UK's Guantanamo ruled illegal

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In summary, the UK's highest court has ruled that detaining foreign terrorist suspects without trial breaks human rights laws. The Home Secretary has said that the men will remain in prison, but most of them are being held indefinitely in Belmarsh prison, south London. The government opted out of part of the European Convention on Human Rights concerning the right to a fair trial in order to bring in anti-terrorism legislation in response to the 11 September attacks in the US.
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the number 42
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4100481.stm Thursday, 16 December, 2004

"Detaining foreign terrorist suspects without trial breaks human rights laws, the UK's highest court has ruled... The Law Lords said the measures were incompatible with European human rights laws, but Home Secretary Charles Clarke said the men would remain in prison... Most of the men are being held indefinitely in Belmarsh prison, south London. ...The government opted out of part of the European Convention on Human Rights concerning the right to a fair trial in order to bring in anti-terrorism legislation in response to the 11 September attacks in the US. ...Lord Nicholls of Birkenhead, in his ruling, said: "Indefinite imprisonment without charge or trial is anathema in any country which observes the rule of law. ...the detention had driven four of the [11?] detainees to "madness", saying two were being held in Broadmoor hospital".
 
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  • #2
The remaining four Britons held (without charge) at Camp Delta are to be released, it is expected to be announced today at noon (GMT). Their release can be taken as testimony to their innocence.
 
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Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said "Once they are back in the UK, the police will consider whether to arrest them under the Terrorism Act 2000 for questioning in connection with possible terrorist activity."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4163641.stm

Note that the five Britons released from Camp Delta last year were not considered a threat by the UK authorities, based on brief police questioning upon their release. If the US and UK are fighting for freedom & justice, surely these cases backfire on us massively.
 
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There is now talk at the Foreign Office of deporting some foreign nationals held at Belmarsh on suspicion of terrorism to their native countries. A lot will depend on Britain's relations with the other country though. Its been on the BBC news a couple of times, but no internet links as yet.
 
  • #5
the number 42 said:
If the US and UK are fighting for freedom & justice, surely these cases backfire on us massively.

Can't they simply have a car accident ?

:devil:
 
  • #6
vanesch said:
Can't they simply have a car accident ?

:devil:

That's a chilling thought. C'mon Vanesch, what happened to 'innocent until proven guilty, and then hit by truck in terrible accident while on way back from court'? Kidding aside, the reason we don't have the death penalty in Britain any more is because mistakes can & have been made. And the evidence against a lot of the people detained is apparently very very flimsy. I can understand the need for revenge for 9/11, but let's get the right guys, not just anyone who wears a turban.
http://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=197cc526ed6961e5cbfeb2febcd6867c
 

1. What is the significance of the ruling that the UK's Guantanamo Bay detention center is illegal?

This ruling marks a major victory for human rights and civil liberties, as it sets a precedent for holding governments accountable for their actions in the war on terror. It also highlights the need for increased transparency and oversight in regards to counterterrorism measures.

2. What led to this ruling?

The ruling was the result of a legal challenge brought forth by former Guantanamo detainee, Shaker Aamer, who was held at the detention center for over 13 years without charge. His lawyers argued that the UK government's involvement in his detention was in violation of his rights and international law.

3. How does this ruling affect current and former Guantanamo detainees?

The ruling has no immediate impact on current and former detainees, as it is not retrospective. However, it does open the door for potential legal action and compensation for those who were held at the detention center with the involvement of the UK government.

4. What does this mean for the future of the Guantanamo Bay detention center?

This ruling adds to the mounting pressure for the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention center. It also raises questions about the legality of the detention center and the actions of the US and its allies in the war on terror.

5. What steps can the UK government take in response to this ruling?

The UK government can appeal the ruling or choose to comply with it. They can also take steps to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future by implementing stricter oversight and accountability measures for their involvement in counterterrorism operations.

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