary William Hague. | The new investigation was announced in a letter from Foreign Secretary David Miliband to shadow foreign secretary William Hague. |
Mr Miliband wrote: "It is for the police to investigate. The government cannot comment further both to avoid prejudice and to protect the individuals involved. | Mr Miliband wrote: "It is for the police to investigate. The government cannot comment further both to avoid prejudice and to protect the individuals involved. |
"The scope and handling of any police investigation is a matter for the police themselves." | "The scope and handling of any police investigation is a matter for the police themselves." |
Human rights | Human rights |
But he stressed that the government "wholeheartedly condemns torture". | But he stressed that the government "wholeheartedly condemns torture". |
"We will not condone it. Neither will we ever ask others to do it on our behalf. | "We will not condone it. Neither will we ever ask others to do it on our behalf. |
"This is not mere rhetoric but a principled stance consistent with our unequivocal commitment to human rights." | "This is not mere rhetoric but a principled stance consistent with our unequivocal commitment to human rights." |
He added: "We are fortunate to have the best security and intelligence services and armed forces in the world. | He added: "We are fortunate to have the best security and intelligence services and armed forces in the world. |
We need to know where and when this occurred, and what kind of incident is being investigated Ed DaveyLiberal Democrat spokesman | |
"We are all safer because of the work they do with integrity and bravery." | "We are all safer because of the work they do with integrity and bravery." |
In response to the letter, Mr Hague said: "It is very important that any such allegations are thoroughly investigated. | In response to the letter, Mr Hague said: "It is very important that any such allegations are thoroughly investigated. |
"Torture or complicity in torture is unacceptable, immoral and counter-productive." | "Torture or complicity in torture is unacceptable, immoral and counter-productive." |
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Ed Davey called for a full judicial inquiry into the UK authorities' possible complicity in torture. | |
"Given the gravity and number of allegations of UK complicity in torture, separate limited police investigations alone are inadequate," he said. | |
He also argued that more details of the latest probe that were "vital matters of public interest" could be released without prejudicing the case. | |
"At the very least we need to know where and when this occurred, and what kind of incident is being investigated," Mr Davey said. | |
"We also need to know what has suddenly prompted this apparent outbreak of conscience at MI6. Otherwise, the public may feel information is being kept secret to save political embarrassment." |