Groups ‘to shun torture inquiry’

4 August 2011 Last updated at 01:00 ET

Sir Peter Gibson will chair the planned inquiry which was initially welcomed by campaigners

Campaigners and lawyers have said they will not take part in an inquiry into the alleged torture and mistreatment of British terror suspects.

Sir Peter Gibson’s detainee rendition inquiry is due to start at the end of an ongoing police investigation.

But the campaigners said the process lacked credibility and transparency, and too much would remain secret.

The Cabinet Office said the government had every confidence the inquiry would take a robust look at the issues.

Terms of reference

The Detainee Inquiry was widely welcomed by campaigners when it was announced by Prime Minister David Cameron in July 2010.

But the inquiry’s terms and protocols were criticised by campaign groups such as Reprieve and Liberty, and lawyers representing those claiming to have been victims, when the details were revealed last month.

They have confirmed they will not take part or submit any evidence when the inquiry eventually begins.

Campaigners said they were disappointed that the final decision over what material would be made public will not be made independent of government.

They also argued that there will be no meaningful participation by former and current detainees and other interested third parties, with no opportunity to question evidence from intelligence officials.

‘Essential ingredients’

Solicitors representing former Guantanamo detainees Imran Khan and Tayab Ali have sent a letter to the inquiry.

It said: “We consider it impossible to advise those whom we represent that the structure and protocols now confirmed for the Gibson inquiry can achieve what are essential ingredients for a public inquiry into grave state crimes.

“What is proposed is a ‘Detainee Inquiry’ in which there will be no constructive participation by the detainees.

“The detainees will not be able to ask questions or see or hear the key evidence which is to be considered only in secret session.

“They will not even know if the individuals being questioned are the right ones.”

‘Improper treatment’

A spokesman for the inquiry said it regretted the decision and hoped the groups and solicitors would reconsider, but emphasised the process will still go ahead.

The inquiry cannot begin until a police investigation into two allegations of wrongdoing by the intelligence agencies has concluded.

Sir Peter will examine whether UK authorities were involved in or aware of “improper treatment, or rendition, of detainees held by other countries in counter terrorism operations overseas” following 9/11.

The inquiry’s main focus will be cases of British citizens and residents who were held in US custody at Guantanamo Bay.

Successive Labour governments denied officials had known about alleged abuses in detention at Guantanamo and in Pakistan.

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