An attempt by the UK to cover up senior Government minister’s involvement in torture is shameful, says Rights Watch (UK). Today1 the ‘Hooded Men’2 will continue their fight for justice in light of new revelations that the Government deliberately mislead the European Court of Human Rights. This deception set a global precedent for torture that was used to defend US conduct in Guantanamo Bay.
The ‘Hooded Men’ are continuing their 5 decade fight for justice in the High Court in Northern Ireland as they seek a full investigation into allegations that senior government ministers authorised and covered up the use of torture against them. These allegations come as a result of fresh evidence emerging from the National Archives including a written note3 , from the Home Secretary to the Prime Minister which states that a “political decision” was made to use “methods of torture” in Northern Ireland in 1971/1972. The Police and Prosecution services have also failed to pursue this matter.
The Government of the time promised4 that the “five techniques5 ” of torture used against the ‘Hooded Men’ would never be used again. However, the Baha Mousa Public inquiry6 found that these techniques were used in Iraq by the British Army. This raises serious questions as to where else these techniques have been used, and the importance of effective and independent investigation and oversight of UK Government activity.
Yasmine Ahmed, Director of Rights Watch UK, states:
‘Rights Watch (UK) believes that it is imperative that an independent investigation is held into these allegations, to ensure that the legacy of torture in Northern Ireland is finally put to rest. Despite the ‘five techniques’ being outlawed by international authorities, the British Government has used them in Iraq and the US Government has justified their use in Guantanamo Bay. It is entirely unacceptable that the British Government deployed torture techniques on British soil against the 14 men, and that 4 of those men have now died without receiving justice. The revelations that senior Government ministers were complicit in covering up serious human rights abuses demonstrates the need for a full independent investigation into the allegations.’
ENDS
For further information contact info@rightsandsecurity.org
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